Educating today’s youth is important for the future. The state of Wisconsin has taken steps to aid in educating youth by establishing three different parental choice programs. Private school choice programs allow students who would otherwise be required to attend public school an opportunity to attend a private school. These programs consist of the participating private schools receiving vouchers for eligible students. These vouchers pay for some or all of the tuition required to attend these schools.
Programs in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, there are three school choice programs: the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, the Racine Parental Choice Program, and the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program. The Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP) only applies to children that reside in the City of Milwaukee. The Racine Parental Choice Program (RPCP) only applies to children that reside in the City of Racine. Lastly, the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) only applies to children that reside in the State of Wisconsin but do not reside in the cities of Milwaukee or Racine.
To qualify for these programs, the schools must comply with complex and demanding rules, regulations, and deadlines. A myriad of periodic reports must be filed with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). The DPI then uses these reports to assess whether these schools continually meet the requirements to stay in the program. Throughout the year, schools have four major reports due to the DPI. These reports generally include three procedural reports and one financial audit report. The schools hire independent auditors to assist them in filing these reports.
It is important to make sure that both the school and auditors are meeting the State of Wisconsin and DPI guidelines and regulations when providing the required forms. If the forms are not completed fully, timely, and truthfully, the DPI will not have the information they need to continue to certify the school. This could mean payments are withheld or suspended and the school may even lose their status within the program.
How we can assist with parental choice programs
McDonald & Kloth, LLC represents schools involved in these programs with respect to various issues including, but not limited to, compliance, employment, contract, and payment. We also represent schools where the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) seeks to suspend or withhold payment or bar the school’s officers from participating in these programs. Lastly, our firm represents schools in litigation involving errors committed by the private auditor as well as lawsuits brought against or by 3rd parties such as vendors, suppliers, and contractors. If you are looking for an experienced corporate & business attorney that has dealt with these private school choice programs, contact McDonald & Kloth, LLC today.