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
03/23/2026
03/23/2026
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, a newly consolidated school district is eligible for consolidation aid for seven school years beginning in the school year in which the consolidation takes effect. Currently, in each of the first five years following a consolidation, the Department of Public Instruction must pay the consolidated school district $150 per pupil enrolled in the school district. In the sixth year after consolidation, DPI must pay the consolidated school district an amount equal to 50 percent of what the school district received in the fifth year, and in the seventh year, DPI must pay the consolidated school district an amount equal to 25 percent of what the school district received in the fifth year. Under current law, consolidation aid is funded by a sum sufficient appropriation. For a school district consolidation that takes effect in 2026, 2027, or 2028, this bill increases the aid for the school year in which the consolidation takes effect to $2,000 per pupil enrolled in the consolidated school district. Under the bill, the consolidation aid amounts in the subsequent six school years following the consolidation remain the same as under current law. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill modifies state aid for school district consolidations, specifically targeting consolidations occurring in 2026, 2027, or 2028. Currently, newly consolidated school districts receive $150 per pupil in state aid for the first five years after consolidation, with reduced aid in the sixth and seventh years. Under this bill, for consolidations in the specified years, the state will provide $2,000 per pupil in the first year of consolidation, followed by the standard $150 per pupil in each of the next four years. The bill amends two sections of Wisconsin statutes (117.08 and 117.09) to implement this change, which is designed to provide a more substantial financial incentive for school districts to consolidate during those specific years. The increased first-year aid is likely intended to offset the potential costs and challenges associated with merging school districts, such as administrative restructuring, facility changes, and potential staffing adjustments. The bill maintains the existing aid structure for consolidations outside of the 2026-2028 period, ensuring that the enhanced funding is a time-limited incentive.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (10)
David Armstrong (R)*,
Cindi Duchow (R)*,
Nate Gustafson (R)*,
Joel Kitchens (R)*,
Dave Murphy (R)*,
Amanda Nedweski (R)*,
Jerry O'Connor (R)*,
David Steffen (R)*,
Shannon Zimmerman (R)*,
Romaine Quinn (R),
Last Action
Failed to concur in pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 (on 03/23/2026)
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/ab644 |
| Fiscal Note - AB644: Fiscal Estimate From DPI | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/ab644/ab644_dpi.pdf |
| Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/AB644-ASA1.pdf |
| Analysis - LC Amendment Memo | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/lcamendmentmemos/2025/REG/AB644.pdf |
| Assembly Amendment 1 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/AB644-AA1.pdf |
| AB644 ROCP for Committee on Education | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/assembly/education/1953829.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB644.pdf |
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