Superintendent reports state-level education proposals under discussion, including civics course proposal

Superintendent Scott Seyer told the Plymouth Joint School District Board of Education that he and area superintendents met with legislators to review education priorities and proposed bills in the state Legislature.

“We met the area superintendents along with our legislators in Sheboygan yesterday morning,” Seyer said. He identified Joe Sheehan and Devin LeMahieu as attendees and described a range of conversations about state assessments and accountability measures. Seyer said Education Committee members have produced six proposed bills that address topics such as the state assessment, the state report card and college-and-career-readiness measures.

Seyer said legislators are discussing whether a civics course should be required for graduation rather than only a civics test. “Right now our high school students have to take a civics test in order to graduate. That’s a requirement. They’re kicking around the idea in the form of a bill to have a required civics course, not just civics test,” he said.

Seyer also noted the governor’s budget address that evening would begin the formal budget season and that court decisions expected this spring may affect budget projections and timing. He said workforce development committee activity was just beginning, while education committee work had been active and could produce bills the Assembly may consider imminently.

Seyer said superintendents continue to press legislators on special education funding and childcare supports. He told the board federal funding is not a large share of district revenue and that state aid and local taxes make up the larger portion of district funding.

Ending: Seyer asked the board to stay tuned for bill language and budget implications as the legislative process and governor’s budget rollout continue.