The Personal Computing Devices Grant Program funds were vetoed by Governor Tony Evers July 3. His line-item veto of the $9.1 million appropriated for the program effectively eliminates it. In his veto message (see page 12), Gov. Evers objected to the grant because he said the funding formula was fiscally irresponsible and cited other ways [...]
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Current Events
A library of WCRIS weekly E-letters that keeps you updated on issues of concern to private schools
A Summer Surprise!
July 09, 2019
WCRIS is excited to announce another gift card giveaway for the 2019 WCRIS Professional Learning Conference (PLC) on August 9 at Glacier Canyon Lodge in the Wisconsin Dells. Through a private donation, registrants have a chance to receive a $50 Wisconsin Dells gift card for use at over 100 attractions, restaurants, and hotels in the [...]
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Special Needs Scholarship Program Training: Key Takeaways
July 09, 2019
In June, The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) held a Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP) training workshop. The DPI presented several PowerPoints over four hours featuring 245 slides of information on agency rules and state statutes governing the program. WCRIS staff attended and provide this summary of key takeaways for schools too busy to attend: [...]
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SNSP Updated 2019-20 Resources and Bulletins Now Available
July 09, 2019
The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has released the updated bulletins and resources for the Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP) for the 2019-20 school year. The SNSP applications are now available and parents can start submitting completed applications to their SNSP schools of choice. Applications and Transfer material can be found here. To help schools [...]
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WI Supreme Court Ruling a Blow to DPI
June 28, 2019
The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) won a case on Tuesday, that clarifies the constitutional powers of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. WCRIS Executive Director Sharon Schmeling says this will have a major impact on how the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) oversees state programs, such as the Parental Choice Programs. The [...]
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Update on Teacher Licenses
June 28, 2019
Educators who need to complete a background check with DPI for the 2019 school year should have their application done by 11:59 p.m. June 29 or your valid Life or Lifetime license will be invalid, according to the DPI. WCRIS is recommending this deadline because the DPI notified WCRIS that its Educator Licensing Online System [...]
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Proposed Budget Moves to Gov. for Review
June 28, 2019
The Republican-controlled State Senate passed the proposed 2019-21 state budget Wednesday (17-16), calling for $81 billion in spending over two years with education spending increases estimated at $229 per pupil. State law requires voucher amounts to increase by the same $229 per pupil amount, so that would set voucher amounts at $7,983 for K-8; $8,629 [...]
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Register Now for Aug. Teacher Conf; Chance for $50 Gift Card
June 28, 2019
The clock is ticking for a chance to get an Amazon gift card by registering for the 2019 WCRIS Professional Learning Conference on August 9 in the Wisconsin Dells. Teachers who register before June 30 will automatically be entered into a drawing to receive a $50 Amazon gift card. To sweeten the deal, use 2019PLC [...]
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WCRIS Wins Amendment to Include Private School Teachers
June 13, 2019
The Assembly Education Committee approved a bi-partisan bill today that would require the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to more effectively include experienced teachers with-out-of-state licenses or teachers with the Wisconsin “license to teach based on reciprocity,” in the state’s licensure system. The bill, Assembly Bill (AB) 195, aims to increase the pipeline of teachers [...]
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Salute to WCRIS Pioneer
June 13, 2019
Roger Laesch, who helped form and organize WCRIS in its early years, returned to his heavenly home on Wednesday, May 29th, 2019. A devoted servant, Roger served the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod – South Wisconsin District (LCMS-S) since 1960 before retiring in 2017. “His many roles in service to the Church included his time as [...]
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