Social Media Caption: A new bill aims to increase transparency in education by requiring school boards to allow parents and residents to inspect curricula and textbooks within 14 days. Gov. Evers is expected to veto the measure.

Wisconsin lawmakers have introduced a new bill aimed at increasing transparency in public education by requiring school boards to provide residents access to textbooks, curricula, and instructional materials within 14 days of a written request. The legislation, introduced on February 3, by Representative Barb Dittrich and Sen. Cory Tomczyk mandates that school boards adopt procedures to ensure timely compliance with these requests. This bill has been introduced in past legislative sessions. 

Under the proposed bill, school boards would also be required to publish a list of adopted textbooks on their website, making it easier for parents and community members to see what materials are being used in local schools. Current law already requires school boards to maintain and file this list with the district clerk, but the new legislation strengthens public access by making the information more readily available online.

The bill defines “curriculum” as any official plan adopted by a school board to comply with state law, and “instructional material” as any course content or resource included in that curriculum. While ensuring greater access to educational materials, the proposal also includes language stating that it does not override federal copyright laws or limit existing rights under open records laws.

Supporters of the bill argue that parents have a right to know what their children are being taught and that greater transparency will promote accountability within public schools. They see this as a step toward restoring trust between school districts and families. However, opponents, including many Democrats, contend that the legislation places unnecessary burdens on school boards and could be used to fuel political fights over curriculum content.

Despite strong backing from Republican lawmakers, Governor Tony Evers is expected to veto the measure, continuing his pattern of blocking school-related transparency and parental rights legislation. Evers has consistently opposed efforts that he sees as restricting local control of education, setting the stage for another political battle over how much access parents and taxpayers should have to public school curriculum. 

If the bill fails to become law, it will likely fuel further debate over transparency in education and the role of parental oversight in Wisconsin’s public school system.