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August 1, 2025

Friday, August 1, 2025
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Update: Title Funding for 2025 Unfrozen, DPI Reviewing Language​


District administrators,

I want to share an important update regarding the status of 2025 Title funding from the U.S. Department of Education.

Late last week, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction was notified by the USDE that it would be unfreezing all previously withheld Title funds. This includes nearly $72 million in federal funding to Wisconsin schools that support critical education programs in all areas of our state.

As of today, August 1, the DPI has received official Grant Award Notifications (GANs) for the following Title programs:

  • Title I-C: Migrant education
  • Title II-A: Supporting Effective Instruction
  • Title III-A: English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement
  • Title IV-A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment
  • Title IV-B: Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers

While this is a promising development, the DPI is currently conducting a careful review of the language within each GAN to fully understand the terms and conditions before releasing funds to local education agencies. At the same time, there is still litigation pending on USDE's actions related to federal funding and policy conditions on those funds. You can find more information on this litigation in the July 14 EdLeaders Dispatch.

We are approaching this process with caution to make sure we articulate any policy shifts included that may impact your service to students and your communities.

We will continue to keep you updated as we learn more and move forward. Thank you for your patience and for your ongoing leadership and support.

Tom McCarthy
Deputy State Superintendent

Summary of Changes in 2025 Act 15 (2025-27 Biennial Budget)


The 2025-27 state biennial budget bill was signed into law by Governor Tony Evers on July 3, 2025, as 2025 WI Act 15.

Follow this link for a summary of the key education-related provisions that were enacted as part of the state budget.

Note that a listing of K-12 budget provisions vetoed by the Governor is attached as Appendix 1 at the end of the summary.

For questions or additional information about the 2023-25 State Budget, please contact Erin Fath, Director, Policy, Budget, and Research Team (DPI), at Erin.Fath@dpi.wi.gov.

2025-26 Robotics League Participation Grant Application


The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is pleased to announce that the 2025-26 application for the robotics league participation grant has opened. Eligible teams may apply for a grant award of up to $6,000. If requests from approved applications exceed the amount of funding, the department will prorate the amount awarded to each applicant. Grant applications are due October 1, 2025.

An “eligible team” consists of pupils in grades 6 through 12 that have at least one mentor. One application may be submitted per eligible team.

To qualify for the grant, the team must participate in one or more robotics competitions during the 2025-26 season (July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026). Allowable expenses include required fees, kits, supplies and travel expenses to compete, and a stipend for the mentor.

To receive the awarded grant funds, the team must submit orders, invoices, and receipts with a business ledger detailing when the allowable expenses were paid along with matching expenses. With matching requirements, total expenses submitted should be equal to or greater than the grant funds requested.

For more information about this grant opportunity please see the robotics website.

Save the Date! 2025 State of Education Address


Mark your calendars for September 18 at Noon!

State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly will deliver the 2025 State of Education Address at the Wisconsin State Capitol.