Chapter 115

115.997(11) (11) Article XI — Organization and operation of the interstate commission.

115.997(11)(a) (a) The interstate commission shall, by a majority of the members present and voting, within 12 months after the first interstate commission meeting, adopt bylaws to govern its conduct as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the compact, including all of the following:

115.997(11)(a)1. 1. Establishing the fiscal year of the interstate commission.

115.997(11)(a)2. 2. Establishing an executive committee, and such other committees as may be necessary.

115.997(11)(a)3. 3. Providing for the establishment of committees and for governing any general or specific delegation of authority or function of the interstate commission.

115.997(11)(a)4. 4. Providing reasonable procedures for calling and conducting meetings of the interstate commission, and ensuring reasonable notice of each such meeting.

115.997(11)(a)5. 5. Establishing the titles and responsibilities of the officers and staff of the interstate commission.

115.997(11)(a)6. 6. Providing a mechanism for concluding the operations of the interstate commission and the return of surplus funds that may exist upon the termination of the compact after the payment and reserving of all of its debts and obligations.

115.997(11)(a)7. 7. Providing start-up rules for initial administration of the compact.

115.997(11)(b) (b) The interstate commission shall, by a majority of the members, elect annually from among its members a chairperson, a vice chairperson, and a treasurer, each of whom shall have the authority and duties specified in the bylaws. The chairperson or, in the chairperson’s absence or disability, the vice chairperson, shall preside at all meetings of the interstate commission. The officers so elected shall serve without compensation or remuneration from the interstate commission. Subject to the availability of budgeted funds, the officers shall be reimbursed for ordinary and necessary costs and expenses incurred by them in the performance of their responsibilities as officers of the interstate commission.

115.997(11)(c) (c) Executive Committee, Officers and Personnel.

115.997(11)(c)1. 1. The executive committee shall have the authority and duties set forth in the bylaws, including all of the following:

115.997(11)(c)1.a. a. Managing the affairs of the interstate commission in a manner consistent with the bylaws and purposes of the interstate commission.

115.997(11)(c)1.b. b. Overseeing an organizational structure within, and appropriate procedures for, the interstate commission to provide for the creation of rules, operating procedures, and administrative and technical support functions.

115.997(11)(c)1.c. c. Planning, implementing, and coordinating communications and activities with other state, federal, and local governmental organizations in order to advance the goals of the interstate commission.

115.997(11)(c)2. 2. The executive committee may, subject to the approval of the interstate commission, appoint or retain an executive director for such period, upon such terms and conditions, and for such compensation, as the interstate commission may deem appropriate. The executive director shall serve as secretary to the interstate commission, but shall not be a member of the interstate commission. The executive director shall hire and supervise such other persons as may be authorized by the interstate commission.

115.997(11)(d) (d)

115.997(11)(d)1. 1. The interstate commission’s executive director and its employees are immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for a claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused or arising out of or relating to an actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred, or that such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred, within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, except that the executive director and the employees of the interstate commission shall not be protected under this subdivision from suit or liability for damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of that executive director or employee.

115.997(11)(d)2. 2. The liability of the interstate commission’s executive director and employees or interstate commission representatives, acting within the scope of such person’s employment or duties for acts, errors, or omissions occurring within such person’s state may not exceed the limits of liability set forth under the constitution and laws of that state for state officials, employees, and agents. The interstate commission is considered to be an instrumentality of the states for the purposes of any such action. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to protect such person from suit or liability for damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of such person.

115.997(11)(d)3. 3. The interstate commission shall defend the executive director and its employees and, subject to the approval of the attorney general or other appropriate legal counsel of the member state represented by an interstate commission representative, shall defend such interstate commission representative in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of an actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that the defendant had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of such person.

115.997(11)(d)4. 4. To the extent not covered by the state involved, member state, or the interstate commission, the representatives or employees of the interstate commission shall be held harmless in the amount of a settlement or judgment, including attorney’s fees and costs, obtained against such persons arising out of an actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that such persons had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of such persons.

115.997(12) (12) Article XII — Rule-making functions of the interstate commission.

115.997(12)(a) (a) Rule-making authority. The interstate commission shall promulgate reasonable rules in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the purposes of this compact. If the interstate commission exercises its rule-making authority in a manner that is beyond the scope of the purposes of this compact, or the powers granted under this compact, then such an action by the interstate commission shall be invalid and have no force or effect.

115.997(12)(b) (b) Rule-making procedure; effect of rules. Rules shall be promulgated pursuant to a rule-making process that substantially conforms to the Model State Administrative Procedure Act, as amended, as may be appropriate to the operations of the interstate commission. A rule has the force and effect of statutory law in a member state if approved by the legislature of the member state or the state superintendent of education of the member state.

115.997(12)(c) (c) Not later than 30 days after a rule is promulgated, any person may file a petition for judicial review of the rule. The filing of such a petition does not stay or otherwise prevent the rule from becoming effective unless the court finds that the petitioner has a substantial likelihood of success. The court shall give deference to the actions of the interstate commission consistent with applicable law and shall not find the rule to be unlawful if the rule represents a reasonable exercise of the interstate commission’s authority.

115.997(12)(d) (d) If a majority of the legislatures of the member states rejects a rule by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the compact, then such rule shall have no further force and effect in any member state.

115.997(13) (13) Article XIII — Oversight, enforcement, and dispute resolution.

115.997(13)(a) (a) Oversight.

115.997(13)(a)1. 1. The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government in each member state shall enforce this compact and shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the compact’s purposes and intent.

115.997(13)(a)2. 2. All courts shall take judicial notice of the compact and the rules in any judicial or administrative proceeding in a member state pertaining to the subject matter of this compact that may affect the powers, responsibilities, or actions of the interstate commission.

115.997(13)(a)3. 3. The interstate commission is entitled to receive all service of process in any proceeding under subd. 2., and has standing to intervene in the proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide service of process to the interstate commission renders a judgment or order void as to the interstate commission, this compact, or promulgated rules.

115.997(13)(b) (b) Default, technical assistance, suspension, and termination. If the interstate commission determines that a local education agency in a member state has defaulted in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under this compact, or the bylaws or promulgated rules, the interstate commission shall do all of the following:

115.997(13)(b)1. 1. Provide written notice to the member state and other member states of the nature of the default, the means of curing the default, and any action taken by the interstate commission. The interstate commission shall specify the conditions by which the member state must cure the default of the local education agency.

115.997(13)(b)2. 2. Provide remedial training and specific technical assistance regarding the default.

115.997(13)(b)3. 3. If the member state fails to cure the default of the local education agency, the member state shall be terminated from the compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the member states, and all rights, privileges, and benefits conferred by this compact shall be terminated from the effective date of termination. A cure of the default does not relieve the state of obligations or liabilities incurred during the period of the default.

115.997(13)(b)4. 4. Suspension or termination of membership in the compact shall be imposed only after all other means of securing compliance have been exhausted. Notice of intent to suspend or terminate shall be given by the interstate commission to the governor, the majority and minority leaders of the state’s legislature, and each of the member states.

115.997(13)(b)5. 5. A state that has been suspended or terminated is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of suspension or termination, including obligations the performance of which extends beyond the effective date of suspension or termination.

115.997(13)(b)6. 6. The interstate commission shall not bear any costs relating to any member state in which a local education agency has been found to be in default or that has been suspended or terminated from the compact, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon in writing between the interstate commission and the member state.

115.997(13)(b)7. 7. The state may appeal the action of the interstate commission by petitioning the U.S. district court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the interstate commission has its principal offices. The prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation including reasonable attorney’s fees.

115.997(13)(c) (c) Dispute Resolution.

115.997(13)(c)1. 1. The interstate commission shall attempt, upon the request of a member state, to resolve disputes that are subject to the compact and that may arise among member states and between member and nonmember states.

115.997(13)(c)2. 2. The interstate commission shall promulgate a rule providing for mediation for disputes as appropriate.

115.997(14) (14) Article XIV — Financing of the interstate commission.

115.997(14)(a) (a) The interstate commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of, the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities.

115.997(14)(b) (b) The interstate commission may levy on and collect from each member state an annual assessment to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the interstate commission and its staff. The aggregate annual assessment must be sufficient to cover the interstate commission’s annual budget as approved each year. Subject to s. 115.28 (58), the aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated among member states based upon a formula to be determined by the interstate commission, which shall promulgate a rule binding upon all member states.

115.997(14)(c) (c) The interstate commission shall not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same, nor pledge the credit of any of the member states except by and with the authority of the member state.

115.997(14)(d) (d) The interstate commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the interstate commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the interstate commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the interstate commission.

115.997(15) (15) Article XV — Member states, effective date and amendment.

115.997(15)(a) (a) Any state is eligible to become a member state.

115.997(15)(b) (b) The compact shall become effective and binding upon legislative enactment of the compact into law by no less than 10 states. Thereafter, it shall become effective and binding as to any other state upon enactment of the compact into law by that state. The governor of a nonmember state or his or her designee shall be invited to participate in the activities of the interstate commission on a nonvoting basis prior to adoption of the compact by all states.

115.997(15)(c) (c) The interstate commission may propose amendments to the compact for enactment by the member states. No amendment shall become effective and binding upon the interstate commission and the member states unless and until it is enacted into law by unanimous consent of the member states.

115.997(16) (16) Article XVI — Withdrawal and dissolution.

115.997(16)(a) (a) Withdrawal.

115.997(16)(a)1. 1. Once effective, the compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon each and every member state, provided that a member state may withdraw from the compact by enacting a law repealing the compact or by enacting a law withdrawing from the compact.

115.997(16)(a)2. 2. A withdrawing state shall immediately notify the chairperson of the interstate commission in writing upon the enactment of legislation in the withdrawing state that repeals this compact or withdraws from this compact. The interstate commission shall notify the other member states within 60 days of its receipt thereof.

115.997(16)(a)3. 3. A withdrawing state is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of withdrawal, including obligations the performance of which extends beyond the effective date of withdrawal.

115.997(16)(a)4. 4. Reinstatement following withdrawal of a member state shall occur upon the withdrawing state reenacting the compact or upon such later date as determined by the interstate commission.

115.997(16)(b) (b) Dissolution of Compact.

115.997(16)(b)1. 1. This compact shall dissolve effective upon the date of the withdrawal or default of the member state that reduces the membership in the compact to one member state.

115.997(16)(b)2. 2. Upon the dissolution of this compact, the compact is null and void and of no further force or effect, and the business and affairs of the interstate commission shall be concluded and surplus funds distributed in accordance with the bylaws.

115.997(17) (17) Article XVII — Severability and construction.

115.997(17)(a) (a) The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provisions of the compact shall be enforceable.

115.997(17)(b) (b) The provisions of this compact shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.

115.997(17)(c) (c) Nothing in this compact shall be construed to prohibit the applicability of other interstate compacts to which the states are members.

115.997(18) (18) Article XVIII — binding effect of compact and other laws.

115.997(18)(a) (a) Other Laws.

115.997(18)(a)1. 1. Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a member state that is not inconsistent with this compact.

115.997(18)(a)2. 2. All laws of member states that conflict with this compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict.

115.997(18)(b) (b) Binding effect of the compact.

115.997(18)(b)1. 1. Subject to sub. (12) (b), all lawful actions of the interstate commission, including all rules and bylaws promulgated by the interstate commission, are binding upon the member states.

115.997(18)(b)2. 2. All agreements between the interstate commission and the member states are binding in accordance with their terms.

115.997(18)(b)3. 3. If any provision of this compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any member state, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of the conflict with the constitutional provision in question in that member state.

115.997 History History: 2009 a. 329; 2011 a. 260; 2015 a. 55.

subch. IX of ch. 115 SUBCHAPTER IX

OPPORTUNITY SCHOOLS AND
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

115.999 115.999 Opportunity schools and partnership program.

115.999(1) (1) Definitions. In this subchapter:

115.999(1)(a) (a) “Commissioner” means the individual in charge of the opportunity schools and partnership program under this subchapter.

115.999(1)(b) (b) “County executive” means the chief elected official of the county within which all or the majority of the territory of an eligible school district lies.

115.999(1)(c) (c) “Eligible school” means a public school in an eligible school district identified on the annual report submitted by the state superintendent under s. 115.28 (10m) (b).

115.999(1)(d) (d) “Eligible school district” means a school district that satisfies all of the following:

115.999(1)(d)1. 1. The school district was assigned to the lowest performance category on the 2 most recent accountability reports published under s. 115.385 (1).

115.999(1)(d)2. 2. The membership of the school district is greater than 15,000. In this subdivision, “membership” has the meaning given in s. 121.004 (5).

115.999(1)(d)3. 3. The school district received intradistrict transfer aid under s. 121.85 (6) (a) in the 2 school years described under subd. 1.

115.999(1)(e) (e) “Mayor” means the mayor of the city within which all or the majority of the territory of an eligible school district lies.

115.999(2) (2) General provisions; commissioner; opportunity schools and partnership program.

115.999(2)(a) (a) Within 120 days after receiving notice under s. 115.28 (10o) (b), the governor, the mayor, and the county executive shall compile a list of candidates for commissioner. Subject to sub. (2m), the county executive shall select a commissioner using the procedure under s. 119.9001 (2) (a).

115.999(2)(b) (b) The opportunity schools and partnership program in any eligible school district comprises individual eligible schools transferred by the commissioner of that opportunity schools and partnership program in the manner provided under s. 119.9002 (2).

115.999(2m) (2m) Special provisions; certain unified school districts.