The difference one mosquito can make

"If you think you can't make a difference because you're small, just spend a night alone in a room with a mosquito," said Chris Meyer as he opened his remarks on the Rural Policy Network Forum, which he and Frank Koehn and other WEAC members attended in January. Meyer and Koehn presented extensive information to the Board highlighting a number of issues facing rural schools in our state.

Chris Meyer discusses the Rural Policy Network Forum, while Frank Koehn and Michael Butera (left) listen.

Rural schools are a crucial part of Wisconsin's infrastructure, serving more than 40% of the student enrollment in the state, but spread over a much larger geographical area. Nearly 70% of rural schools are experiencing declining enrollment, compared to just more than 50% of urban and less than 40% of suburban schools. This causes unique problems and makes some look to consolidation.

Koehn reported that, in many areas, schools have consolidated all they can. "They are finally talking about finding ways to fund these schools," he said. The financial pressures in rural schools leads to "crisis management," playing off fire, ambulance, health care, and other local costs, with devastating effect. In schools, they find themselves juggling priorities such as transportation, art vs. music, educational needs, fund balances, best opportunities vs. minimum standards, and more.

Some of the suggestions offered were expanding partnerships with local governments and communities, which led to the development of the Rural Policy Network Forum this past January. A number of WEAC members constituted a delegation to this forum. Contact Chris Meyer or Frank Koehn for more information.