The Wisconsin School Board is preparing for a significant legislative session this fall, with key discussions centered on K-12 education policy. During the recent meeting, board members highlighted the implications of the newly signed 2025-27 state budget and the upcoming policy-focused term in the state legislature.

One of the primary topics of concern is the ongoing staffing shortages in education. Legislators are expected to revisit solutions, including Senate Bill 170, which aims to ease regulations for retired educators wishing to return to work without losing their annuity benefits. Although the bill did not pass before the budget was signed, there remains strong support for it among education advocates.

Another pressing issue is the potential for referendum restrictions. With the budget providing no general aid, districts may increasingly rely on operational referenda, prompting legislators to consider new bills on this topic. However, Governor Evers is unlikely to support such restrictions, which could complicate negotiations.

The board also discussed the funding of private and charter schools, with proposals to simplify and expand funding mechanisms. A notable suggestion is to decouple funding for the Parental School Choice Program from public school district aid, a move that proponents argue would ease the burden on local taxpayers, while opponents warn it could reduce transparency.

Additionally, the board addressed the challenge of unfunded mandates, which continue to pile up without providing necessary resources for implementation. Despite the divided government, the trend of introducing new mandates appears to be on the rise.

A recent study by the Wisconsin Policy Forum revealed that Wisconsin's per pupil education spending has dropped to 26th in the nation, primarily due to state aid failing to keep pace with inflation. This decline raises concerns about the future of educational funding in the state.

As the fall session approaches, the board anticipates further developments on these issues, with a focus on how they will impact local districts and the education landscape in Wisconsin. The next update is expected to provide insights into the outcomes of the upcoming legislative activities.