Relating to: supplemental funding for whole grade sharing grants, supplemental state aid for consolidated school districts, grants for feasibility studies of school district consolidation or whole grade sharing, and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 649 increases state funding for school district consolidation efforts in Wisconsin for fiscal year 2026. It provides $250,000 for feasibility studies on consolidation or whole grade sharing (where schools share grades), $2.7 million in grants for districts that adopt whole grade sharing agreements, and $3 million in supplemental aid for consolidated districts with higher tax rates than their former districts. These funds are added to existing state appropriations under Section 20.865(4)(a). The bill directly affects Wisconsin school districts considering or implementing consolidation or shared-grade arrangements, offering financial support for planning and operational costs.