State Repubs Resolve to Support Skyward
By Donnelly Clare
Skyward is getting some much- needed support from Republican delegates.
During the GOP Convention in Wausau Saturday, delegates unanimously voted to support a multi-vendor system, which would keep Skyward in the running for the state’s student information system contract. Skyward has been battling the state since February, when a single- vendor system enacted by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) gave the state’s business to a Minnesota- based company which proposed a lower price for the service. County and city leaders have since decried to selection process, claiming it was skewed. The GOP said this resolution would force even more attention on the matter.
“Under our rules, upon passage of resolutions, they are then sent to all our Republican elected officials, including the governor,” said Patrick Testin, Chairman for the Portage County GOP.
“I’m not sure how much weight this will have in swaying anyone, but I hope it opens up discussion in the appeals process and other legislative alternatives such as AB 60/ SB54, new legislation, and more importantly Rep, Krug’s budget amendment,” Testin said.
State Democrats Katrina Shankland and Amy Sue Vruwink have been co-authored a bill which would made a multi- vendor bill law in the state, which would give school districts at least two choices when deciding on a vendor for student software. That bill comes to the floor this week.