Local News
Senator Shilling says schools need to be priority
State funding has dropped by $5 million since 2011
A steady drop in school funding around Wisconsin in the last five years leads one area lawmaker to say “enough is enough.”
La Crosse Senator Jennifer Shilling says rural school systems in western Wisconsin are among those feeling the pain of double-digit percentage cuts in state aid.
“We are seeing many school districts that have seen an exit of teachers,” she said. “They are saying they have teacher shortages.
“In the past, when they’ve posted for a position, they’ve had dozens of applicants, but they are finding that is not the case anymore.”
Just in La Crosse, the state funding reduction for schools has been over $5 million a year since 2011.
“We can’t continue to place education as the last budget item that is determined,” Shilling said. “When the finance committee meets, it really needs to be a priority.”
Not every district has lost money, though. Funding to the Pewaukee district, near Milwaukee, has tripled in the same five years.