Wisconsin legislation provides funding for virtual schools
Apr 9, 2008 10:26 AM
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.
