While the state’s four voucher programs have been a financial lifesaver for many students and their schools, administrators tell WCRIS they need a whip and a chair to tame the beast of state bureaucracy. So, in response to demands by its members, WCRIS has developed new resources for schools navigating a choice program or the [...]
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Current Events
A library of WCRIS weekly E-letters that keeps you updated on issues of concern to private schools
612 Results found for category: Miscellaneous
Save the Date: WCRIS Leadership Conference
January 05, 2021
While we are not hosting an in-person leadership conference this year, WCRIS is still committed to its members. That is why we are excited to announce a virtual WCRIS Leadership Meeting on March 10, from 9 am to 11 am. You will learn about the new legislative session, changes in state government, and the areas [...]
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COVID 19 Vaccine
December 16, 2020
Wisconsin had its first-person vaccinated on Monday, moving our state forward on the journey back to normalcy. But, as the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) moves from COVID-19 vaccine planning to implementation, they are asking community leaders like you to help urge the public to have patience and understanding, while the agency works through [...]
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FBI Security Warning
December 16, 2020
Recently the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, a division of the Department of Homeland Security, and the FBI issued an alert (https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-345a) warning of increased ransomware threats against K-12 schools and districts. Please take time to review the alert, increase your school’s cybersecurity posture, and share with stakeholders within your school. The FBI recommends that [...]
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Student Assessments
December 16, 2020
The DPI is charged with oversight for the K-12 testing programs mandated by state and federal laws. However, the agency does not have the authority to waive the tests. Therefore, the DPI is in a monitoring and reporting mode. For the DPI’s overview of where the testing process stands for 2021, as of now, see [...]
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WCRIS & Supreme Court; Harvard Expert on Safe Schools
December 10, 2020
WCRIS took its case against the Dane County school closure order to the Wisconsin State Supreme Court for oral arguments this week. Our attorneys, the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) says a decision is weeks away. In the meantime, schools are struggling to keep their school buildings safe for in-person instruction. Harvard Public [...]
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April 6 Race for DPI Superintendent; 7 Candidates Declare
December 10, 2020
The seven candidates who have filed papers expressing interest in running for the DPI’s top post have until January 5 to gather at least 2,000 to 4,000 nomination signatures each. You may be asked to sign nomination papers for a candidate. Remember, you can sign only one candidate’s paperwork. The nomination form has to be [...]
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Copier Contracts Don’t Simply Renew; Vendors May Exploit COVID Chaos to Lock-in High Rates
December 10, 2020
Experts have told WCRIS that in the coming months, school copier leases could be subjected to large pricing increases, heavy-handed sales techniques, and suggested “simple” 5-year lease renewals from dealer salespeople. Industry watchers are warning that copier vendors are ramping up their seller-favorable language, which could mean higher costs for WCRIS schools. As a result, [...]
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Congress Reviewing COVID Relief for K-12 Schools Before Christmas
December 07, 2020
Congress is quickly assembling a new package of COVID-19 relief, including aid for K-12 education. Your urgent action is needed now. The interests and concerns of WCRIS schools are being represented in D.C. by our lobbyist at the Council for American Private Education (CAPE), of which WCRIS is a charter member. Things are moving rapidly. [...]
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Assembly Proposes COVID-19 Relief Plan
December 03, 2020
The Assembly Republicans unveiled a COVID-19 response plan this week. The proposal contains some education-related provisions, which WCRIS is actively monitoring. WCRIS will continue to ensure that private schools are included but not mandated to participate. The response package needs approval by the Senate, which says it won’t be meeting any more this year, and [...]
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