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Board hears legislative briefing: Governor signs school cell‑phone law; DPI lunch funds and retiree‑rehire bill urged
Summary
District staff told the Stoughton Area School District Board on Nov. 3 that Gov. Tony Evers signed AB2 into law as the 2025 Wisconsin Act 42, which restricts personal device use during instructional time and requires school boards to adopt policies with listed exceptions.
District staff briefed the Stoughton Area School District Board on Nov. 3 about recent state legislative action and department guidance affecting schools.
The presenter said Gov. Tony Evers signed AB2 into law as 2025 Wisconsin Act 42, described in the briefing as a "cell phone act" that generally restricts cell phones and personal device usage during instructional time and requires school boards to adopt policies. The presenter listed several exceptions cited in the law, including perceived emergencies, healthcare needs, individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plans, and instances where a teacher deems a device necessary for instruction. The district already maintains a personal communication devices policy, PO 5136, last revised in January 2023.
The presenter also noted that the governor vetoed AB5, which would have required school boards to make curriculum textbooks and instructional materials available for inspection within two weeks of a district resident’s request; the governor described the bill as an unfunded mandate duplicating existing federal requirements.
On staffing, district staff relayed WASB’s request for board members and the public to contact state legislators in support of AB196 and SB170, bills that would allow retired staff to return to work without forfeiting pensions. The presenter said the retiree‑rehire legislation had bipartisan support but remained held up in legislative committees and that action in both chambers is required for it to become law.
On school meals and federal funding, the presenter said the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has funding available to reimburse October meal claims in November and expects additional federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as released. The presenter warned that SNAP payments may be delayed if a federal shutdown continues, but students eligible for free meals through FoodShare would remain eligible. The presenter added that DPI plans to release school and district report cards on Nov. 11; public versions will include privacy redactions.
Board members asked procedural questions about where the retiree bills were stalled and whether small committee or leadership rooms were holding action; staff replied that one bill had passed committee in one chamber while the other remained in committee, and that the board should call legislators in both the assembly and senate.
What’s next: The board was asked to contact Representative Randy Udell and the district’s state senator (name not fully specified in the minutes) in support of the retiree‑rehire bills; staff said they will circulate additional materials as available.
