Senate Bill 669 introduces a new grant program aimed at supporting school districts in Wisconsin that are considering consolidation or whole grade sharing agreements. The bill mandates the Department of Public Instruction to provide grants of up to $25,000 to consortia of two or more school boards for the costs associated with feasibility studies. These studies must include a professional financial analysis, which may encompass a population study, to assess the potential impacts of consolidation or whole grade sharing on the involved school districts. To qualify for the grant, each school board in the consortium must adopt a resolution indicating their intent to explore consolidation.

Currently, while there is additional funding available for consolidated school districts during the first seven years post-consolidation, there is no provision for funding feasibility studies or related costs. This bill aims to fill that gap by establishing a structured grant program under the newly created statutes 20.255 (2) (bt) and 115.448, thereby facilitating the exploration of consolidation options among school districts.