- 61% think it’s under $15k per student
- Nearly half think it’s under $10k
Reality: ~$17,900 (Madison > $26,000)
If people don’t know how much we’re spending, it becomes difficult to determine the “right” amount of spending on schools. 🧵/2
WILL:
Parents Are Unaware of Current School Spending: 44% of parents surveyed say they are “not sure” how much is spent on each student. Another 43% provide estimates below actual spending figures. When informed of the actual amount, the majority say it is “just right” or “too much.” Only 27% say “too little.” This statistic drives the need for further transparency when it comes to school spending.
Parents Broadly Support Education Choice Policies: Large majorities of parents support policies like open enrollment (80%), education savings accounts (77%), and school vouchers (64%).
Education Options: Wisconsin is above the national average in parents feeling they have a choice in where their child attends school. However, 29% of parents say “no” or are unsure whether they have a meaningful choice—a significant portion of families who may not be aware of available options. Access to education options was a bright spot in Wisconsin’s survey data.
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1998! Money and school performance.
A.B.T.: “Ain’t been taught.”
3888 (!) Madison 4k to 3rd grade students scored lower than 75% of the students in the national comparison group during the 2024-2025 school year.
Madison taxpayers have long supported far above average (now > $26,000 per student) K-12 tax & spending practices. This, despite long term, disastrous reading results.
Madison Schools: More $, No Accountability
The taxpayer funded Madison School District long used Reading Recovery…
The data clearly indicate that being able to read is not a requirement for graduation at (Madison) East, especially if you are black or Hispanic”
My Question to Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers on Teacher Mulligans and our Disastrous Reading Results
2017: West High Reading Interventionist Teacher’s Remarks to the School Board on Madison’s Disastrous Reading Results
Madison’s taxpayer supported K-12 school district, despite spending far more than most, has long tolerated disastrous reading results.
“An emphasis on adult employment”
Wisconsin Public Policy Forum Madison School District Report[PDF]
WEAC: $1.57 million for Four Wisconsin Senators
Friday Afternoon Veto: Governor Evers Rejects AB446/SB454; an effort to address our long term, disastrous reading results
Booked, but can’t read (Madison): functional literacy, National citizenship and the new face of Dred Scott in the age of mass incarceration.
When A Stands for Average: Students at the UW-Madison School of Education Receive Sky-High Grades. How Smart is That?
Legislative Letter to Jill Underly on Wisconsin Literacy.