Wisconsin legislation provides funding for virtual schools

April 9, 2008
New law will enable online schools to remain open in the fall

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle has signed a bill that ensures virtual schools qualify for state aid; however, it caps enrollment and subjects those schools to a program audit. The new law guarantees the online schools can open this fall. Their future was in doubt after an appeals court ruled in December that one school--the Wisconsin Virtual Academy run by the Northern Ozaukee School District--did not qualify for state aid of $5,845 per student. The governor says the legislation is a compromise that allows the schools to continue while the effect of the virtual school system on students and taxpayers is studied.
Click here to read The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article.

FROM MARCH 2008: Lawmakers in Wisconsin have crafted a deal that they hope will enable the state's virtual schools to remain open in the fall. An appeals court ruled in December that the Wisconsin Virtual Academy run by the Northern Ozaukee School District was not eligible for state aid. Observers worried that the decision could threaten the future of all Wisconsin online schools, which teach about 3,500 students. Sen. John Lehman (D-Racine) and Rep. Brett Davis (R-Oregon) say they have made a deal to cap enrollment at 5,250 students--a deal they said could get through both houses.
Click here to read The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel article.

Sponsored Recommendations

How to design flexible learning spaces that teachers love and use

Unlock the potential of flexible learning spaces with expert guidance from school districts and educational furniture providers. Discover how to seamlessly integrate adaptive ...

Blurring the Lines in Education Design: K–12 to Higher Ed to Corporate America

Discover the seamless integration of educational and corporate design principles, shaping tomorrow's leaders from kindergarten to boardroom. Explore innovative classroom layouts...

Room to Learn: Furniture Solutions for Education

Preparing students for the future. Utilizing our experience in the education market, we offer a dynamic selection of products that pair technology with furniture to help stimulate...

Transforming Education: A Case Study in Progressive Classroom Design

Discover how Workspace Interiors and the Baldwin School District reshaped learning environments in Long Island, New York, creating pedagogically responsive spaces that foster ...