Wisconsin schools are set to receive a significant funding boost of $617 million as part of a broader $1.8 billion spending deal reached by Governor Tony Evers and Republican lawmakers. This deal, which could be voted on this week at the state Capitol, aims to address the state's projected $2.5 billion surplus and provide much-needed relief to school districts facing rising costs, declining enrollment, and stagnant state funding. While the proposal is seen as a positive step by some education leaders, it is also met with caution, as it is not considered a long-term solution to the state's funding challenges.
The deal allocates over $617 million in new funding for K-12 schools, with a focus on special education reimbursement and general school aids. This includes a $302.5 million investment in a new per-pupil state aid program, which will function similarly to general school aid, a key source of funding for day-to-day operations. The proposal also increases the state's reimbursement for special education costs, marking the largest increase in state history. However, some Democratic lawmakers and education advocates have pushed for 'sum sufficient' funding, which would provide the full amount of funding necessary to reach the set rates, regardless of spending levels.
The deal also includes additional funding for charter and open enrollment programs, as well as property tax relief by reducing the amount districts need to raise through local taxes. However, the Wisconsin Association of School Boards warns that schools will still face broader funding challenges, as the state has shifted away from providing inflationary increases in spendable resources for schools for 17 years. The organization emphasizes that one-time surplus deals cannot reverse this long-term trend.
In a statement, state Superintendent Jill Underly welcomed the proposal as a 'positive first step' but urged continued progress. She highlighted the importance of investing in Wisconsin kids and expressed hope that the momentum would continue. Meanwhile, Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius emphasized the critical need for increased funding for special education, citing ongoing audits and the importance of supporting students and educators.
The deal's passage will depend on the assessment of the final state budget by school districts, with the Milwaukee School Board currently considering a $1.6 billion budget proposal for the next school year. The funding boost comes at a crucial time, as school districts across Wisconsin grapple with rising costs and declining enrollment, making it a significant step towards addressing the state's educational funding challenges.
