Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB502

Introduced
10/16/23  
Refer
10/16/23  

Caption

Payments for pupils who withdraw from a parental choice program, the Special Needs Scholarship Program, or an independent charter school. (FE)

Impact

The proposed legislation could significantly impact state education laws by standardizing the process and financial responsibilities associated with student withdrawals from private schools. By requiring the DPI to facilitate the transfer of funds, the bill aims to stabilize funding for public schools and avoid disruptions in budget planning for school districts. This could ultimately promote a more fluid transition for students switching from private to public education, alleviating the financial burden that could arise from sudden changes in enrollment numbers.

Summary

Senate Bill 502 aims to address the financial implications for students transitioning between private and public education systems in Wisconsin. Specifically, the bill mandates that if a pupil withdraws from a private school participating in the parental choice program or the Special Needs Scholarship Program, and subsequently enrolls in a public school, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is responsible for transferring any remaining scholarship funds from the private institution to the school district where the pupil enrolls. This policy is intended to ensure continuity in funding as students move between educational environments, thus reducing potential financial losses for public schools anticipating an increase in enrollment from students leaving private institutions.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, SB502 may face points of contention among various stakeholders. Supporters argue that the bill reinforces the principle of 'following the child' in educational funding, allowing for more equitable distribution of resources to meet students' needs in the public school system. Conversely, opponents may express concerns that the bill could perpetuate inequalities between public and private institutions. There is apprehension that this could result in an outflow of funding from private schools, potentially threatening their viability and making it more challenging for families to afford private education. Critics may also question whether the bill adequately addresses the diverse needs of all students involved in these transitions.

Additional_points

Overall, SB502 represents a significant shift in how education funding operates in Wisconsin, potentially establishing a new framework for handling the movement of students between different types of educational institutions. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it will be crucial for lawmakers to consider the implications for both public and private education systems and to ensure that any measures taken support all students uniformly.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI AB532

Payments for pupils who withdraw from a parental choice program, the Special Needs Scholarship Program, or an independent charter school. (FE)

WI SB330

Increasing the per pupil payments in parental choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship program and the per pupil payments made to independent charter schools and increasing the revenue ceiling for school districts. (FE)

WI AB305

Increasing the per pupil payments in parental choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship program and the per pupil payments made to independent charter schools and increasing the revenue ceiling for school districts. (FE)

WI AB900

Reductions to state aid paid to school districts for payments made under parental choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship Program. (FE)

WI SB838

Reductions to state aid paid to school districts for payments made under parental choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship Program. (FE)

WI SB499

Phasing out the Special Needs Scholarship Program and limiting enrollment in parental choice programs. (FE)

WI AB533

Phasing out the Special Needs Scholarship Program and limiting enrollment in parental choice programs. (FE)

WI AB1042

Combining the choice programs and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

WI SB989

Combining the choice programs and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

WI SB500

Teacher and administrator licensure in parental choice programs and in the Special Needs Scholarship Program and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

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