There’s reason for optimism among people who believe that the funding system for Wisconsin’s public schools has long been broken.
A bi-partisan task force that was appointed by Republican legislative leadership issued a report a few months ago that consisted of 16 recommendations, all approved unanimously. Gov. Ever’s new budget proposal, and measures put forth by Republicans, fall in line with some of the recommendations.
The Commission’s report addressed several issues, including slipping enrollment, the impact of poverty on learning, the mental health needs of students and the need for more funding for special education.
Marc Duff, Racine Unified C-F-O, was among the guests on this past Saturday’s Education Matters. "I'm so excited about how we have both Republicans and Democrats, Assembly leaders, Senate leaders and the governor all advocating very similar initiatives to support public education," Duff said, "This is an exciting time."
Also on Saturday’s program…Racine School Board members Mike Frontier and Jane Barbian. Barbian referenced the new realization that Wisconsin is going to need to expand its labor force. "I think people forget--we provide the future employees of our businesses and manufacturing structure in our community," she said.
Despite the apparent consensus, getting the K-12 funding proposals signed into law is still going to be a daunting task, what with the state’s new divided government.
Last Saturday’s Education Matters program is here.
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