Fiscal Note
No appropriation required.
Title
Supporting State investments in our public schools and opposing any attempt by the State to implement a private school voucher program.
Body
WHEREAS, successful public schools have been identified by the National League of Cities as a contributing factor in community quality of life, economic development, and a strong citizenry; and,
WHEREAS, the National League of Cities has also identified strong public schools as contributing to the overall health and well-being of communities; and,
WHEREAS, quality of public schools has a strong impact on property values in a community; and,
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin State Legislature reduced state aids to the Madison Metropolitan School District by 13.5% or $6.7 million during the 2011-13 biennium; and,
WHEREAS, the Madison Metropolitan School District’s state aids have been reduced by nearly one-third over the last six years; and,
WHEREAS, the Governor of Wisconsin’s proposed 2013-15 state budget proposes an expansion of private school vouchers to 9 communities statewide, including Madison; and,
WHEREAS, the Governor’s proposed budget offers no per-pupil funding increase for public schools, while spending up to $1400 more per pupil on private school vouchers; and,
WHEREAS, an estimate 1387 vouchers would be used by students already attending private schools at an estimated cost of $3,842,805 to Madison property taxpayers; and,
WHEREAS, only public schools in Wisconsin require that all teachers be licensed; and,
WHEREAS, only public schools in Wisconsin are required to conduct background checks of all school staff; and,
WHEREAS, only public schools in Wisconsin are required to complete and fulfill Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for special needs students; and,
WHEREAS, only public schools in Wisconsin are required to have rigorous graduation and curriculum standards; and,
WHEREAS, only public schools must accept and educate all students, regardless of academic...
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