The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is advising people to be on the lookout for identify theft emails using the Coronavirus as a cover. Thieves are using phishing emails disguised as DHS communications regarding the Coronavirus to steal personal information. DHS will only contact you if you have had contact with local healthcare providers [...]
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Current Events
A library of WCRIS weekly E-letters that keeps you updated on issues of concern to private schools
For Choice Schools: State Money for Social Workers
February 13, 2020
In an effort to improve school mental health services, lawmakers provided $6 million in the 2019-21 state budget to reimburse public, charter and private schools that increased their expenditures to employ or contract for licensed social workers from 2017-18 to the 2018-19 school year. Only private schools in a choice program are eligible. The DPI [...]
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Help Your Families Save on Taxes
February 10, 2020
There is still over a month left before taxes are due. Help your families deduct up to $4,000 for K-8 tuition and $10,000 for 9-12 tuition on their state income taxes by providing them with the K-12 Tuition Tax Deduction form. This deduction saves private school families $8 million a year. The state has budgeted [...]
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Schools and the Coronavirus Outbreak
February 06, 2020
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), in partnership with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has confirmed the first case of 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wisconsin. Schools should be aware of how to handle students or families that may have been exposed to the virus while traveling to other countries with outbreaks. [...]
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New Faces and Department Names at the DPI
February 06, 2020
In the wake of a new state school superintendent, and staff turn-over triggered by Dr. Tony Evers moving up to the East Wing of the Capitol, the DPI is restructuring some departments and divisions. School Management Services will be renamed the Parental Education Options Team. It will be in the Division for Finance and Management. [...]
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Enrollment is Open for the Parental Choice Programs
February 06, 2020
From now and until April 6, 2020, the enrollment period for the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program is open. Parents that wish to utilize a voucher can find the online application here.
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More Ed Choice Could Help State Economy
February 06, 2020
A new study by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) reveals a possible $3.2 billion in economic benefits with more access to educational options. The study finds that Choice students are more likely to attend college, therefore, potentially boosting local economies. You can read the full WILL study here.
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WCRIS Talks School Safety with A.G. and Legislators
January 30, 2020
The state’s $100 million school safety grant program was under scrutiny by lawmakers at a State Capitol hearing this week, featuring testimony by WCRIS Executive Director Sharon Schmeling. When the School Safety Grant program was created in 2018, WCRIS successfully fought for private school inclusion. Thanks to that advocacy, private schools won $6 million in [...]
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Why Parental Choice Matters
January 30, 2020
On Tuesday, Vice President Mike Pence made the first visit of a sitting Vice President to Wisconsin’s state Capitol urging parents to fight for the right to select the school of their choice — public, private, charter, virtual or home school. Currently, many Wisconsin public school districts are trying to convince taxpayers that school choice [...]
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Principal Question: 504 Plans
January 30, 2020
Question: I have two high school students in our private school who have 504 Plans. I’d like the public school district to update the plans, but the district says they are not responsible for that. At my last school in another city, the district updated the 504 Plans for our students. So, I’m confused. Is [...]
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