December 5, 2007

WEAC applauds unanimous court of appeals’ decision

WEAC General Counsel Bruce Meredith issued a statement following the court of appeals’ unanimous decision in a lawsuit challenging the operation of the Wisconsin Virtual Academy, a taxpayer-funded charter school operated by the Northern Ozaukee School District:

“Virtual education plays a vital role in today’s great schools, and many WEAC members throughout the state use virtual education technologies in their classrooms every day. Today’s decision calls upon the Wisconsin Legislature to make virtual schools accountable to the students who use them and the taxpayers who fund them.

“We are pleased with the court of appeals’ unanimous decision. Now the Wisconsin Legislature must pass legislation that addresses virtual schools and how to make them accountable to students, parents, taxpayers and communities.

“Most people understand that the laws and policies governing traditional brick-and-mortar schools cannot be confidently applied to institutions like the Wisconsin Virtual Academy and do not give us the assurance we need that students’ educational needs are addressed.

“We are eager to work with the Legislature and with other education groups to develop legislation, as many other states have, that encourages innovation, protects taxpayers and students, and ensures that all students attend great schools.”

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