Madison, Wis. – Yesterday at 1 pm, in front of Conrad Elvehjem Primary School, Dr. Jill Underly, the Superintendent of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), unveiled the department’s budget proposal for the upcoming biennium. The proposal includes many exciting initiatives like free school meals for all Wisconsin students and stipends for student teachers which keeps student teachers from taking on more debt during their service.
The flagship section of the proposal is increasing the special education state level public schools to parity with the voucher system schools.
Representative Clancy (D-19) issued the following statement:
“I am thrilled to see DPI’s budget proposal include 90% reimbursement for our public schools. In addition to this being a call from education advocates across the state for many years, this proposal would lower property taxes and increase general education funding.
Across the state, districts are going to referenda in order to keep the lights on, to maintain their arts and sports programs and to pay their teachers. Over two billion dollars was approved in 193 referenda, where localities raised their own property taxes, at the ballot box on election day. Special education funding is federally mandated, so districts are forced to cover special education costs with general education funds. If we increase special education state reimbursement, more general education funding will be available for other needs, referenda will not be necessary, and regressive property taxes will be kept in check. Increasing special education reimbursement will be the quickest way to equitably increase school funding across the state for all students.
I am in full support. ”
