October 14, 2025

Release of Certified General Aid on October 15
 

Tomorrow, Oct. 15, 2025, in accordance with state statute, the Department of Public Instruction will release the certified general aid amounts for the 2025-26 school year. This certification reflects the final state aid each district will receive and supersedes the preliminary estimates issued on July 1, 2025.

A DPI news release will be published in the morning, and the certified aid data will be available here on the DPI’s website.

The October 15 certification is based on data from the prior school year, including student enrollment and year-end financial reports.

Federal Focus: Potential USDE Staffing Reductions

On Friday, October 10, the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced a potential layoff of approximately 466 employees at the U.S. Department of Education. Preliminary information indicates that the reductions may affect key offices, including:

• The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)
• The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
• TRIO programs (pre-college access initiatives

At this time, there is no impact on Wisconsin’s federal funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or TRIO programs.

The DPI remains committed to ensuring all students continue to receive the support and services they need through their local school districts. We will continue to keep you updated when more information is available.

Input Requested: American Indian Studies Surveys (Wisconsin Act 31)
 

To better support school districts in meeting American Indian Studies (Wisconsin Act 31) requirements, the DPI — along with tribal partners — is conducting two short surveys to gather input on current practices and needs related to American Indian Studies instruction. We hope to learn how to best provide information, training, technical assistance, and support.

Web links will be emailed to you directly from The Survey Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls when each of the surveys open. Participation is voluntary and anonymous, but your feedback is essential to shaping future training, resources, and support.

• Administrator Survey: This survey opens Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, and closes on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. It is specifically directed to superintendents, principals, curriculum leads and library/media specialists.
• Teacher Survey: This survey opens Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, and will remain open through Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. It is specifically directed to 4K-5 teachers and 6-12 content teachers (e.g. social studies, English language arts, etc.). We ask that you please forward the link to this survey when it is sent to appropriate staff so we can get their feedback.

If you have any questions, please contact DPI Education Consultant (American Indian Studies) David O’Connor either via email at david.oconnor@dpi.wi.gov or via phone at 608-267-2283. You can also contact DPI Policy Initiatives Advisors Yesenia Saavedra yesenia.saavedra@dpi.wi.gov and Laura Adams laura.adams@dpi.wi.gov with any additional questions or feedback.

ECCP Reimbursement Update for FY25
 

The DPI has received Early College Credit Program (ECCP) reimbursement claims for the 2024-25 school year from 230 school districts, independent charter high schools, and private high schools. The total amount of eligible reimbursement claims submitted was $562,416.60.

As this amount exceeds the ECCP funding appropriation for FY25 ($478,500), reimbursements will be prorated. Schools and districts can expect to receive approximately 85% of their eligible reimbursement amount.

Payments will be distributed electronically in late October. You can verify when funds have been deposited into your school or district’s ACH account by checking the Aids Register.

If you have any questions, please contact DPI’s Dual Enrollment Consultant Karin Smith at Karin.Smith@dpi.wi.gov.