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Board renews SWSA membership as staff outlines state budget impacts
Summary
Pewaukee board approved renewing Southeast Wisconsin Schools Alliance membership at $3,700 and heard a legislative update explaining joint finance recommendations including a $325 revenue‑limit increase and modest special‑education changes.
The board voted to renew membership in the Southeast Wisconsin Schools Alliance (SWSA) for the 2025–26 school year at a cost of $3,700 after staff described the organization’s advocacy role and benefits.
Staff said SWSA employs a lobbyist and an executive director (Kathy Hohlig) and includes superintendents, board members and business managers from member districts, giving members coordinated advocacy at the state capitol and support for events such as Day at the Capitol. One board member said the membership dues are a worthwhile investment for the advocacy and coordination SWSA provides.
During the same agenda discussion staff provided a legislative update: the joint finance committee had advanced a budget recommendation that included an annual $325 revenue‑limit increase (to be borne by local property taxes in the committee’s recommendation), a modest increase in special‑education funding described as a 'sum certain' and some increases in high‑cost special‑education reimbursement. Staff explained that open‑enrollment funding increases in the proposal could yield roughly $1,600 per open‑enrolled pupil for Pewaukee, but noted uncertainty until the legislature and governor finalize their bills.
The board moved and approved the SWSA membership renewal after discussion about advocacy value and the evolving state budget process.
