Contact: Representative Joel Kitchens (608) 266-5350

Senator Luther Olsen (608) 266-0751

MADISON– State Representative Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) and Senator Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) released the following statement after Co-Chairing the final Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding public hearing:

Representative Kitchens stated, “As Co-Chair of the Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding, I would like to thank each school that was kind enough to host our public hearings, as well as all the dedicated administrators, educators, and parents who took time from their busy schedules to share with us the challenges they have faced due to the current funding formula. I am confident that with all of the great testimony and support the commission has received throughout the state, we can come up with a fair and equitable solution that will ensure every student in Wisconsin has access to the highest quality education possible.

“I would also like to thank each member of the commission for setting aside personal politics and really embracing our goal of improving the funding formula. They have each brought something unique to the table and I look forward to continuing our work towards a solution that will benefit all of Wisconsin’s schools.”

Senator Olsen added, “School funding formulas tend to evolve over time as the state’s population changes, education advances and new ideas are brought forward. As we consider changes to the school funding system, I hope we can make meaningful progress on tough issues like declining enrollment, special education and tertiary aid. Most importantly, I want to make sure we are not creating winners and losers, but rather offering improvements that help everyone.”

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