Legislative Advocacy Priorities
Wisconsin State Biennial Budget
Sustaining fiscal strength is necessary for the vitality of our schools and community. We ask Wisconsin state lawmakers to consider funding and policy decisions that will support MTSD schools.
Wisconsin’s public school districts face significant financial challenges due to stagnant state funding and revenue limits established in 1994. These limits, which rely on state aid and local property taxes, have not kept up with inflation. As a result, more than 80% of districts statewide have approved operational referenda to maintain essential programs. Adequate and predictable funding is crucial for the strength of our schools and community. We urge Wisconsin lawmakers to prioritize funding and policies that support the Mequon-Thiensville School District and eliminate the need for continual operating referenda.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is categorical aid and why is this a priority over providing relief to our taxpayers?
- What is the Strategic Compensation System in the MTSD? Why do we need it?
- How does the District currently plan on funding teacher and staff compensation for the upcoming budget cycle without any increase to public school funding?
- Historically, what is the employee retention rate in the MTSD for the last five years?
- Should business owners care about advocating for public school funding?
- What does special education funding pay for?
- How many students in the MTSD receive special education services?
- Why is this budget cycle so important for public education?
- What will happen if public schools do not receive increased state funding?
- Who are my local legislators and how can I contact them?
What is categorical aid and why is this a priority over providing relief to our taxpayers?
What is the Strategic Compensation System in the MTSD? Why do we need it?
How does the District currently plan on funding teacher and staff compensation for the upcoming budget cycle without any increase to public school funding?
Historically, what is the employee retention rate in the MTSD for the last five years?
Should business owners care about advocating for public school funding?
What does special education funding pay for?
How many students in the MTSD receive special education services?
Why is this budget cycle so important for public education?
What will happen if public schools do not receive increased state funding?
Who are my local legislators and how can I contact them?
References
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https://wispolicyforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Focus_22_23_State_Budget.pdf
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https://news.gallup.com/poll/393500/workers-highest-burnout-rate.aspx
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https://wispolicyforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Taxpayer_19_01.pdf
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http://www.wisconsinbudgetproject.org/budget-toolkit/the-wisconsin-budget-process
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https://www.wpr.org/wisconsin-has-record-4-3b-budget-surplus
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https://wispolicyforum.org/research/wisconsins-ranks-in-school-spending-tax-burden-fall-together/
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https://wallethub.com/edu/e/most-least-equitable-school-districts-in-wisconsin/77146
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https://www.zippia.com/advice/special-education-teacher-salary-by-state/
Who to Contact:
Representative Deb Andraca
608-266-0486
Rep.Andraca@legis.wisconsin.gov
Representative Paul Melotik
608-266-3796
Rep.Melotik@legis.wisconsin.gov
Senator Jodi Habush Sinykin
608-266-5830
Sen.HabushSinykin@legis.wisconsin.gov