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Joint Finance Committee Testimony - April 16

Assembly Bill 100
Senate Bill 77

Governor Thompson's
1997-99 Biennial Budget Proposal

By WEAC President Terry Craney

Wednesday, APRIL 16, 1997

MY NAME IS TERRY CRANEY, I AM THE PRESIDENT OF THE WISCONSIN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION COUNCIL. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK CO- CHAIRPERSONS BURKE AND JENSEN AND MEMBERS OF THE JOINT FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR PROVIDING THIS OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ON THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET BILL (AB 100/SB 77).

BUDGETS ARE BLUEPRINTS THAT CREATE A FRAMEWORK FOR STATE GOVERNMENT. OVER A YEAR AGO WEAC TOOK THE LEAD AND DEVELOPED A BLUEPRINT FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION. THAT BLUEPRINT IS OUR LEGISLATIVE AGENDA. OUR MEMBERS, THE TEACHERS AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL IN YOUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS, PROVIDED THEIR EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE TO DEVELOP THESE PROPOSALS.

WEAC OFFERS INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE SCHOOLS SUCH AS PARENTAL AND FAMILY INVOLVEMENT, SCHOOL SAFETY AND DISCIPLINE, PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FOR TEACHERS, AND REDUCING CLASS SIZE, AMONG OTHERS. ANY DISCUSSION OF EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT MUST ALSO INCLUDE THESE IMPORTANT ISSUES.

THE GOVERNOR HAS OFFERED A PLAN THAT FALLS SHORT OF A COMPLETE VISION FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN WISCONSIN. HE DID INCORPORATE ONE OF OUR ISSUES IN THE BUDGET, EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY, WHICH IS ONE OF THE ISSUES I WOULD LIKE TO COMMENT ON IN ADDITION TO THE BUDGET'S TREATMENT OF OTHER EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS.

EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY:

  • WEAC APPLAUDS THE GOVERNOR'S RECOGNITION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF PROVIDING ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY FOR WISCONSIN'S CHILDREN. WE ALSO NOTE THAT MUCH OF THE GOVERNOR'S PLAN IS IMPLEMENTED THROUGH FUNDING THAT IS OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT REVENUE CONTROLS. WEAC'S LEGISLATIVE AGENDA ALSO RECOMMENDS THIS EXEMPTION.
  • THE ISSUES OF CONCERN WITH TEACH ARE WHETHER IT IS NECESSARY TO ESTABLISH A NEW STATE BUREAUCRACY, THE TEACH AGENCY, TO ADMINISTER TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS, THE COUNTING OF UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND APPROPRIATIONS TOWARD THE TWO-THIRDS FUNDING OF SCHOOL OPERATIONS AND MAKING SURE THAT THE COMMON SCHOOL FUND REMAINS VIABLE FOR THE FUNDING OF LIBRARIES.
  • WEAC EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF RESOURCES FOR TRAINING TEACHERS AND STAFF. WEAC APPLAUDS THE PROVISION OF BLOCK GRANTS TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS FOR THE PURCHASE AND MAINTENANCE OF COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE AND GRANTS TO CESA DISTRICTS TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL AND TRAINING ASSISTANCE. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT EDUCATORS KNOW HOW TO USE NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN THE CLASSROOM. BUT WE CAUTION THAT TECHNOLOGY IS ANOTHER VERY IMPORTANT TOOL IN A TEACHERS TOOL BOX. DISTANCE LEARNING IS ALSO AN IMPORTANT PART OF EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY, BUT EDUCATION IS MORE THAN A TALKING HEAD ON A T.V. MONITOR.

ADDITIONAL ISSUES IN EDUCATION:

NOW LET ME MOVE TO SOME EDUCATION PROPOSALS THAT WEAC FEELS ARE MISSING RELATIVE TO INNOVATION IN EDUCATION.

  • IMPROVING SCHOOL SAFETY, DISCIPLINE AND CLASSROOM CONTROL IS AN ISSUE WE BELIEVE MUST BE ADDRESSED. ALL CHILDREN HAVE A RIGHT TO LEARN IN A SAFE AND PRODUCTIVE CLASSROOM. WEAC BELIEVES THAT THE TEACHER SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO DISMISS FROM THE CLASSROOM AN UNRULY, DANGEROUS OR DISRUPTIVE STUDENT, WITH READMITTANCE ONLY AFTER A PARENT CONFERENCE AND WITH THE CONSENT OF THE TEACHER.
  • REDUCING CLASS SIZE IN GRADES K-3. WEAC BELIEVES AND RESEARCH CONFIRMS THAT ONE OF THE MOST POSITIVE EFFECTS ON STUDENT LEARNING OCCURS WHEN CLASS SIZE IS REDUCED IN GRADES K-3. THIS CLASS SIZE REDUCTION HAS A LONG LASTING EFFECT THROUGHOUT THE STUDENT'S EDUCATION CAREER. THE GOVERNOR HAS FAILED TO LIVE UP TO THE COMMITMENT TO THE SAGE PROGRAM. WEAC SUPPORTS CONTINUED FUNDING AND EXPANSION OF THIS INNOVATIVE PROGRAM TO LOWER CLASS SIZE IN NEEDY SCHOOLS.
  • DEVELOPING PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS IN GRADES 4, 8 AND 10. WHILE THE GOVERNOR HAS PROPOSED A HIGH STAKES EXIT EXAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, WE BELIEVE THE EXAM IS ONLY ONE PIECE OF THE PUZZLE. WE URGE THE RESTORATION OF PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS WHOSE FUNDING WAS ELIMINATED FROM THE LAST BUDGET. FURTHER, THESE TESTS ALLOW FOR THE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND TEACHERS TO EVALUATE TEACHING AND LEARNING AND MAKE ADJUSTMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS IN INSTRUCTION.
  • MODIFICATIONS OR REPEAL OF THE QUALIFIED ECONOMIC OFFER LAW. THE CURRENT QEO LAW: UNFAIRLY RESTRICTS COMPENSATION AND CREATES CONFLICT IN THE BARGAINING PROCESS BY REMOVING LOCAL CONTROL OVER LABOR MANAGEMENT RELATIONS; CREATES AN UNLEVEL PLAYING FIELD AT THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING TABLE; EXACERBATES THE CURRENT TEACHER SALARY INEQUITIES BETWEEN SCHOOL DISTRICTS; UNFAIRLY PENALIZES CERTIFIED EDUCATION EMPLOYEES OVER ALL OTHER PUBLIC EMPLOYEES AND HAS A DRASTIC IMPACT ON THE LIFE-LONG PENSION BENEFITS OF RETIRING EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS.
  • MODIFICATION OF THE STATE IMPOSED SCHOOL DISTRICT REVENUE CONTROLS. SCHOOL DISTRICT REVENUE CONTROLS: SUBSTANTIALLY LIMIT THE AUTHORITY OF LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS TO RAISE AND SPEND FUNDS TO PROVIDE AN EQUAL, COMPETITIVE EDUCATION TO STUDENTS; EXACERBATE THE PER PUPIL SPENDING DISPARITIES AMONG DISTRICTS; INHIBIT THE ABILITY OF LOCAL DISTRICTS TO BUILD AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE FACILITIES AND ARE UNFAIRLY IMPOSED ON SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN THAT NO OTHER UNITS OF GOVERNMENT MUST ABIDE BY SUCH CONTROLS.

FINALLY LET ME COMMENT ON A NUMBER OF ITEMS THAT ARE IN THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET.

AGENCY TRANSFERS:

  • WEAC IS TROUBLED BY THE TRANSFER OF MANY EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT POSITIONS FROM DPI AND THE WTCS TO OTHER AGENCIES. THE TRANSFER OF PROGRAMS SUCH AS ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG ABUSE, THE FAMILY AND SCHOOLS TOGETHER, AND ALL SCHOOL-TO-WORK PROGRAMS ARE PROPOSED IN THE NAME OF EFFICIENCY. WE CAUTION THAT THIS STRATEGY COULD LEAD TO A CRUMBLING OF QUALITY OF SERVICES TO SCHOOLS AND CHILDREN.

MODIFICATIONS TO CHARTER SCHOOL LAW:

  • CHARTER SCHOOLS PROVIDE SCHOOL DISTRICTS WITH A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO ESTABLISH INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS IN WISCONSIN'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS. WEAC BELIEVES THAT PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES SHOULD BE FULL PARTNERS IN THE ESTABLISHMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF CHARTER SCHOOLS IN WISCONSIN. SB 77/AB 100 CONTAIN PROVISIONS THAT ATTEMPT TO BREAK DOWN THIS PARTNERSHIP. CURRENTLY, CHARTER SCHOOLS CAN BE ESTABLISHED THROUGH A PETITION PROCESS OR SCHOOL BOARD INITIATIVE. SB 77/AB100 REPEALS THE PROVISION THAT REQUIRES THOSE PETITIONING TO ESTABLISH A CHARTER SCHOOL, TO OBTAIN THE SIGNATURES OF AT LEAST 10% OF THE TEACHERS EMPLOYED BY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OR BY AT LEAST 50% OF THE TEACHERS EMPLOYED AT ONE SCHOOL IN THE DISTRICT. THIS CUTS PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES OUT OF THE PROCESS FOR ESTABLISHING CHARTER SCHOOLS.
  • PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES SHOULD NOT BE FORCED TO SACRIFICE THEIR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS AND THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE WISCONSIN RETIREMENT SYSTEM IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CHARTER SCHOOL. WEAC URGES THE JOINT FINANCE COMMITTEE AND LEGISLATURE TO REPEAL PROVISIONS OF THE CHARTER LAW THAT PROHIBIT CHARTER SCHOOLS IN MILWAUKEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS FROM BEING INSTRUMENTALITIES OF THE DISTRICT. ANOTHER OBSTACLE TO PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION IN CHARTER SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT IS THE LANGUAGE THAT MAKES CHARTERS SCHOOLS IN THE MPS A PROHIBITED SUBJECT OF BARGAINING. THIS LANGUAGE PREVENTS COOPERATION BETWEEN LABOR AND MANAGEMENT IN THE CREATION OF CHARTER SCHOOLS IN MILWAUKEE.
  • WEAC SUPPORTS PROVISIONS IN CURRENT LAW THAT INSURE A REVIEW OF CHARTER SCHOOL CONTRACTS AT LEAST EVERY FIVE YEARS AS AN IMPORTANT MEASURE OF ACCOUNTABILITY. WE URGE THE JOINT FINANCE COMMITTEE AND LEGISLATURE TO DELETE THE GOVERNOR'S REPEAL OF THIS MEASURE OF ACCOUNTABILITY.
  • WEAC IS OPPOSED TO AUTHORIZING THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MILWAUKEE, THE CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN- MILWAUKEE AND THE MILWAUKEE AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD TO OPERATE, OR CONTRACT WITH A GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL TO OPERATE, A CHARTER SCHOOL. THE AUTHORITY SHOULD REMAIN WITH THE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD.
  • LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO LOCAL TAXPAYERS FOR SPENDING ON K-12 SCHOOL PROGRAMS. A PERIODIC REVIEW OF CHARTER SCHOOL CONTRACTS ENSURES THAT TAXPAYERS ARE GETTING THEIR MONEY'S WORTH. UNDER CURRENT LAW, LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT CHARTER SCHOOLS ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE IN THREE MAJOR AREAS: STUDENT PERFORMANCE, FISCAL MANAGEMENT AND ADHERENCE TO THEIR CONTRACT AND THE CHARTER SCHOOL LAW. THE CHARTER SCHOOL CONTRACT MUST CLEARLY STATE THE SCHOOL'S CURRICULAR GOALS, METHODOLOGY, AND MEANS OF ASSESSING STUDENT PERFORMANCE. THE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD IS THE APPROPRIATE ENTITY TO EVALUATE THESE CONTRACT PROVISIONS.
  • THE JOINT FINANCE COMMITTEE SHOULD REMOVE ALL OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL PROVISIONS FROM THE BUDGET AND REFER THEM AS SEPARATE BILLS TO THE ASSEMBLY AND SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEES.

YOUTH OPTIONS PROGRAM:

WEAC BELIEVES THAT THERE HAS HISTORICALLY BEEN AN UNDER SERVED STUDENT POPULATION; STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT BOUND FOR A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE. WE BELIEVE THAT THE DETAILS MUST BE EXAMINED VERY CAREFULLY BEFORE THE PROGRAM IS INITIATED. SOME OF THE ISSUES TO BE CONSIDERED RELATING TO THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSALS ARE:

  • THE FISCAL IMPACT ON HIGH SCHOOLS THAT HAVE LIMITED FLEXIBILITY TO PAY INSTRUCTIONAL COSTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL CHARGES TO TECHNICAL COLLEGES BECAUSE OF REVENUE CAPS.
  • THE FISCAL IMPACT ON TECHNICAL COLLEGES THAT MAY NEED TO PROVIDE MANDATED EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND OTHER SERVICES TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. THE SUPPLEMENTAL CHARGE FOR EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO PROVIDE THE SERVICE, WHILE THE HIGH SCHOOL MAY NEED TO CONTINUE THE SAME LEVEL OF SERVICES FOR OTHER STUDENTS.
  • THE IMPACT ON STUDENTS FOR TRANSPORTATION, TOOLS, DAILY EXPENSES, AND EDUCATIONAL COSTS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TUITION AND FEES.
  • THE ISSUE OF ACCESS FOR STUDENTS IN RURAL AREAS PARTICULARLY WHERE THE TECHNICAL COLLEGE CAMPUS IS A CONSIDERABLE DISTANCE AWAY FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL. DISTANCE LEARNING NETWORKS CANNOT PROVIDE COMPLETE ACCESS ESPECIALLY WITH REGARD TO VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL "HANDS ON" EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES.
  • THE QUESTIONS OF INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE IN THE TWO SYSTEMS MUST BE ADDRESSED ALONG WITH THE ISSUE OF TUITION PAYMENTS AND TRANSFER OF FUNDING SOURCES.

STATE FUNDING FOR SCHOOL OPERATION COSTS:

  • THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD CLOSELY EXAMINE THE CALL FOR A RETREAT FROM A SUM-SUFFICIENT APPROPRIATION BACK TO A SUM-CERTAIN APPROPRIATION TO COVER 2/3 FUNDING OF LOCAL SCHOOL OPERATION COSTS. SUM-CERTAIN APPROPRIATIONS ARE BASED ON ESTIMATES OF REVENUE THAT ARE EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE FOR PROGRAMS. INSTEAD OF A YEARLY ESTIMATE BY THE DPI, DOA AND THE LEGISLATIVE FISCAL BUREAU, THE BUDGET CALLS FOR THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE TO CALCULATE THE AMOUNT NECESSARY TO MEET THE 2/3 STATE FUNDING COMMITMENT TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS EVERY TWO YEARS.
  • THE SUM-CERTAIN MECHANISM IS LESS FLEXIBLE IF REVENUE ESTIMATES ARE INACCURATE. THERE IS ALSO LITTLE OPPORTUNITY FOR ADJUSTMENTS IF REVENUES IN THE FIRST YEAR OF A BIENNIUM FALL SHORT. THEREFORE, IF THE STATE RETURNS TO A SUM-CERTAIN APPROPRIATION, IT MAY JEOPARDIZE THE 2/3 COMMITMENT AND END UP ONLY REACHING THE GOAL EVERY OTHER YEAR.

FUNDING FOR THE DPI:

  • FUNDING FOR DPI'S OPERATION CONTINUES TO BE WHITTLED DOWN TO LEVELS WHICH WEAKEN ITS STRUCTURE. COMBINED WITH FUNDING CUTS FOR SUPPLIES AND SERVICES, THE BUDGET REQUIRES THE DPI TO SUBMIT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEARLY HALF A MILLION DOLLARS IN CUTS EACH YEAR AS "EFFICIENCY MEASURES." THESE ACTIONS COULD HARDLY BE CHARACTERIZED AS POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT FOR THE AGENCY AND SHOULD BE REVIEWED.

EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND TESTING:

  • THE MAINTENANCE OF STANDARDS AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN PUBLIC EDUCATION IS A GOAL UPON WHICH EVERYONE CAN AGREE. IT IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF A SYSTEM THAT PREPARES STUDENTS FOR EMPLOYMENT, CONTINUING EDUCATION AND PRODUCTIVE LIVES. WEAC SUPPORTS STANDARDS THAT ARE DEVELOPED IN WISCONSIN BY EDUCATORS, PARENTS, BUSINESS LEADERS, AND CITIZENS. WITHOUT THESE ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS, STANDARDS ARE UNLIKELY TO BE ACCEPTED AND ARE UNLIKELY TO HAVE THE DESIRED POSITIVE EFFECT ON STUDENT LEARNING.
  • MANY QUESTIONS COME TO MIND AS WE REVIEW THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSED MODEL STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT. WHAT ARE THE RESPECTIVE ROLES OF THE GOVERNOR AND STATE SUPERINTENDENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE MODEL STANDARDS?
  • ALTHOUGH A STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL IS CONVENED, THE BUDGET WOULD GIVE THE GOVERNOR FINAL APPROVAL OF THE STANDARDS TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER. IN OTHER WORDS THE GOVERNOR HAS THE FINAL WORD.

AGAIN, THANK YOU CO-CHAIRPERSONS BURKE AND JENSEN AND MEMBERS OF THE JOINT FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK WITH YOU TODAY.

Posted April 18, 1997