Vox Pop - Public education is under attack in Wisconsin

Vox Pop

The 241 education referendum questions on the ballot last year, and another 94 this year, highlight the inadequate funding.

The funding burden is pushed back onto frustrated communities through continuous referendums. They decry the front line - our beleaguered school administrators, school boards and even teachers; while our legislature, who actually hold the purse strings, are sitting on a historic surplus.

There simply is no amount of “belt tightening” that will fix the current funding situation.

What will fix it is ending the statewide voucher program. Our representatives need to stand up to the powerful, deep-pocketed voucher school lobbies (that are huge donors to the majority party in our legislature and whose ultimate goal is to dismantle public education).

What will fix it is reimbursing public schools for special education at the same 90% rate that voucher schools receive.

What will fix it is adjusting public education funding to inflation and fixing the antiquated funding formulas.

We know the value of our schools, yet crazy complexities of education funding are difficult to understand and blame is often misplaced at our struggling, under-funded schools instead of on the lack of support from our elected officials.

They are counting on us not paying attention and bickering amongst ourselves instead of holding them accountable.

Our children deserve better. Speak up now during the budgeting process. Remind them that they represent the communities of their district, not the school choice lobby regardless of their campaign donations.

— Kristina Reser-Jaynes, Readstown