Governor Evers signed a number of new bills into law that are relevant to Wisconsin schools, including a law that requires the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to create a guidebook related to dyslexia, and another which provides school boards with additional flexibility in how school board members may be notified of special school board meetings.

2019 Wisconsin Act 86, the “Dyslexia Bill,” requires the DPI to establish an advisory committee that will create a guidebook related to dyslexia and related conditions for parents, guardians, teachers, and school administrators.  The guidebook will include: (1) a description of screening processes and tools available to identify dyslexia and related conditions; (2) a description of interventions and instructional strategies that have been shown to improve academic performance of students with dyslexia and related conditions; and (3) a description of resources and services related to dyslexia and related conditions that are available to students. Once the guidebook is finalized and published on the DPI website, school districts are required to provide a link to the guidebook on their websites.  We will monitor developments in this regard and keep you updated.

Additionally, 2019 Act 96 amends Wisconsin Statute Section 120.11(2)—the section of the statutes which requires notice of special school board meetings to be provided to school board members at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting (with certain exceptions).  The law formerly required written notice of a special school board meeting to be delivered to each school board member by: (1) personal delivery; (2) leaving the notice at the usual place of abode of the school board member; or (3) by 1st class mail to the usual place of abode of the school board member.   As amended, the law now requires notice to be delivered “in a manner likely to give the school board member notice of the meeting,” leaving open the possibility of notification by e-mail, text message, or verbally over the phone or in-person.  This change in the law does not affect requirements for notifying the public of school board meetings.

If you have questions about this legal update or would like assistance reviewing or drafting procedures, please contact Alana Leffler at aleffler@buelowvetter.com or 262-364-0267, or your Buelow Vetter attorney.