Virtual schools law nears completion

The State Senate on Wednesday voted to pass new compromise legislation that keeps online schools available for Wisconsin families while increasing quality and accountability standards. The State Assembly passed the measure on Tuesday and the bill has been sent to the governor.

WEAC President Mary Bell on Tuesday spoke in favor of the virtual charter school compromise agreement.

"Since the Court of Appeals ruled in December 2007 that virtual charter schools were operating in violation of Wisconsin's education laws, WEAC has called upon the Legislature to pass legislation that considers the needs of all of Wisconsin's public school students, including the students currently enrolled in virtual charter schools and the 876,000 students enrolled in traditional public schools," Bell said. "This compromise agreement does that." Read more

Laura Vernon is 2008 ESP of the Year

Laura Vernon of Milwaukee has been named the National Education Association's 2008 Education Support Professional of the Year. NEA President Reg Weaver presented Vernon with the NEA's highest honor for education support professionals during the March 7-8 annual ESP Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

"When you understand Laura's accomplishments, you get a better sense of how integral ESPs are to children receiving a quality education," Weaver said. "Her contributions to the children of Milwaukee Public Schools have benefits that extend beyond the classroom." Read more

Assembly plan would delay aid payments

The GOP-run Assembly late Wednesday night OK'd its version of a budget repair bill that includes a delay in school aid payments to communities across the state. Read more

Legislature busy with education bills

Lawmakers this week busied themselves with several education-related bills before the regular legislative session ended Thursday. Read more

Quality conference for educators

"Achieving Breakthrough Achievement in Education" is the title of a conference hosted by the Holmen School District. A four-day David Langford session will be held on June 24-27 and a two-day multi-presenter option will be on June 26-27. They will both be held at the Radisson Hotel in La Crosse. Read about this and other opportunities on the Educators' Bulletin Board.