Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB782

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/8/23
• Refer: 12/8/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Requiring public schools and private schools participating in a parental choice program to employ a full-time librarian and a school district revenue limit adjustment for the cost of employing full-time librarians. (FE)

Impact

The bill introduces a revenue limit adjustment for school districts, allowing them to increase their budget by the amount spent on full-time librarians. This provision is intended to relieve some of the financial burdens on school districts while complying with the staffing requirement. By adjusting the revenue limit based on prior expenditures for librarians, districts can align their budgets more closely with operational necessities while ensuring compliance with the new hiring mandates.

Summary

Assembly Bill 782 seeks to improve library service in Wisconsin schools by mandating that public schools, independent charter schools, and private schools participating in parental choice programs employ a full-time librarian. The bill specifies that each school board must ensure the presence of a licensed instructional library media specialist at each school, thereby enhancing the educational resources available to students. This is expected to bolster instruction and create a more resource-rich environment for learning.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding funding implications and the feasibility of hiring qualified librarians in every school, especially in districts with limited budgets. Some legislators may express concerns about the fiscal impact on districts already operating under tight constraints. Additionally, debates may center on whether the bill's requirements are necessary or if existing library services already meet student needs without the need for full-time staff.