NEW OPEN ENROLLMENT LAWS

Race-Based Nicknames, Logos, Mascots and Team Names 2009 Wisconsin Act 250

OE Student May Not File Complaint  A pupil attending a nonresident school district under open enrollment may not file a complaint against that district’s use of a race-based nickname, logo, mascot or team name.

Preference and Guarantees for Students Applying from K-8 to UHS 2009 Wisconsin Act 303

Old Law  Since K-8 and UHS districts are separate districts:  A pupil who was attending a K-8 district was not eligible for either preferences or guarantees when that pupil applied to the overlying UHS district.

Act 303  A K-8 student who applies to the overlying UHS district:  May be included in the count of occupied spaces in the UHS district.  Must be granted preference to available spaces.  May be approved even if space is not otherwise available.

Habitual truancy of open enrolled students 2009 Wisconsin Act 304

OE May Be Terminated  If an open enrolled pupil becomes habitually truant,  The nonresident district may prohibit the pupil from attending the nonresident district in the succeeding semester or school year.  Parent may file appeal.

OE May Be Denied  If an applicant to a school district was habitually truant from that district during any semester of attendance during the current or previous school year,  The district may deny the open enrollment.  Does not apply if the student was habitually truant from any district other than the nonresident district to which the student has applied.

Open Enrollment Resources Web site: Open Enrollment List serve: Receive information and announcements Printed information rarely used To sign up, send to:

DPI Open Enrollment Staff Mary Jo Cleaver, Open Enrollment Consultant or toll-free or Merry Larsen, Open Enrollment Consultant or toll-free or Robert Soldner, Director, School Management Services Joan Thompson, Office Operations Associate