Wisconsin voters are once again being asked to approve billions of dollars in local school funding, while a lawsuit argues the state’s education finance system has become too dependent on property taxpayers.
Law Forward general counsel Jeff Mandel and Wisconsin Public Education Network executive director Heather DuBois Bourenane joined Point Taken to explain the lawsuit and why school districts continue turning to referendums.
The case was filed in February in Eau Claire County Circuit Court by a group of parents, students, teachers, school districts and education organizations. The plaintiffs argue Wisconsin’s current funding system fails to satisfy the state Constitution’s requirement to provide students an equal opportunity for a “sound basic education.” Republican legislative leaders have asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit, calling its claims meritless.
Mandell said the case is continuing, with another hearing expected in early December.
