5 Keys to Educational Excellence

These key budget items are recommendations of the Governor’s Task Force on Excellence in Education and if included in the Governor’s budget, would provide enough resources in public schools to begin a trend toward an adequate model of funding the diverse needs of schools across Wisconsin.

1. Key- Conduct a ‘cost-out’ study to define the staff, classes, facilities and materials cost of providing a sound, basic education and account for extra costs for students in poverty, with disabilities, English-language learners, and rural areas.
   Cost: $100,000
2. Key- Support increasing state aid for busing children, with the money coming from the state’s transportation fund.
   Cost: $60 million
3. Key- Wisconsin schools need additional state support for students with severe disabilities and increased state aid for special education. This would mean more resources are available for all other students as well.
   Cost: $56 million
4. Key- Provide kids a good start with smaller class sizes in early grades, expanded four-year-old kindergarten, more before- and after-school programs, and better day care.
   Cost: $41 million
5. Key- Increasing state aid to educate students with limited English will insure that resources are available for existing academic programs.