The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) unveiled the first phase of its proposed 2027-29 budget, requesting more than $28 million for technology upgrades, cybersecurity, public libraries and additional services.
DPI’s largest request is more than $12 million to modernize outdated technology and software. The upgrades would improve the department’s educator licensing system, the School Choice open enrollment application process and other services. DPI pointed to the fact that its current systems are difficult to navigate in and are time consuming.
The department is also requesting $350,000 over two years to hire two employees to investigate complaints against licensed educators. DPI currently has one full-time and one part-time employee assigned to misconduct investigations, with approximately 150 investigations and 60 community complaints pending.
“Having additional dedicated staff for this purpose would allow the department to more efficiently conduct and complete investigations,” DPI stated in its proposal.
More than $6 million would go toward cybersecurity improvements designed to help schools and public libraries prepare for and respond to cyber incidents. DPI’s Bureau of Information Technology reported a nearly 200% increase in cyberattacks and requests for assistance from schools over the past year alone.
According to DPI, “phishing-related account hijacking was involved in more than half of the reported cases. Other incidents included ransomware, attempted fraud, cyberbullying, harassment and insider attacks.”
The proposal also includes more than $7 million to support Wisconsin’s 15 public library systems, approximately $228,000 for the Office of Literacy and its director, and $500,000 for statewide outreach and support services for children who are deafblind and their families. The DPI’s Deafblind Technical Assistance Project serves 170 children from birth through age 21.
DPI expects to submit the second phase of its budget proposal in November. The department said that request will include “new investments in categorical aid programs and other critical supports for Wisconsin’s public schools.”
