Wisconsin Residents Support State's Great Public Schools

A statewide poll released Monday (December 10, 2001) sends a clear message from Wisconsin residents to lawmakers who are searching for ways to eliminate a projected budget deficit: do not cut education programs.

The survey conducted for WEAC found the public believes Wisconsin's public schools are a worthwhile investment of tax dollars.

"At the beginning of the survey, 57% of residents supported investing more money in public schools, compared to only 20% who support other alternatives," WEAC President Stan Johnson said. "During the survey, as respondents learned more about Wisconsin's public schools, they became even more likely to favor investing more in public schools."

Johnson said the survey also found the public overwhelmingly supports legislative candidates who stress the need for great schools, as opposed to candidates who stress cutting taxes.
Seventy-three percent support candidates who agree that every kid deserves a great school. Fifteen percent support candidates who emphasize tax cutting.

"The poll shows that Wisconsin residents know we have good schools, but many people do not know how great Wisconsin's schools really are," Johnson said. "When adults learn more about our public schools, they become even more positive about education. And when people become more positive about public schools, they become more supportive of investing in them."

Some of the highlights of the poll:

• 76% of state residents have positive attitudes toward their local public schools. 57% are positive toward public schools across the state. Only 30% have positive impressions of charter schools.
• The public has overwhelmingly positive opinions about Wisconsin public school teachers. 75% have positive impressions of teachers.
• The public does not have an accurate picture of how Wisconsin public schools compare to those in the rest of the country. Only 46% knew that public schools were among the top 10; another 33% believed they are above average. In fact, Wisconsin is among the top five on major measures of student achievement.
  

"The state is facing a severe budget crisis and the Legislature may be forced to make some major cuts," Johnson said. "This poll shows the public wants education to be a priority no matter how bad our economy is. People recognize that every kid deserves a great school with great teachers and staff. They realize that great schools benefit everyone in our communities."

The survey was conducted by Abacus Associates, which surveyed 600 adults in October.