Resources
Department of Public Instruction (DPI)
DPI is the state agency that advances public education and libraries in Wisconsin. SWSA utilizes the expertise at DPI to provide information to our members including understanding the impact of budget and policy items and rules promulgated by the DPI per state statute.
Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB)
The LFB is a nonpartisan service agency of the Wisconsin Legislature. The LFB provides information and analysis to the Wisconsin legislature, committees, and individual legislators. SWSA often provides LFB documents and reports to our membership to clarify and or support our positions on legislation.
Department of Administration (DOA)
The DOA helps the governor develop and implement the state budget and to support other state agencies and their programs by offering services such as centralized purchasing and financial management. The SWSA will often refer to documentation and reports prepared by the DOA to provide additional background and information to our members.
Office of School Safety - Department of Justice (OSS-DOJ)
The OSS (DOJ) was established in spring 2018 as the result of a School Safety Bill that was passed by the legislature and Governor Walker that would provide funding ($100M) to help schools make building improvements to keep children safe. The SWSA hosted the interim director and has established a good working relationship with this agency.
Wisconsin Policy Forum (WPF)
This organization “combines the traditions, expertise, and credibility of Wisconsin’s two most respected nonpartisan policy research organizations- the Pubic Policy Forum and the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance.” These two organizations merged on 1/1/2018. The SWSA had strong relationships with both of these organizations and serves on the Education Committee for the Wisconsin Policy Forum. This committee provides guidance and feedback that drives their education research.
Hanover Research
Hanover Research has a high-caliber staff of research, survey experts, analysis, statisticians, and grant professionals. SWSA had a relationship with Hanover in the past where they provided research services to the organization and member districts. At this time, SWSA does not have a paid membership with Hanover, however they still provide opportunities for member districts to participate in webinars on occasion.
Wisconsin School Boards Association (WASB)
The WASB is dedicated to “serving as an advocate for education and students.” The SWSA works closely with the WASB and other education advocates to determine the best opportunities to develop good education policy for children.
Wisconsin Rural Schools Association (WiRSA)
The WiRSA “was formed to help rural school districts address the unique issues that affect rural schools as they seek to achieve the highest quality education for each student.” The SWSA works closely with the WiRSA and other education advocates to determine the best opportunities to develop good education policy for children.
School Administrators Alliance (SAA)
The SAA is a “statewide organization established to provide five associations and public school administrators with government relations services and a unified political voice.” The SWSA works closely with the SAA and other education advocates to determine the best opportunities to develop good education policy for children.