Friday, June 25, 2010
State Superintendent Tony Evers took a good first step toward changing the way Wisconsin funds its schools. On Thursday, June 24, Evers proposed changes that recognize that students have unique needs, and they don't all cost the same to educate.
Major elements of the plan include:
Providing a minimum funding level for every student in Wisconsin
Including poverty as a factor in calculating aid
Reallocating $900 million in funds for the school levy tax credit into general schools aids to benefit students
In introducing the proposal, Evers said, "We’re continually eroding, piece by piece, our system that was good,” Evers said. “We have to close the achievement gap. We have to have more kids graduating. If we don’t change the funding system, all of those things will be impossible.”Evers will submit his proposal and his Department of Public Instruction budget to the Legislature in Fall.
MTEA President Mike Langyel is encouraged by the State Superintendent's leadership. "Superintendent Evers recognizes that MPS and districts across the state are struggling with limited resources, resulting in layoffs and cuts in programs like art, music, and physical education. He has demonstrated courage and leadership by introducing a proposal to change Wisconsin's school finance formula. His ideas have promise, and we look forward to learning more about the details of his proposal," says Langyel.
WEAC President Mary Bell was present when Superintendent Evers unveiled his proposal. "Wisconsin’s current school funding system treats all children as if they cost the same to educate and doesn’t take into account the unique needs of our varied districts,” Bell said. “This framework takes us a step in the right direction, allowing school boards to accurately budget from year to year and providing a minimum level of support for every child in the state.”
If you want to stay informed about progress on our school funding reform agenda, sign up now for our activist e-mail list!