As Wisconsin prepares for Election Day, the future of our public schools deserves serious attention.
Every fall, Wisconsin families settle into familiar routines. School buses roll through neighborhoods, teachers welcome students into classrooms, and parents look forward to another year of learning and growth.
But this fall, there's another familiar sight across Wisconsin: signs asking voters to approve more funding for their local schools.
On November 3, 72 communities across our state will consider school referendums. Some districts are asking for money to maintain teachers, programs, and everyday operations. Others need to repair aging buildings or replace essential equipment.
These are the kinds of things families expect public schools to provide – so why do Wisconsin communities have to keep asking for additional money to provide the basics?
For decades, Wisconsin's school funding system has failed to keep pace with rising costs and changing student needs.
Schools have to pay for transportation, utilities, technology, educators, and services for students who need additional support. And while those costs continue to increase, the amount of funding the state provides and authorizes districts to raise has been inadequate year after year. In fact, nearly two-thirds of Wisconsin’s public schools will experience a decline in state aid this year, even as inflation continues to push costs up.
The result is a growing dependence on local referendums, leaving communities to make difficult decisions about their schools and property taxes. Families deserve better than a system that repeatedly puts these responsibilities in conflict.
And with a new Governor and Legislature taking office after this election, Wisconsin has an opportunity to have a serious conversation about how we fund public education. That’s a responsibility our state has to every child.
Our zip codes shouldn’t determine the quality of education our children receive. Whether we live in a rural community, a small town, or a growing city, we want our children to have qualified teachers, safe classrooms, and the opportunity to succeed. We also want our tax dollars used responsibly, and we deserve a school funding system that is understandable, predictable, and fair.
“Our zip codes shouldn’t determine the quality of education our children receive. Whether we live in a rural community, a small town, or a growing city, we want our children to have qualified teachers, safe classrooms, and the opportunity to succeed. We also want our tax dollars used responsibly, and we deserve a school funding system that is understandable, predictable, and fair.”
State Superintendent Jill Underly has called for an overhaul of Wisconsin's school funding formula, warning that the current system is failing both students and communities. The next state budget will provide an important opportunity for elected leaders to answer that call.
There are reasonable questions to ask about how school funding works, how resources are spent, and what changes would make the system more sustainable. But one thing should be clear: Our children's educational opportunities shouldn't depend on whether their community can repeatedly afford to approve additional funding.
Wisconsin's Constitution recognizes the importance of public education. Our state has a responsibility to maintain a system that gives every child a meaningful opportunity to learn.
As Election Day quickly approaches, make public education a part of the conversation. Know where candidates from all parties stand on funding Wisconsin's public schools, what changes they would propose, and how they would ensure every child has access to a quality education.
Share this article on social media, sign up for updates from Fund Wisconsin Public Schools, and stay informed about the issues affecting our schools and communities.