After years of complaints from constituents, Wisconsin lawmakers say they are serious about overhauling the state’s school funding formula.
But it will be no easy task, with daunting legal and political risks. And without a large infusion of cash — from the state, local property taxpayers or both — it is unlikely to succeed, many say.
“Unless we can put a lot more money into it, there will be winners and losers. And that will be a challenge for us,” said state Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay), vice chairman of the Assembly Education Committee, who has been tapped by Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) to spearhead the process.
Educators, including Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers, welcomed the overture.
“I’m pleased to hear that,” said Evers, who has asked the Legislature for an additional $700 million for schools in the next biennium.
“My guess is they have heard what I’ve been hearing all this time — that the system is broken, so let’s fix it.”
Despite the rhetoric, K-12 spending continues to grow. Madison spends around $18,000 per student.