Passing a Bill of Rights for Teachers
The Assembly was in session this week and passed a series of education-related bills. Assembly Bill 614, the “Teacher’s Bill of Rights,” expands and defines authority granted to teachers and changes the criteria for pupil removal from a class. This legislation modifies the process for student placement and reentry in the classroom while maintaining alternative placement requirements for said students. It also introduces new safety requirements for school boards to implement and establishes new protections for teachers regarding disciplinary action. Notably, the bill maintains compliance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) so as not to cause harm to students with disabilities.
These changes are necessary to ensure legal clarity for order in the classroom. State law is too vague about what teachers can do when major disruptions occur. This bill explicitly authorizes them to maintain order, enforce rules, call 911 in emergencies, and request immediate assistance during violent or unsafe incidents.
Students struggle to learn in environments marked by persistent disruption, and teachers commonly report safety and discipline as one of their highest concerns. They should not have to squander instructional time managing disruptive and violent behavior. Students, teachers, and parents should expect manageable and orderly learning conditions. This bill provides the necessary tools and accountability to improve our classroom environments.
Enabling District Consolidation
The Assembly also passed a package of bills relating to school district consolidation. The Department of Administration expects Wisconsin’s student population to decline by 200,000 by 2050 due to falling birth rates. State schools have seen a drop of 53,000 students from 2013-14 to 2023-24, with nearly 70% of districts experiencing a decline. Because enrollment is the primary driver of our school funding formula, districts experiencing declining enrollment receive less money in state aid as their student bodies shrink.
Instead of referenda and property tax hikes funding increasingly empty buildings, a long-term solution to address demographic and financial challenges is voluntary school district consolidation. Giving schools the ability to share more personnel, services, and other overhead costs can ultimately help to reduce overall spending and redirect resources to the classroom. Consolidation can also lead to increased curricular and extracurricular opportunities for students that smaller districts may not be able to offer.
AB 644 and AB 647 ensure that consolidating districts have the financial capability to secure these long-term gains. AB 644 increases per-pupil revenue to consolidated districts in their early years of operation, and AB 647 offers increased per-pupil aid to districts that undergo grade sharing. While in the long run, consolidation can result in savings, in the short term, the process can cause increased costs as two districts work towards consolidating. These bills address this head-on by increasing investment in consolidating districts.
Another problem districts seeking consolidation face is the issue of differing mill rates. The fear of higher property taxes for residents of low-levy districts absorbing a higher-levy school district often acts as a barrier. AB 648 provides additional aid to consolidated districts to help equalize mill rates, removing this significant financial barrier by mitigating costs to property taxpayers. This aid would be in addition to the existing per-pupil consolidation aid already available, promoting efficiency while ensuring that school districts making these decisions are not penalized.
Gun Deer Hunting Season
The 2025 Gun Deer Hunting season begins this Saturday, November 22nd, and runs through November 30th. Click the image below to review the regulations and safety information.
The DNR has estimated a higher deer population than in previous years, so to everyone participating in this cherished tradition, enjoy Wisconsin’s landscape, and best of luck this season.
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Contact Me
My office is always available to help with any state-related questions or concerns you may have. You can reach my office at (608) 237-9104, or email me at Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.
