The Governor and State Superintendent are promising to spend nearly $2 billion more on public education in the 2023-25 state budget, which will be introduced in February. Whether the ambitious, election-year promise is approved, and what portion gets allocated to the state’s nearly 121,000 private school kids depends on who wins the governorship and whether [...]
Read More
Current Events
A library of WCRIS weekly E-letters that keeps you updated on issues of concern to private schools
Get Free Help If Trouble Arises
September 08, 2022
Private schools can now access 12 regionally-based critical incident response teams for free from the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Office of School Safety, if they experience a traumatic event. In the event of a critical incident or crisis, trained teams will work with schools to provide free resources and support. If you don’t want to [...]
Read More
Student Loan Forgiveness for Teachers
September 08, 2022
Earlier this year, the federal government made temporary changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program to make sure teachers and school staff can access the loan forgiveness for which they are eligible. To ensure that school staff across the nation are able to take advantage of the temporary changes to the program, a [...]
Read More
Special Education: What Local Public School Districts Must Provide
September 08, 2022
The beginning of another school year is an exciting, but challenging time. As teachers spend time getting to know their classes, they learn students’ strengths and the areas where additional support may be needed. Some students may be in need of help beyond what your school is already providing so it’s imperative that private school [...]
Read More
Locking Cell Phones Away?
August 25, 2022
At the beginning of each school day, St. Catherine High School requires that students keep their cell phones locked away. They found a manageable way to do it, and student performance has improved. Ample evidence is available about the academic and mental health benefits to children. The Racine WCRIS school is a member of the [...]
Read More
All Those New Students
August 25, 2022
Enrollment in every WCRIS jurisdiction grew during the pandemic, except for enrollment in the 10-county Milwaukee Archdiocese. Parents got to see what their kids were (or weren’t) learning. That helped private schools grow. That’s why private school recruitment experts remind us that private schools’ beliefs and culture are our most important asset. Don’t be afraid to lean [...]
Read More
Federal Tax Deduction Increased; Update on Student Loan Forgiveness
August 25, 2022
You may want to tell your teachers they can deduct up to $300 of out-of-pocket classroom expenses from 2022 on next year’s federal income tax return. They should get and keep receipts for their expenses. The IRS has increased the limit from $250 to $300 and will continue to raise it in $50 increments based [...]
Read More
Principal Question: Title IX and Choice
August 25, 2022
Question: Do I have to train my staff on Title IX since my school participates in the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP)? Answer: No. Only schools that receive Federal Financial Assistance (FFA) must comply with Title IX regulations. However, religious schools are exempt from Title IX and its training requirements if there is a conflict between Title [...]
Read More
Free COVID-19 Tests Still Available
August 25, 2022
Schools can order at-home COVID-19 tests for no cost from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Orders are fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. Order tests here.
Read More
Principal Question: EANS Funded Equipment
August 19, 2022
Question: CESA 6 says they fully intend to take back a server that was approved and paid with EANS funds. They said: “We must note that since this device will be equipment since it will have a depreciated value over $5,000 on 9/30/2024 the WI EANS Program will not be able to transfer the title of [...]
Read More