June 2, 2010 at 11:42 a.m.
Moving education forward
As teachers and support staff in public schools, we see firsthand how the state's outdated funding system continues to put the pinch on local districts - leaving communities with some very tough choices about how to balance the need to provide students with well-rounded education opportunities with the economic pressure on property tax payers.
The truth is Wisconsin's school funding formula is so outdated that it assumes every child costs the same to educate. The formula works against schools with declining enrollment and doesn't allocate adequate funding to the school districts that need it most. You're probably aware of the school funding dilemma in your community, perhaps evidenced by school closings, a continuing cycle of budget cuts, or education funding referendum questions in recent elections.
The uncertainty that surrounds how schools can maintain staff, programs and services takes the focus from where it should be - in the classroom.
Our state union of educators has been working with school boards, administrators, and parent and business groups to find a better way to fund our schools. During Moving Education Forward week, we're taking the call to action to the grassroots level. We want to work with the public to identify solutions to the funding challenges our schools face.
When we take time to talk together about education, something inspiring happens. We find hope that we can make a difference in the lives of students - not only for today, but for future generations too. Onalaska teacher Allison Pratt, who recently helped staff a booth about education at a family fun fair in her community, had the chance to talk to more than 200 people about school funding, class sizes, school budgets and more.
Allison said talking with so many people about important education issues filled her heart, and proved to her that we're all in this together. It was apparent there is common ground when it comes to school funding. She said, "This is a critical time. We have to be out there fixing things for our kids."
Whether we live in Onalaska, New London, Watertown, or anywhere else in Wisconsin, we all feel the impact of a school funding system that doesn't work.
I think we all also share the basic belief that every child deserves the opportunity to receive a top-notch education, no matter where that child happens to live. Strong, healthy schools build a better future for our children and stronger communities for us all.
Please join your local educators during Moving Education Forward week to further the discussion about how we can all work together to improve our state's school funding system.
by Mary Bell
President of the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC)
