Chapter 115

115.997(6)(a)1. 1. A local education agency is prohibited from charging tuition to a child of a military family placed in the care of a noncustodial parent or other person standing in the place of a parent who lives in a jurisdiction other than that of the custodial parent.

115.997(6)(a)2. 2. A child of a military family who has been placed in the care of a noncustodial parent or other person standing in the place of a parent who lives in a jurisdiction other than that of the custodial parent may continue to attend the school in which he or she was enrolled while residing with the custodial parent.

115.997(6)(b) (b) Eligibility for extracurricular participation. Local education agencies shall facilitate the opportunity for a child of a military family to be included in extracurricular activities, regardless of application deadlines, to the extent he or she is otherwise qualified.

115.997(7) (7) Article VII — Graduation. In order to facilitate the on-time graduation of a child of a military family, local education agencies shall incorporate the following procedures:

115.997(7)(a) (a) Waiver requirements. Local education agency administrative officials shall waive specific courses required for graduation if similar course work has been satisfactorily completed in another local education agency or shall provide reasonable justification for denial. Should a waiver not be granted to a student who would qualify to graduate from the local education agency in the sending state, the local education agency in the receiving state shall provide an alternative means of acquiring required course work so that graduation may occur on time.

115.997(7)(b) (b) Exit exams. Except as provided in par. (c), a local education agency in a member state shall accept all of the following examinations or tests administered to the child of a military family in lieu of testing requirements for graduation from the local education agency:

115.997(7)(b)1. 1. Exit or end-of-course exams required for graduation from the sending state.

115.997(7)(b)2. 2. National norm-referenced achievement tests.

115.997(7)(b)3. 3. Alternative testing acceptable to the local education agency in the receiving state.

115.997(7)(c) (c) Transfers during senior year. If a child of a military family transfers at the beginning of or during the child’s high school senior year, and the local education agency in the receiving state has considered the examinations and tests under par. (b) and determined, after all alternatives have been considered, that the child would be ineligible to graduate, the local education agency of the sending state, with the cooperation of the local educational agency of the receiving state, shall ensure the receipt of a diploma from the local education agency of the sending state if the student meets the graduation requirements of the local education agency of the sending state. If one of the states in question is a nonmember state, the local education agency in the member state shall use best efforts to facilitate the on-time graduation of the student in accordance with pars. (a) and (b).

115.997(8) (8) Article VIII — State coordination.

115.997(8)(a) (a) Each member state shall, through the creation of a state council or use of an existing body or board, provide for the coordination among its agencies of government, local education agencies, and military installations concerning the state’s participation in, and compliance with, this compact and interstate commission activities. While each member state may determine the membership of its own state council, its membership shall include all of the following:

115.997(8)(a)1. 1. The state superintendent of education.

115.997(8)(a)2. 2. The superintendent of a school district with a high concentration of children of military families. A member state that does not have a school district deemed to contain a high concentration of children of military families may appoint a superintendent from another school district to represent local education agencies on the state council.

115.997(8)(a)3. 3. A representative from a military installation.

115.997(8)(a)4. 4. One representative from the legislative branch of government.

115.997(8)(a)5. 5. One representative from the executive branch of government.

115.997(8)(a)6. 6. Representatives from other offices and stakeholder groups the state council deems appropriate.

115.997(8)(b) (b) The state council established or existing body or board designated by each member state under par. (a) shall appoint or designate a military family education liaison to assist children of military families and the state in facilitating the implementation of this compact.

115.997(8)(c) (c) A compact commissioner responsible for the administration and management of the state’s participation in the compact shall be appointed by the governor or as otherwise determined by each member state.

115.997(8)(d) (d) The compact commissioner appointed under par. (c) and the military family education liaison appointed or designated under par. (b) shall serve on the state council as nonvoting members of the state council, unless either is already a full voting member of the state council.

115.997(9) (9) Article IX — Interstate commission on educational opportunity for military children. The member states hereby create the interstate commission. The activities of the interstate commission are the formation of public policy and are a discretionary state function. All of the following apply to the interstate commission:

115.997(9)(a) (a) The interstate commission shall be a body corporate and joint agency of the member states and shall have all the responsibilities, powers, and duties set forth in this compact, and such additional powers conferred upon it by a subsequent concurrent action of the respective legislatures of the member states in accordance with the terms of this compact.

115.997(9)(b) (b) The interstate commission shall consist of one interstate commission voting representative from each member state who shall be that state’s compact commissioner. The following apply to meetings of the interstate commission:

115.997(9)(b)1. 1. Each member state represented at a meeting is entitled to one vote.

115.997(9)(b)2. 2. A majority of the member states shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless a larger number is required by the bylaws of the interstate commission.

115.997(9)(b)3. 3. A representative shall not delegate a vote to another member state. If a compact commissioner of a state is unable to attend a meeting of the interstate commission, the governor or state council of that state may delegate voting authority to another person from that state for a specified meeting.

115.997(9)(b)4. 4. The bylaws may provide for meetings of the interstate commission to be conducted by telecommunication or electronic communication.

115.997(9)(c) (c) The interstate commission shall include nonvoting members who are members of interested organizations. Such nonvoting members, as defined in the bylaws, may include members of the representative organizations of military family advocates, local education agency officials, parent and teacher groups, the U.S. department of defense, the Education Commission of the States, the Interstate Agreement on the Qualification of Educational Personnel, and other interstate compacts affecting the education of children of military families.

115.997(9)(d) (d) The interstate commission shall meet at least once each calendar year. The chairperson may call additional meetings and, upon the request of a simple majority of the member states, shall call additional meetings.

115.997(9)(e) (e) The interstate commission shall establish an executive committee, whose members shall include the officers of the interstate commission and such other members of the interstate commission as determined by the bylaws. Members of the executive committee shall serve one-year terms. Members of the executive committee shall be entitled to one vote each. The executive committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the interstate commission, with the exception of rule making, during periods when the interstate commission is not in session. The executive committee shall oversee the day-to-day activities of the administration of the compact, including enforcement and compliance with the provisions of the compact, its bylaws and rules, and other such duties as deemed necessary. The U.S. department of defense shall serve as a nonvoting member of the executive committee.

115.997(9)(f) (f) The interstate commission shall establish bylaws and rules that provide for conditions and procedures under which the interstate commission shall make its information and official records available to the public for inspection or copying. The interstate commission may exempt from disclosure information or official records to the extent they would adversely affect personal privacy rights or proprietary interests.

115.997(9)(g) (g) The interstate commission shall give public notice of all meetings and all meetings shall be open to the public, except as set forth in the rules or as otherwise provided in the compact. The interstate commission and any committee of the commission may close a meeting or portion of a meeting if the commission or committee determines by a two-thirds vote that an open meeting would likely do any of the following:

115.997(9)(g)1. 1. Relate solely to the interstate commission’s internal personnel practices and procedures.

115.997(9)(g)2. 2. Disclose matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal and state statute.

115.997(9)(g)3. 3. Disclose trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential.

115.997(9)(g)4. 4. Involve accusing a person of a crime, or formally censuring a person.

115.997(9)(g)5. 5. Disclose information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

115.997(9)(g)6. 6. Disclose investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes.

115.997(9)(g)7. 7. Specifically relate to the interstate commission’s participation in a civil action or other legal proceeding.

115.997(9)(h) (h) For a meeting or portion of a meeting closed under par. (g), the interstate commission shall cause its legal counsel or designee to certify that the meeting may be closed and to reference each relevant exemptible provision. The interstate commission shall keep minutes, which shall fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in a meeting, and shall provide a full and accurate summary of actions taken, and the reasons for taking the actions, including a description of the views expressed and the record of a roll call vote. All documents considered in connection with an action shall be identified in such minutes. All minutes and documents of a closed meeting shall remain under seal, subject to release by a majority vote of the interstate commission.

115.997(9)(i) (i) The interstate commission shall collect standardized data concerning the educational transition of children of military families under this compact as directed through its rules, which shall specify the data to be collected, the means of collection and data exchange, and reporting requirements. The interstate commission shall ensure, in so far as is reasonably possible, that the methods of data collection, exchange, and reporting conform to current technology and that its information functions are coordinated with the appropriate custodian of records as identified in the bylaws and rules.

115.997(9)(j) (j) The interstate commission shall create a process that permits military officials, education officials, and parents to inform the interstate commission if and when there are alleged violations of the compact or its rules or when issues subject to the jurisdiction of the compact or its rules are not addressed by the state or local education agency. This paragraph shall not be construed to create a private right of action against the interstate commission, any member state, or any local education agency.

115.997(10) (10) Article X — Powers and duties of the interstate commission. The interstate commission may do any of the following:

115.997(10)(a) (a) Provide for dispute resolution among member states.

115.997(10)(b) (b) Promulgate rules and take all necessary actions to effect the goals, purposes, and obligations as enumerated in this compact.

115.997(10)(c) (c) Upon request of a member state, issue advisory opinions concerning the meaning or interpretation of the interstate compact, its bylaws, rules, and actions.

115.997(10)(d) (d) Enforce compliance with the compact provisions, the rules promulgated by the interstate commission, and the bylaws, using all necessary and proper means, including the use of judicial process.

115.997(10)(e) (e) Establish and maintain offices, which shall be located within one or more of the member states.

115.997(10)(f) (f) Purchase and maintain insurance and bonds.

115.997(10)(g) (g) Borrow, accept, hire, or contract for services of personnel.

115.997(10)(h) (h) Establish and appoint committees, including an executive committee as required by sub. (9) (e), which shall have the power to act on behalf of the interstate commission in carrying out its powers and duties under the compact.

115.997(10)(i) (i) Elect or appoint such officers, attorneys, employees, agents, or consultants and to fix their compensation, define their duties, and determine their qualifications, and to establish the interstate commission’s personnel policies and programs relating to conflicts of interest, rates of compensation, and qualifications of personnel.

115.997(10)(j) (j) Accept donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services, and to receive, utilize, and dispose of any such donations and grants.

115.997(10)(k) (k) Lease, purchase, accept contributions or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve, or use any property, real, personal, or mixed.

115.997(10)(L) (L) Sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal, or mixed.

115.997(10)(m) (m) Establish a budget and make expenditures.

115.997(10)(n) (n) Adopt a seal and bylaws governing the management and operation of the interstate commission.

115.997(10)(o) (o) Report annually to the legislatures, governors, judiciary, and state councils of the member states concerning the activities of the interstate commission during the preceding year. The reports shall also include any recommendations adopted by the interstate commission.

115.997(10)(p) (p) Coordinate education, training, and public awareness regarding the compact, and its implementation and operation, for officials and parents involved in such activity.

115.997(10)(q) (q) Establish uniform standards for the reporting, collecting, and exchanging of data.

115.997(10)(r) (r) Maintain corporate books and records in accordance with the bylaws.

115.997(10)(s) (s) Perform the functions necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this compact.

115.997(10)(t) (t) Provide for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, local education agencies, and military families under this compact.

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.