Will your local property taxes replace state aid to schools?

School districts across the State of Wisconsin are struggling with the imbalance that exists between state and local revenue support and state mandates and expectations for public services.  Some of these mandates are more than 20 years old and public school districts have been given no flexibility in eliminating these state mandates at the local level. 

We have very high expectations for public education and would like to continue to provide these services but they are presently funded with tax dollars.  Meanwhile our elected officials are making news on a daily basis promising lower taxes or tax rates.  Our elected officials are Representative Scott Newcomer (608)266-3007, rep.newcomer@legis.state.wi.us and Senator Neal Kedzie (608-266-2635 / Sen.Kedzie@legis.state.wi.us ).  You are encouraged to contact our elected officials and discuss the role your public schools can play to continue to provide excellent services if financial support is reduced at the state and/or local level.  This is not just an issue for local public schools.  We are exploring such areas as additional fund raising and foundations.

Additional Links

Hoff, David J. "Property Tax Feels Weight of Demands." Education Week. 21 April 2004: 1.  This article is available in the North Shore library, or you may read the article online: Property Tax Feels Weight Of Demands.

Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) http://www.wasb.org/

Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators http://www.wasda.org/

Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials http://www.wasbo.com/

Also refer to the  Parent Resources  section of the Programs and Assessments link.