MADISON– Wisconsin’s state superintendent is proposing a major public school budget overhaul.
Dr. Jill Underly’s 2027 through 2029 budget plan would provide roughly $2.7 billion in new aid for K-12 schools and libraries.
“The era of operating referendums needs to come to an end,” says Underly. “We know what needs to change, and we have a framework to do it. Now, we need state leaders to come together and put this solution into action.”
The proposal would increase per-student funding, add support for students who economically disadvantaged students and those who are learning English, and would reduce districts’ reliance on property taxes and operating referendums.
It would also increase state reimbursement for special education costs.
Underly writes that her plan would:
- Increasing per-pupil funding: Providing a $366 per-pupil increase in 2027-28 and an additional $374 in 2028-29, with both increases building into the base for future years.
- Recognizing student needs: Adding funding weights for students from economically disadvantaged families and English learners.
- Restructuring existing aid: Moving $574.7 million in Per-Pupil Aid into general and equalization aid, better connecting state support to the school funding formula.
- Providing additional resources: Including an additional $742 per pupil in 2027-28 to account for funding currently provided outside the revenue limits.
The plan still needs approval from state lawmakers and the governor.
