Two Legislators Promote SAGE Pledge

Two leading legislators are spearheading an effort to preserve the SAGE class-size reduction program with a "SAGE Pledge."

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Chvala and Joint Finance Committee co-chair Brian Burke are asking lawmakers to pledge to support and fund SAGE by restoring the $37 million cut in the governor's proposed budget.

Chvala told a Madison news conference Wednesday (April 18, 2001) that SAGE is a proven success. He said SAGE has increased student achievement and decreased the number of special education referrals in participating schools.

"Here we have as close to the silver bullet as you'll get," Chvala said. "When we find the silver bullet, why wouldn't you use it?"

The governor's proposal would reduce funding to at least 370 SAGE schools by changing eligibility levels.

"If funding our children with a quality public education is truly a priority in this budget, we must fully fund the SAGE program," Chvala said. "Those who join us in signing the SAGE Pledge send a clear message that they are acting to protect our kids' education, not just talking about it."

WEAC and the School Administrators Allliance have sent letters to 566 SAGE school administrators and teachers explaining the SAGE Pledge. The letter asks the SAGE participants to contact their legislators and urge them to sign the pledge.

Resource page on 2001-2003 state budget
Resource page on SAGE and class size
Summary of governor's budget proposal

Posted April 19, 2001