Tax gimmick advances in spite of public opposition

A proposal that would devastate Wisconsin's great schools has a long way to go and WEAC members will continue to fight it, according to WEAC President Stan Johnson.

"WEAC and a large coalition of opponents of a so-called property tax freeze are working to protect schools and communities from this trap," Johnson said following a legislative panel's endorsement of the idea last week. "The two bills recommended by the Joint Finance Committee are nothing more than a gimmick designed to fool people into thinking their tax bills will drop."

The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee on February 1 recommended passage of two bills imposing a so-called property tax freeze, even though state residents speaking at a day-long hearing just before the vote opposed the idea by an 8-1 margin.

Representatives of the education community, including WEAC members from K-12 schools and technical colleges, showed up in force to explain how the proposal would harm all levels of public education in Wisconsin.

Senate to vote on voucher enrollment limit

A measure expanding the unproven Milwaukee private school voucher program is on its way to final legislative approval this week.

The Senate is scheduled to vote February 8 on a bill lifting for one year the cap on the number of students participating in the program.

The Assembly recently passed the measure.

"This proposal continues a program that is unaccountable to the public and taxpayers," WEAC President Stan Johnson said. "Instead of validating a costly and unproven experiment, the Legislature should look for ways to help all children attend a great school - in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin."

Lifting the cap would cost nearly $9 million: $4.9 million from state tax dollars and more than $4 million from an increase to Milwaukee property taxpayers.

Federal government adjusts ESEA requirements for Wisconsin

The federal education department has approved two changes to Wisconsin requirements under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, called the "No Child Left Behind" law by the Bush administration.

The changes are minor; however, they will result in fewer schools and districts failing to make Adequate Yearly Progress this year.

"The changes are a step in the right direction," WEAC Teaching & Learning Director Char Gearing said. "They acknowledge that the way AYP is calculated is flawed."

Student reading and writing course offered at Winter Conference

WEAC's Teaching & Learning campus is offering a 4-hour workshop at Winter Conference to help educators develop effective ways for incorporating strategies to improve student performance in reading and writing.