Public Notice of Comment changes to the State Plan under the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V).
Public Notice
Starting in the 2019-2020 school year, Wisconsin utilized the Reserve Funds option in the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), Sec. 112 (c) by setting aside 15% of aid for LEAs to use in another manner. This portion was allocated differently to support the creation and implementation of regionally developed career pathways, known as Regional Career Pathways.
Beginning July 1, 2026, Wisconsin is proposing to discontinue the Reserve Fund option. Consequently, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) will reintegrate the 15% used for the reserve fund option back into the recipients' formula allocations. Wisconsin is transitioning to a statewide approach for career pathways implementation. Therefore, reserve funds will once again be distributed to local school districts through the formula grant.
Wisconsin may reintroduce the Reserve Fund option for targeted needs in future years. Any future use of the Reserve funds option would be a data-based decision by DPI.
Pursuant to Sec. 122 (a)(4) each eligible agency shall make the State plan publicly available for public comment for a period of not less than 30 days. Public comments will be collected December 1-30, 2025.
Perkins V State Plan 2026 revision
Public Comment: Perkins V State Plan 2026 revision – Fill out form
Options for Public Comment
Written Comments: Public comments on the information described above may be submitted by using the WDPI’s form available at public comment form. Written comments should be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, to receive consideration.
Virtual Comments: Public comments will be accepted virtually on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Register here.
In-Person Comments: Public comments will be accepted in person on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Tommy G. Thompson Center, Room 121, 201 W. Washington Ave., Madison WI, 53703.