Left, State Senator Julie Lassa of Stevens Point. (stock photo)

By Donnelly Clare

Stevens Point Senator Julie Lassa made her views on a recent decision affecting Skyward part of state record.

Lassa was recognized to speak in session after Wednesday’s mining bill vote over a recent decision by the Department of Administration and Department of Public Instruction over opting for a single- vendor option for student information systems in the state.

While Stevens Point- based Skyward currently serves over half the school districts in the state, the entire state must now chose one company to work with. Minnesota- based Infinite Campus was chosen over Skyward and several other companies, but that decision has been challenged by Skyward, which alleges the selection process was tainted.

Skyward remains the SIS vendor locally and for 400 other districts while the challenge is investigated.

During her speech, Lassa also blasted her colleagues in the senate, saying they were “picking winners and losers” in job creation.

“We’ve chosen today to make a winner out of a West Virginia coal mining company, when at the same time, we have a Wisconsin company who’s ready and willing to create 600 good paying, family supporting jobs within the next ten years in our state, and we’re closing the door on them, and I think it’s shameful.” Lassa said.

“You talk about bringing jobs to the State of Wisconsin and welcoming in this company from West Virginia, you have forgotten about the businesses that made Wisconsin strong.”