Evers vetoes bill that would eliminate licensing requirement for school administrators

MADISON, Wis. (Civic Media) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers vetoed a bill that would eliminate licensing requirements for becoming a school district administrator.

Senate Bill 335 created an exemption to the Department of Public Instruction’s licensing requirement.

Evers called the basis for the bill a “non-starter” in his veto message.

“We maintain high standards for education professionals for good reason: Wisconsinites entrust school district administrators with the important responsibilities of leading our local school districts and educating our kids,” Evers said. “I object to allowing any individual who has no license, no education, no training, no experience, no specific skillsets, and virtually no qualifications whatsoever to not only become a school district administrator but to come into everyday contact with kids in our schools.”

Currently, school district administrators are required to hold a DPI license, in addition to teaching or pupil services experience. Administrators also must complete certain educational requirements, with few exceptions.

The bill passed 21-11 in the Senate and 63-35 in the Assembly mostly along party lines, with Republicans in favor.

Lobbyists spent 17 hours fighting the bill. Groups for school administration professionals registered against the bill. Only one organization – the Wisconsin REALTORS Association – registered in favor.

You can read the full veto message here.