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Wisconsin residents believe that great schools are the most important component in maintaining or increasing property values and the quality of a neighborhood, according to a WEAC-sponsored poll.
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According to the poll, people believe their tax dollars are well spent on education.
They rated the taxes they pay for local schools as the second highest value in terms of services they receive. Only local police and fire protection rated higher.
“Wisconsin residents know we have great schools and that they are a good investment,” WEAC Public Relations and Communications Director Dick Vander Woude said.
“Policymakers should bear this fact in mind as they deal with the state’s budget deficit. Wisconsinites recognize that education is an investment worth preserving.”
The statewide survey also found that the public has a positive opinion of local schools and teachers.
Nearly two-thirds give their local schools a grade of A or B.
Public schools statewide received a grade of A or B from 44% of the public.
Another two-thirds had positive opinions of public school teachers.
Teaching students the basics of reading, writing and math was a top priority for residents.
Nearly one-third of participants said the basics were the most important program that schools provide, followed by keeping students safe from violence and negative behavior, having the best educated and trained teachers, maintaining classroom discipline, and preparing students for the real world.
“Wisconsin is on the right track,” Vander Woude said. “Public
schools not only offer the basics, they offer a great deal more. They
provide classrooms that work, and great teachers and staff.”
State residents believe state spending for schools should remain about the same or increase slightly.
Nearly 40% are willing to see taxes increased at least a little; and 43% want taxes to remain the same.
“At a time when the state is facing a record budget deficit, residents see the value of investing in public education,” Vander Woude said. “Every kid deserves a great school, and state residents know our great schools benefit everyone.”
Vander Woude said the survey shows the need to continue educating the public about Wisconsin’s great schools, teachers and staff.
“People understand the link between the value of their homes and neighborhoods and the quality of public schools,” he said. “We in the education community need to highlight the fact that Wisconsin has great schools and they benefit everyone in Wisconsin.”
A second survey found that public attitudes toward schools and teachers
have improved since Great Schools was implemented (see link in box
above).
Posted February 14, 2003
