Deal struck on virtual schools

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A new deal has been made to keep Wisconsin’s online public schools open. This time the governor’s on board.

Assembly Education Committee chairman Brett Davis of Oregon says his house will vote on the compromise today (Tuesday).

The compromise would limit enrollment at 5,250, not including siblings of current students who are guaranteed the chance to enroll.

Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle had put a monkey wrench into an earlier agreement by demanding that the present enrollment of 3,500 be frozen for two years.

He also demanded an audit of the state’s 12 virtual schools, which Republican Assembly leaders had agreed to earlier.

Senate Education chairman John Lehman, D-Racine, says leaders of both houses support the compromise as does the governor. They’ve had negotiations over the last week.

Lawmakers have wrestled with the issue since an appeals court ruled that state funding should not be used for those public online schools.

Supporters urged lawmakers to keep them open. They say they’re vital for parents who want their kids learning at home and for students who don’t do well in traditional schools.

Tags: wisconsin_news, virtualschools, compromise