School lockers, generic school. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Superintendents from the five biggest school districts in Wisconsin, including Green Bay, sent a letter to state lawmakers Monday, requesting budget surplus funds be partially used to help public school districts.
For months, districts have been pleading with the state for more money, emphasizing that revenues haven’t kept up with inflation. It’s become one of the biggest debates in the State Legislature, which is controlled by Republicans.
Gov. Tony Evers has called for using $1.3 billion from the state’s $6 billion budget surplus for property tax relief and school funding.
“There is a budget surplus in Madison, and our families and our school districts are hurting,” said Green Bay Area Public School District Superintendent Vicki Bayer. “We need some relief, we need some support and appropriately funding public education would be a good start.”
Republican State Rep. David Steffen, R-Howard, said property tax relief should be the focus.
“I tell you, that’s going to be part of what we’re going to be planning for the surplus,” Steffen said.
Funding hasn’t kept up with inflation by nearly $3,500 per student. Would Steffen consider tying per-student revenue to inflation?
“But I think there’s some opportunity to explore those types of provisions. But let’s be clear: When we haven’t increased per-pupil aid [general student aid], what we have done is done dramatic, historic increases and other cost factors like special education,” Steffen said.
Districts statewide are struggling to fund special education right now, but increases are scheduled for the next two years.
Republican state lawmakers point out that school staffing has increased while enrollment has slightly declined, remaining that way even after the COVID era.
“We want more adults in our building working with our kids, and if we can make that happen, we’re going to make that happen,” said Bayer. “Now, at the same time, we’re being fiscally responsible and we’re balancing our budget. So, we are making cuts. But my goodness, if we’re going to spend anywhere, it’s going to be on the adults.”
The debate over public school funding is likely to continue long after state lawmakers decide whether to use this budget surplus money.
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