summary
Introduced
11/10/2025
11/10/2025
In Committee
11/20/2025
11/20/2025
Crossed Over
11/19/2025
11/19/2025
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the Department of Public Instruction to award a contract to an entity to conduct a study of school districts in this state that covers topics such as school district boundaries, potential school district consolidations, existing school district facilities, staffing levels and salary scales, the population of school-age children in each school district, and revenue limits and current overall spending. Under the bill, the entity that conducts the study must submit a report to DPI on its findings that includes 1) recommendations for changes to school district boundaries; 2) the conditions of existing school district facilities in each school district in this state; 3) the current population of school-age children in each school district and a 10-year projection of the same; and 4) recommendations for school district consolidations that promote efficiency and are geographically feasible and economically viable. Additionally, for each school district consolidation recommended in the report, the entity must include various information, including the estimated enrollment of the school district, the cities, village, and towns located within the school district, and the location of and grade levels served by each existing school building located in the school district. DPI must submit the report to the legislature. Finally, the bill requires DPI to submit a request to JCF for supplemental funding to accomplish the duties described above. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill requires the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to contract with an external entity to conduct a comprehensive study of school districts in the state. The study must examine various aspects of school districts, including their geographical boundaries, potential consolidation opportunities, existing facilities, staffing levels, student population, financial resources, and transportation systems. By the 10th month after the bill's effective date, the contracted entity must submit a detailed report to DPI that includes recommendations for improving school district boundaries, assessing the condition of school facilities, analyzing current and projected school-age population in each district, and proposing school district consolidations that are efficient, geographically feasible, and economically viable. For each proposed consolidation, the report must provide specific details such as estimated student enrollment, municipal boundaries, school building locations, grade levels, and property values. DPI is then required to submit this report to the Joint Committee on Finance and appropriate legislative committees. Additionally, the bill mandates that DPI request supplemental funding from the Joint Committee on Finance by July 1, 2026, to cover the costs of conducting this comprehensive school district study.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (12)
David Armstrong (R)*,
Cindi Duchow (R)*,
Nate Gustafson (R)*,
Joel Kitchens (R)*,
Scott Krug (R)*,
Clint Moses (R)*,
Dave Murphy (R)*,
Amanda Nedweski (R)*,
Jerry O'Connor (R)*,
William Penterman (R)*,
Shannon Zimmerman (R)*,
Romaine Quinn (R),
Last Action
Read first time and referred to committee on Education (on 11/20/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab646 |
| Fiscal Note - AB646: Fiscal Estimate From DPI | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/ab646/ab646_dpi.pdf |
| AB646 ROCP for Committee on Education | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/assembly/education/1953831.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB646.pdf |
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