School district revenue caps have created a crisis in schools throughout Wisconsin, WEAC Vice President Stan Johnson said Wednesday (June 13, 2001) at a Lobby Day news conference at the State Capitol.

"The crisis has been documented over and over again: revenue controls are harming our schools, the quality of education our children receive, and our communities," said Johnson, who begins a three-year term as WEAC president August 1.

Milwaukee parent Tabitha Robinson is joined by two young Milwaukee Public Schools students as she pleads for full funding of the SAGE class-size reduction program. Robinson said her son, Seth (who was not present), has benefited greatly from the SAGE program at 53rd Street Elementary School. "If you really want good businesses and employees in the future, invest in and support SAGE," she said. She was joined by Hugh Blewett (left) and Joy Boyd.

Johnson said "study after study" has shown that revenue controls are forcing school districts "to make cuts that sacrifice the quality of education. that pit student against student and program against program."

"Our kids deserve better. All kids deserve a great school. not an adequate school," he said. "Revenue controls are a disgrace."

Johnson said that in Stoughton, where he is a teacher, revenue caps "are forcing the slow strangulation of our excellent education program."

He said class sizes are increasing; and enrichment programs, field trips, library materials budgets, and staff are being cut.

"Add to that increasing fixed costs like energy, and you see a picture of pending crisis – a picture that's repeated in districts in every corner of the state," he said.

Johnson said the 2,000 citizen lobbyists who participated in Wednesday's Lobby Day "are putting a face on the crisis with which they are dealing."

"We all want legislators to know the decisions they make have a real impact on real people," he said.

Neillsville School Superintendent John Gaier said the state budget being debated by legislators now will determine whether some districts can survive.

"Plainly put," he said, "public education as we know it is at stake. The state budget now under consideration is a make-or-break proposition for many schools in Wisconsin."

Sen. Kevin Shibilski of Stevens Point said that unless school districts get relief from revenue caps, "we will continue to systematically disassemble the finest education system this nation has ever seen. It is happening now."

2,000 lobbyists converge on Madison
Senate Democrats add revenue cap relief to budget
Cat in the Hat, legislators exhibit value of small classes
Lobby Day photo gallery
Resource page on 2001-2003 state budget

Posted June 13, 2001