Revenue Controls Are Most Serious Problem in School Funding
The Wisconsin Education Association Council is an intervenor in the case
before the Supreme Court today.
WEAC intervened in order to put the spotlight on what we think is the
most serious problem with our school financing system: revenue controls.
We will argue this afternoon that the current finance system is putting
public schools in peril. Even though the state Constitution requires each
child to receive as equal an education as practicable, that is not what
is occurring in reality.
Many Wisconsin children are receiving a quality education in a great
school. Unfortunately, many children are being denied educational opportunities
simply because of where they live or their backgrounds.
Revenue controls have exacerbated these inequities and punish districts
with economic problems or large numbers of special needs children.
This situation is unfair to a large number of children in Wisconsin.
We are calling on the Supreme Court to right this wrong… and make
sure the state complies with the ideals of the people who framed our Constitution…
who said all Wisconsin children have the right to a high quality education…
in order to allow them to succeed in society.
WEAC is calling on the Court to order the Legislature to develop a funding
system that allows all districts… including those with a disproportionate
share of high-needs students… to provide a quality education for
each child.
It makes no sense for the state to increase expectations of students
and teachers through testing and standards, but not provide the resources
to reach those goals.
The state must give all districts the funds necessary to support quality
schools… no matter what the district’s property wealth or educational
needs. This must be done on the basis of the realities of school finance,
and actual student need, not political calculations.
The court should order the Legislature to end revenue controls and reformulate
school funding to more accurately reflect actual district costs and student
needs. The state must begin to support public schools in a way that is
fair to all children… not just those who happen to live in a certain
community.
Every kid deserves a great school, and that is what this case is all
about.
Posted February 8, 2000