State Residents Appreciate Public Schools
A
recent survey found that Wisconsin residents support public schools and
believe they are doing a good job educating students.
The Wisconsin Public Radio/St. Norbert College survey found that a large
majority of state residents believe the quality of public education in
Wisconsin is better than or the same as other states.
The poll also uncovered a shift in public opinion: the popularity of
private school vouchers is apparently waning.
About 54% of the people responding to the survey said that government
money should be spent on public schools only.
In contrast, just 44% believe the government should spend money to assist
private and religious schools.
Other findings from the poll:
- 55% of the respondents thought Wisconsin’s public schools are
excellent or above average, a slight increase from 1991.
- Reducing class sizes was the No. 1 priority for additional education
spending. Keeping teacher salaries competitive was the second highest
priority. That was followed by improving staff development, updating
instructional materials and books, and improving technology in the classrooms.
- 43% believed the best way to finance public schools was through state
taxes. Twenty-four percent said federal taxes were the best method;
and 22% said local taxes were preferable. Currently, federal taxes play
a very small role in financing public education.
Posted May 31, 2001