Review Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 4/18/2024 - 5:30 PM
Category: Reports and Communications from the Board Clerk/Chief Officer, Office of Board Governance
Type: Info
Subject: 1. Monthly Report, with Possible Action, on Legislative Activities Affecting MPS
Strategic Plan Compatibility Statement:
Goal 1
Academic Achievement
Goal 2
Student, Family and Community Engagement
Goal 3
Effective and Efficient Operations
Policy: 1.02 - Goals
Attachments April, 2024 Referendum History.
Blue Ribbon Commission on K-12 funding fiscal update.
State history concerning raising of bar to determine student proficiency.
File Attachment:
Baird Referendum History 4-4-2024.pdf
Blue Ribbon Commission K-12 fiscal update 9-26-2023.pdf
Study praises Wisconsin for raising the bar on state exams 3-13-2015.docx
Student scores slip with new proficiency benchmarks 7-17-2012.docx
Background: The Wisconsin State Legislature has adjourned and unless called into special session we not meet again until January of 2025.

According to the Wisconsin Policy Forum, "Voters across Wisconsin approved 62 of the 103 school district referenda placed on primary and general election ballots this spring. The 60.2% approval rate was the lowest in a midterm or presidential election year since 2010, with the most ballot questions for spring elections since at least 2000. More districts asked to increase property taxes for operations rather than capital needs, a sign of the stress they are facing from inflation, state caps on their revenues, declining enrollment, and the expiration of federal pandemic aid."

In addition and as the attachments make clear, the state continues to be well of the pace in its support for students with disabilities, English learners and students challenged by poverty.
Fiscal Impact Statement: This item does not authorize expenditures.
Implementation and Assessment Plan The district will continue to pursue appropriate support for students as part of the MPS Legislative Agenda.
Recommendation:
Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Chris Thiel - Legislative Policy Specialist
Signed By:
Jill Kawala - Interim Director/Board Clerk