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MADISON — Citing an alarming lack of clarity, failure to follow federal procedures, and a direct threat to local control of Wisconsin’s schools, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction today announced it will not be signing or submitting a recent certification request issued by the U.S. Department of Education related to Title VI compliance.
“We will always do what is best for kids,” State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said. “Wisconsin’s schools are already following the law, and we’ve put that into writing to the USDE. We believe in local control in Wisconsin and trusting our local leaders – superintendents, principals, educators – who work together with parents and families every day to support students. They know their communities best. Washington, D.C. should not dictate how schools educate their kids.”
In its final letter on the certification request today, the DPI reaffirmed Wisconsin schools’ compliance with federal law and enclosed previously signed assurances from the state’s 460 local education agencies. These assurances are a routine part of the federal grant process. The latest communication comes after the DPI sent a letter April 9 asking the USDE for clarification on both the intent and legality of its request. Despite repeated requests, the DPI has received no response from the USDE. In addition, the process of imposing new grant conditions requires notice and rulemaking procedures, and new data collection efforts requires compliance with federal law – something that did not happen.
“Wisconsin families and school communities deserve clarity, not confusion, from Washington,” Dr. Underly said. “Without a clear process and rules, this newly designed certification is a path for the federal government to directly control the decisions in our schools by conditioning federal dollars. This is a serious concern – not just for the DPI, but for anyone who believes in lawful, transparent government.”
Additional information on federal funding as it relates to Wisconsin’s schools and libraries can be found on the DPI’s Tracking Federal Funding webpage.
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Contact: Media.Inquiries@dpi.wi.gov
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