Revenue Caps Put Schools on 'Critical List'

Revenue controls imposed by the state Legislature and governor in 1993 are endangering the health of Wisconsin's great schools, according to a statewide survey released Friday (November 14, 2003).

The annual WEAC/Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators survey found that state-imposed revenue caps are forcing school districts to make progressively more serious cuts to vital programs and services, threatening the quality of education children receive.

The survey of school superintendents found that conditions in schools are worsening, not only for students, but also for the people who work in schools.

"Revenue controls have pushed schools onto the 'critical' list," WEAC President Stan Johnson said. "After 10 years of cutting programs, many school districts are fighting for their existence."

A larger percentage of districts reported program cuts than in previous years, and almost 90% said the long-term effects of the caps are increasingly negative, harming their schools and staff.

According to the survey:

• 52% of districts reduced the number of academic courses offered.
• 60% reduced programs for gifted and talented students.
• 51% reduced at-risk programs.
• 69% increased class sizes.

"A record 81% of superintendents responded to this year's survey, showing how seriously they view this issue," WASDA Executive Director Miles Turner said. "We have conducted this survey every year for the last 10 years, and each year we document increasing damage inflicted by revenue controls."

Superintendents also reported they have been forced to make cuts that harm working conditions in their schools, making it more difficult to recruit and retain teachers and education support professionals.

• 71% laid off aides or other support staff.
• 79% did not replace departing staff.
• 70% increased teacher workload.
• 78% increased administrative workload.

"Every year this survey documents increasing damage caused by revenue controls," Johnson said. "The only solution is to eliminate revenue caps. Otherwise, Wisconsin's great schools will continue to suffer. We all know that great schools benefit everyone. Wisconsin should invest in education programs that work, because education is key to the economic and social health of our communities and our state."

Johnson called on the Governor's Task Force on Educational Excellence to consider the results of this study as it deliberates changes to the way the state invests in public education.

The full report
Resource page on school district revenue controls

Posted November 14, 2003