Overview
The School Financial Services (SFS) team collects detailed Fund 27 data through WISEdata Finance (WDF) and, previously, through the Special Education Annual Report in the 1505-SE. Previous year reports may still be accessed in the SAFR reporting portal. Special education data is used to determine payment of state special education categorical aid (SPED) and to monitor compliance with the IDEA Maintenance of Effort requirements.
Instructions for Completing the Special Education Reports
WISEdata Finance is Wisconsin's next-generation financial reporting system for school districts and other local education agencies (LEAs) to push financial data to DPI. The Wisconsin School Finance Portal (WiSFiP) is the current platform for all school finance reporting and is being developed and expanded in conjunction with WISEdata Finance, as reports in the existing SAFR portal are retired.
Technical assistance for submitting the Special Education Annual Report. (coming soon)
Subscribe to the School Finance Bulletin for reporting updates and deadlines.
Additional Resources
Pupil Services Personnel Eligibility (Act 221) Addendum Workbook
Excel workbook to prepare required data for Act 221 addendum .
FAQ for the Special Education Reports
Additional information on entering special education data in the 1505-SE and WISEdata Finance. (coming soon)
GPO and GPI Corrections
Legacy presentation on completing the required entries for reconciliation of federal grant funds exchanged between aid-eligible LEAs. New guidance will be provided in WISEdata Finance for FY2025 reporting.
Independent Charter Schools (ICS)
Independent charter schools report their special education costs through WISEdata Finance (WDF).
Resources:
Independent and Non-Instrumentality Charter Schools (NICS)
Independent charter schools (ICS) are subject to the same manual audit program modification as districts, put into place due to ongoing challenges with ELO and staff reporting.
Non-instrumentality charter schools have special education expenses reported by their contracting districts. An Excel claim form is available for these schools to use in developing their expense submissions to districts. A copy of this form must be sent to dpisfsreports@dpi.wi.gov The NICS worksheet for prior year expenditures is due by October 1st.
Non-Instrumentality Charter Licensing and Cost Worksheet