Two Opportunities to Comment on Proposed DPI Rule Changes

There are two opportunities to comment on rule changes being proposed to DPI that impact ESSA grant funds and virtual summer school funding. 

DPI Request for Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant Program Flexibility 

DPI has drafted a waiver request application that they plan to submit to the federal government seeking flexibility related to the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant Program (ESSA Title IV Part A of ESSA) due to COVID-19 disruptions. Written comments on the proposed waiver can be submitted until December 11, 2020 at 12 p.m. using the following link: https://forms.gle/hECwSotMAmh4GgA6A.

The waiver would grant the following flexibilities:

• Local Education Agencies (LEAs) receiving more than $30,000 under Title IV, Part A would not be required to demonstrate that a needs assessment was completed for the 2020-21 school year.  Districts are currently required to do the assessments to identify areas of improvement related to well-rounded education; conditions to create a safe and healthy environment; and access to personalized learning experiences supported by technology and professional development for the effective use of data and technology.
  

• LEAs receiving more than $30,000 under Title IV, Part A would not be required to allocate specific amounts of their 2020-21 Title IV, Part A grant funds toward well-rounded education, supporting safe and healthy students and effective use of technology.
  

• LEAs receiving more than $30,000 under Title IV, Part A would have the ability to allocate more than 15% of the available Title IV, Part A funds in the 2020-21 application (2020-21 allocation and 2019-20 carryover) for technology infrastructure.
  

Expanding Virtual Summer and Interim Classes 

DPI is holding a public hearing on December 11 at 10 a.m. on their proposed administrative rule update expanding the options for school districts to receive state aid for providing virtual instruction. Specifically, the proposed rule will amend ch. PI 17 to include online virtual instruction taught to any grade level during summer classes or laboratory periods that are necessary for academic purposes.

Date and Time: Friday, December 11, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Location: Phone Number +1 608-620-9781 Conference ID: 123 710 357#

 

Governor Evers Releases COVID-19 Bill

Governor Evers released a draft COVID-19 relief bill on Tuesday, November 17. It would provide approximately $541 million in state funding to address the pandemic.  This bill faces resistance in the Legislature, where Assembly Speaker Vos has said the bill spends too much state money and newly elected members of the Senate Republican leadership team have questioned the need for state funding. 

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) held a press conference after the Governor introduced his bill, during which he outlined a list of policy initiatives supported by Assembly Republicans. The list includes: building a  robust testing system, doubling the number of contact tracers, assisting the health care industry, vaccine distribution, unemployment insurance reform and addressing small business liability.

Newly elected Senate President Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) told reporters on Tuesday that he doesn’t support increased funding for contact tracing and hasn’t seen many proposals that he supports.  He also stated that he believes Governor Evers is “fear mongering” when it comes to COVID-19.

Highlights of Governor Evers’ bill include: 

Education 

Educator Effectiveness Evaluations: Prohibits schools boards from considering student performance on statewide assessments as part of educator effectiveness evaluations. 

WRS Benefits for Rehired Teachers: Allows a Wisconsin Retirement System beneficiary to return to a WRS-covered position without suspending their WRS annuity if: they are hired for a “critical position” through December 31, 2021; they did not have an agreement to return to work in place before their retirement and at least 15 days have passed;  and they do not elect to become a WRS participating employee again when they are re-hired. The definition of “critical positions” will be determined by state agencies and local governments based on guidance by the Department of Health Services Secretary. 

Student Assessments: The various pupil assessments required by state law (Forward Exam, ACT, third grade reading test, reading readiness assessment, etc.)  do not to be taken during the 2020-21 school year. 

School and School District Accountability Reports: Prohibits the Department of Public Instruction from publishing a school and school district accountability report for the 2021-22 school year.

Labor Law 

Worker’s Compensation: For the purposes of worker’s compensation, assumes that an injury caused by COVID-19 to a “critical worker” is the result of their employment. This provision would remain in effect until December 31, 2021. The presumption requires a diagnosis of COVID-19 by a physician or positive test result, and may be rebutted by specific evidence that the injury was caused outside of employment. Under the bill,  the DHS Secretary determines which workers are considered critical workers.

Health and Insurance 

Funding for Public Health Efforts: Provides $63 million to support contact tracing, community testing, vaccinations and public awareness related to COVID-19. 

COVID-19 Testing and Surge Capacity: Provides $403 million for testing and surge capacity. The bill specifically directs the Department of Administration to facilitate COVID-19 testing throughout the state, operate alternate care facilities and facilitate surge staffing resources for health care facilities. 

Coverage of COVID-19 Costs Without Cost-Sharing: Requires health plans to provide coverage of testing for, diagnosis and treatment of, and administration of any vaccination developed to prevent COVID-19 without imposing any copayment or coinsurance. This requirement would be in place until December 31, 2021.

Governor Evers Holding Education Budget Listening Session on December 16

 

Governor Evers is holding a virtual listening session on education on December 16 at 6 p.m. He will use the input gathered during this listening session to craft his next state budget bill. Participants will hear directly from the Governor and then be places in smaller breakout rooms to discuss their concerns with key members of the Governor's staff. 

It is critical that members of WEMTA sign up to attend this listening session to discuss the need for educational technology professional development, one-to-one devices and broadband. 

You must register to attend the session in advance. Registration opens one-week before the event. The registration link will be made available on the Governor's website. 

All the Information You Need to Vote and Races to Watch

Previewing the November 2020 Election

The General Election is November 3, 2020. Wisconsin voters will get to cast their ballots for U.S. President, Congress, State Senators from even-numbered districts, State Assembly and school referendums. 

Important Voting Information 

What's On Your Ballot: You can preview your ballot prior to voting at myvote.wi.gov. 

Deadline to Register to Vote: You can register to vote at the polls on Election Day. If you wish to register to vote prior to Election Day, you can do so online until October 14 or at your clerk's office until October 30. You need to submit a proof of residence document when registering to vote.

Proof of Residence: You only need a proof of residence if you are registering to vote. Lots of documents qualify as proof of residence. The document must contain your current address. The most common ones are driver's license, state ID card, utility bill that is no more than 90 days old, bank or credit card statements, paycheck or paystub, current lease and more! Learn more here. 

Photo ID Requirement: All Wisconsin voters need to meet the state's photo ID requirement whether the vote absentee or at the polls on Election Day. There are limited exceptions for voters who are indefinitely confined or who have a sincerely held religious belief the prevents them from being photographed. Your photo ID does not need to have your current address. You can view a list of acceptable photo IDs here or here. 

Deadline to Request a Mail-in Absentee Ballot: Your Request must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 29. However, due to the high demand for absentee ballots, it is recommended that you request one as soon as possible. Request an absentee ballot here.

Deadline to Return Your Absentee Ballot: Current law requires your absentee ballot to be received by the municipal clerk no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. There is currently a lawsuit pending related to extending this deadline. Due to the ongoing nature of this lawsuit, it is strongly encouraged that you return your ballot based on the current law deadline. 

Track Your Absentee Ballot: You can track your ballot to ensure that it is received by your local clerk at myvote.wi.gov.

Early In-Person Voting: You can vote in-person absentee at your local clerk's office (early voting). This varies by municipality, but generally you can vote early starting October 20 and ending November 1. You will need to bring a Photo ID with you to vote early. Contact your clerk to learn more. 

Find Your Polling Place: Find your polling place here. 

Voting at the Polls on Election Day: You can vote at the polls on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Due to COVID-19, your polling place may have changed! Double-check before heading to the polls. 

When in Doubt, Contact Your Municipal Clerk: The best source of information is your municipal clerk. Find your clerk here. 

 

Races to Watch

On the federal level, President Donald Trump is looking to win re-election and control of Congress is at stake. On the state level, control of the Legislature is on the ballot. Republicans currently have an 18-13 majority in the State Senate and a 63-34 majority in the State Assembly.  If Republicans pick up three Senate seats and three Assembly seats, they will have veto-proof majorities in both houses.

 

Congress

 

Wisconsin’s eight Congressional seats are up for election. Every race will be decided by the General Election.

 

• Congressional District 5: This seat is open for the first time in 42 years due to the  retirement of Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R). State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) is running against Tom Palzewicz (D-Brookfield).

• Congressional District 7: This race is a repeat of this summer’s special election to fill Congressman Sean Duffy’s (R) seat. Congressman Tom Tiffany (R-Minoqua), who won the special election with 58% of the vote, will once again take on Tricia Zunker (D-Wausau).

 

State Senate

 

Even-numbered State Senate seats are up for election. Five seats are uncontested and 11 races will be decided by the General Election.

• Senate District 10: Senate Republicans are hoping to win back Senate District 10 by defeating Senator Patty Schachtner (D-Somerset) who flipped the seat to Democratic control by winning a special election in January 2018. Schactner is being challenged by State Representative Rob Stafsholt (R-New Richmond).

•  Senate District 24: State Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) flipped this seat to Republican control in November 2016 after defeating Democratic incumbent Julie Lassa. Testin is being challenged by Paul Piotrowski (D-Stevens Point).

• Senate District 30: State Senate Republicans are targeting the vacant seat in Senate District 30, which was left open by the retirement of Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay). Hansen won re-election in November 2016 with just 51% of the vote. Jonathon Hansen (D-De Pere), nephew of Dave Hansen, is running against Eric Wimberger (R-Green Bay).

• Senate District 32: State Senate Republicans are also targeting the vacant seat in Senate District 32, which was left open by the retirement of Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). Dan Kapanke (R- La Crosse), who previously held the seat until losing the 2011 recall election to Shilling, is running against former Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska), whose confirmation was rejected by the State Senate earlier this year. Kapanke ran against Shilling in November 2016 and only lost by 61 votes.

 

State Assembly

 

All 99 State Assembly seats are up for election. Eighteen seats are uncontested, and 81 seats will be determined by the General Election. 

• Assembly District 13: Incumbent State Representative Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield) won re-election in November 2018 with just over 51% of the vote. Hutton faces Sara Rodriguez (D-Brookfield) on November 3.

• Assembly District 14: Assembly Republicans are heavily targeting this seat after State Representative Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) flipped the seat to Democratic control in November 2018 by just 138 votes. Vining faces Bonnie Lee (R-Wauwatosa) on November 3.

• Assembly District 23: Incumbent State Representative Jim Ott (R-Mequon) won re-election in November 2018 with just under 52% of the vote. Ott faces Deb Andraca (D-Whitefish Bay) on November 3.

• Assembly District 51: Incumbent Todd Novak (R-Dodgeville) won re-election by 723 votes in November 2016 and by 332 votes in November 2018. Novak faces Kriss Marion (D- Blanchardville) on November 3.

• Assembly District 74: Assembly Republicans have identified this seat as a possible flip after a majority of the voters in the district voted for President Trump in 2016. Incumbent State Representative Beth Meyers (D-Bayfield) was uncontested in 2016. She is being challenged by James Bolen (R-Cable) on November 3.

• Assembly District 92: State Representative Treig Pronschinske (R-Mondovi) won this seat in November 2016 after defeating incumbent Chris Danou (D-Trempealeau) with 52% of the vote. However, Pronschinske easily won re-election with 55% of the vote in November 2018. He is being challenged by Amanda WhiteEagle (D-Black River Falls) on November 3.

•  Assembly District 94: Assembly Republicans have identified this seat as a possible flip after a majority of the voters in the district voted for President Trump in 2016. Incumbent State Representative Steve Doyle (D-Onalaska) won re-election with nearly 53% of the vote in 2016. He is being challenged by Kevin Hoyer (R-West Salem) on November 3.

State Superintendent Stanford Taylor Highlights Virtual Learning, Literacy in State of Education Address

State Superintendent Stanford Taylor delivered her annual State of Education address Thursday. She highlighted the efforts of educators across the state to provide instruction to students throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

She spent considerable time discussing virtual education and technology, noting that an estimated 15% of Wisconsin households, representing approximately 125,000 Wisconsin children, lacked internet access in 2019. 

"The response of our education community was swift," said Stanford Taylor. "School buses were redeployed as mobile hotspots. School staff delivered Chromebooks or mobile hotspots to children’s homes. DPI partnered with the Public Service Commission to identify public Wi-Fi locations so students and families could continue learning."

Stanford Taylor said that DPI worked with schools and libraries to keep Wi-Fi available even though buildings were closed, allowing students to access the internet from parking lots. In addition, she highlighted the work of PBS Wisconsin to provide instructional materials through broadcast or streaming means as well as the Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access. 

Stanford Taylor said that federal CARES Act funding is being used for professional development efforts related to online or virtual instruction. 

She also highlighted the importance of literacy for Wisconsin students. 

"Now, more than ever, it is critical for citizens - even our youngest citizens - to be able to use literacy to acquire information about our world and communicate the ways they want to see their communities change," said Stanford Taylor. "The simple way we can do this is to work with our libraries - school and public libraries - to ensure children experience texts that reflect their identities and teach them about other identities."

She concluded her speech by previewing her 2021-23 state budget request, which she said will include increased funding for special education and school-based mental health services, and by calling on education stakeholders to work together to address inequities. 

You can watch her full remarks here. 

Ask Your Congressional Representative and Two U.S. Senators to Support Dedicated Ed Tech PD Funds

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate are currently negotiating a new COVID-19 relief bill. 

ISTE, which WEMTA is an affiliate organization of, is asking everyone to contact their Congressional Representative and two U.S. Senators to ask that the next COVID-19 relief bill include $2.13 billion in dedicated educational technology professional development funds.  

Please contact your federal lawmakers as soon as possible in support of this request!  It is critical that they hear from you about the need for educational technology professional development funding. The most important thing you can do is share your personal stories and examples!

ISTE has prepared an automated email that you can send: https://www.iste.org/advocacy?vvsrc=%2fcampaigns%2f75085%2frespond. However, we encourage you to call or email your lawmakers personally to share your stories in your own words. 

How to Contact Your Congressional Representative and U.S. Senators

Sen. Tammy Baldwin: (202) 224-5653 or complete online feedback form.

Sen. Ron Johnson: (202) 224-5323 or complete online feedback form. 

 

Find your Congressional Representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Governor Evers Announces $46.6 Million in Extra Funding for Schools

Governor Evers has announced that he is making $46.6 million in federal CARES Act funding available for K-12 schools. According to the Governor, 155 local education agencies are eligible to apply for these funds. 

“It’s vital to ensure the schools across Wisconsin that are most significantly impacted by COVID-19 have the additional resources they need as they make decisions about how students will learn in the upcoming school year and beyond,” said Governor Evers. 

Funding is meant for schools most impacted by COVID-19. Eligibility criteria includes:

• Economic disadvantage;
• Access to personal computing devices;
• Access to internet; and 
• Students’ score on the English Language Arts Assessment. 

DPI will release more information on how schools can apply soon.