An Act to create 118.60 (2) (ac) and 119.23 (2) (ac) of the statutes; Relating to: pupil eligibility for parental choice programs based upon participation by a sibling or a dependent child of the pupil's parent or guardian. (FE)
Impact
The bill aims to expand access to private education options for families by removing some of the barriers related to household income and grade level entry points. By focusing on sibling participation, it encourages families with multiple children to enroll them in the same schooling options, thus fostering continuity in education within families. This could potentially lead to an increase in enrollment in private schools that participate in these programs, impacting local educational landscapes and school choices for parents.
Summary
Senate Bill 452 introduces changes to the pupil eligibility criteria for various parental choice programs in Wisconsin, specifically the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, Racine Parental Choice Program, and the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program. The bill allows a pupil to qualify for participation in these programs based on the prior participation of a sibling or a dependent child of the pupil's parent or guardian in the previous school year. This marks a significant shift in how eligibility is determined, moving away from strict income and grade level requirements currently in place.
Contention
However, the bill has faced some opposition, primarily from those concerned about the implications of reducing income-based eligibility criteria. Critics argue that it could undermine the original intent of parental choice programs, which aimed to serve low-income families. Furthermore, there are fears that this could lead to a decrease in funding for public schools, as funds may be redirected to support private schooling for families that may not necessarily need financial assistance. This aspect of the bill has raised questions around equitable access to quality education for all students regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Crossfiled
An Act to create 118.60 (2) (ac) and 119.23 (2) (ac) of the statutes; Relating to: pupil eligibility for parental choice programs based upon participation by a sibling or a dependent child of the pupil's parent or guardian. (FE)
The pupil application process to attend a private school under a parental choice program and modifying and creating administrative rules related to pupil applications to participate in parental choice programs.
The pupil application process to attend a private school under a parental choice program and modifying and creating administrative rules related to pupil applications to participate in parental choice programs.
Pupil discrimination and private schools participating in a parental choice program or the Special Needs Scholarship Program, discrimination based on gender identity or gender expression, and providing a penalty.