MADISON, WI – State Representative Christian Phelps (D-Eau Claire) released the following statement Friday after Superintendent Jill Underly provided her State of Education Address:
“Dr. Underly’s address made clear both the promise of Wisconsin’s public schools and the responsibility we have as state lawmakers to support them. Wisconsin has a proud history of public education, a constitutional obligation to our students, and an urgent need to ensure every kid can get an amazing public school experience. Any hope of democracy in our future depends on it.
“Yet we, as legislators, are not even close to providing for those needs.
“Dr. Underly asked the question that should be at the center of our school funding decisions: ‘How much does it actually cost to educate students who live in a district so that they have an equal opportunity to succeed?’
“I agree. Our funding formula should ask and answer what students need, rather than forcing public schools to continually make do with whatever resources happen to be available through a system so broken that our legislature is currently being sued for it.
“As lawmakers, it is our job to meet our responsibility to our constitution, our democracy, and our kids. That starts with funding public schools according to kids’ needs.
“Throughout my first term, I have worked alongside public school advocates on legislation and budget proposals aimed at moving Wisconsin closer to that standard. That work has included proposals to keep public dollars in public schools, reduce the burden inadequate state funding places on local property taxpayers, and fulfill the state’s promises to students with disabilities.
“Dr. Underly’s address is another reminder of how urgent this charge is. Wisconsin’s approach to school funding must reflect the actual cost of educating our students and give public schools the dependable resources they need to serve them.
“I won’t rest until these ideas are enacted into law.”
