Wisconsin Assembly Approves Plan to Splits Choice School Funding From Public Schools
Wisconsin is considering a massive shift in how public and choice schools get their money.
The Wisconsin Assembly approved the plan to decouple the Racine and statewide school voucher programs, replacing the local property tax money that currently pays for those programs with state dollars.
“Currently, legacy charter schools are completely funded by [general purpose revenues]. The Milwaukee Choice program will be funded completely by GPR by 2025,” Rep. Ellen Schutt, R-Clinton, said. “What this bill does, is says that new independent charter schools, and the rest of the choice program should also be funded by GPR and not by aid-reductions from the local school district.”
That would shift millions of dollars for choice schools in Wisconsin from local school districts to the state.
It would also mean a steadier and more reliable stream of dollars for choice schools.
“Decoupling resolves an issue that involves how the current funding mechanism affect public schools and property