Current school funding is a complex combination of state, local and federal aid. Funding in districts is largely based on antiquated revenue limits that have cemented in place funding gaps for 25 years. Students are worth more, or less, depending on where they happen to live, or whether they attend a choice or charter school.
WILL’s priorities for K-12 finance include public school spending transparency, student-centered funding models, and closing the funding gaps between school sectors.
The COVID-19 pandemic arrived in the United States in early 2020 – quickly disrupting every element of American life. K-12 education seemingly changed overnight. School buildings closed and students and teachers were forced to arrange virtual learning on the fly. The federal government passed massive relief bills that pumped millions of federal dollars into K-12 schools. And teachers unions and parents fought over in-person learning and the careful balance between health and education.
WILL boldly entered this new and uncertain policy environment and provided groundbreaking research, polling, and advocacy.
Wisconsin is home to the oldest private school voucher program in the entire country. What began in Milwaukee now serves low income and special needs children throughout the state. WILL has always prioritized school choice and will continue to provide legal services and high-quality research on Wisconin’s private school choice programs.