Update on DPI and Hours of Instruction Waivers for Private and Choice Schools
The Department of Public Instruction does not believe it has the authority to waive the hours of instruction requirements for Choice or private schools. While the Governor has used his Executive Order powers to waive such requirements for public schools, he has declined to do that for private and choice schools. Some observers postulate that the Governor and DPI are taking this approach because in the recent past, the DPI has been sued for and the Governor has been accused of exceeding their authority. Rather than trigger similar accusations and time consuming legal battles, the DPI and the Governor are taking the safe road of not pushing their authority.
As a result, enabling legislation is needed to make such changes. Various education stakeholders (WCRIS, School Choice Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Catholic Conference) are working with the DPI, Legislative leadership, and the Governor’s office on a bill draft addressing various issues related to Choice and private schools in general. There’s some thought that the Legislature may convene a special COVID-19 session in the coming weeks.
Since the crisis began, WCRIS requested a weekly standing conference call with the DPI’s liaison to the Governor’s office and the above-named stakeholders. The DPI agreed and so we have been working closely with them throughout this ordeal.
The DPI has the authority to draft legislation for review by the legislature. It’s staff has been very responsive to our issues and concerns. Based on our positive relations and cooperative work with the DPI and the Governor, WCRIS is very hopeful that we will get a bill introduced, and if a special session is held, that such a bill would have a very strong chance of passage and the Governor would be very open to signing it.
From the Department of Public Instruction:
The DPI is continuing to update our website with new curated resources to help you if you plan to offer virtual learning opportunities. Those resources are available at https://dpi.wi.gov/cal/innovation/virtual-learning-time/district-planning-and-implementation-resources and cross-listed on the DPI’s COVID-19 page. You may also contact Janice Mertes, Assistant Director, Teaching and Learning Team at Janice.mertes@dpi.wi.gov or (608) 267-1054 if you have additional needs or questions.
There are a number of developments due to action by the FCC related to residential broadband. Chairman Ajit Pai has asked broadband and telephone service providers and trade associations to open Wi-Fi hotspots to any individual who needs them. It appears all major providers have pledged to do so. The DPI is curating broadband and digital access resources that schools can leverage during this public health crisis.
School Choice Wisconsin’s Information on Virtual Learning
On Monday, March 16, School Choice Wisconsin hosted a conference call on the recent order to close schools and virtual learning. The notes from the call are here and the audio is available here.
Please note that the information presented during the call was the most accurate information at that time.
