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Board hears legislative update on potential statewide cell-phone rules, teacher certification changes and property-tax transparency
Summary
Board member Scott reported on a recent meeting with state legislators about a proposed statewide approach to student cell-phone use, possible new pathways for teacher certification and efforts to make property-tax bills show funding to voucher schools.
At the Plymouth Joint School District board meeting, board member Scott reported on a recent Sheboygan-area meeting with state legislators that covered several education issues that could affect local districts.
Scott said two legislators in attendance — Lindy Brill and Rep. Joe Sheehan — discussed a bill concerning student use of cell phones in schools. Scott told the board that while about 90% of districts already have some form of a cell-phone policy, the bill under consideration could create a more specific statewide requirement. "The iteration that may end up being passed might not be what's currently sitting on the table as well. So it's more of a wait and see approach," Scott said. He added that the measure could require phones to be stored during school hours or otherwise restrict use between first and last bell.
Scott also reported that Rep. Sheehan discussed potential changes to teacher certification rules, including increased flexibility to certify teachers through student-teaching experiences and use of summer-school work to expand certification pathways. Scott framed those proposals as responses to the state's teacher-shortage challenges.
On school funding, Scott said legislators discussed whether state aid rules could be changed so that funding "follows" students who transfer between districts after the third-Friday pupil count; under current practice he said the money does not follow students who transfer after that count. He also described local discussion about property-tax transparency and said Rep. Sheehan is working with the mayor of Sheboygan on itemizing voucher-school funding on property tax bills so taxpayers can see how much is going to voucher schools.
Scott summarized the meeting's tone on state funding: "That's the reality though. You know, there's no getting around it. They said, nope. Yep. It it is shifted," reflecting that, in his view, the current state budget shifts more responsibility to local levies and taxpayers.
Board members asked for additional details about the cell-phone bill and were told specifics are not yet finalized. The board did not take formal action on any of these items; Scott said the district will monitor developments and adjust district policies as needed to remain compliant if a state requirement is enacted.
Why it matters Changes to state law on cell-phone rules or certification pathways would affect district policy and staffing options. Any alteration to how state aid follows transferring students or how voucher funding appears on tax bills would affect local levy decisions and taxpayer communications.
