The Legislature has assembled a Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding to help address school finance in the future. The Commission’s recommendations would most likely be provided in time to shape the state’s 2019-2021 budget, which will be introduced next February. 

School transportation funding and parental choice are two hot topics, among many other components of state funding for K-12 education. The public education lobby is working hard to ensure their voice is heard on these issues.  In general, they do not want any tax money to be used on private school kids.

There are two WCRIS school representatives on the Commission — Bill Hughes of Seton Catholic Schools and Lori Saquer of Messmer Catholic Schools, both of Milwaukee. They could use some support. 

Testimony from private school leaders is a great way to do that. Consider attending and testifying at one of the Commission’s hearings, which are scheduled around the state through June. 

Private School voices are needed because the Commission will be looking at funding equity, busing costs, and choice programs.

Points to remember if you attend: Make sure you sign in when you arrive. If you testify, keep your comments positive. Bring a written copy of your testimony to leave with the Commission, especially if they run out of time and you don’t get to testify. You can still leave your statement.  You can also leave a statement and skip testifying.

Two upcoming meetings are as follows: 

Monday, March 19: 1:30 pm, North Woods International School, N2541 Sable, La Crosse, WI 54601

Monday March 26, 2:00 pm, Foth Companies, 2121 Innovation Court, De Pere, WI 54115

At both hearings, the Blue Ribbon Commission will hear testimony from invited speakers including representatives from local school districts and CESAs. Following the presentations, members of the public are invited to speak and share their thoughts. To ensure that all of those in attendance are able to be heard, public testimony will be limited to 5 minutes. The hearings will conclude at 6 p.m.

Future Commission hearings have also been set for: 

Monday, April 9,  Fennimore

Monday, April 23, Oshkosh 

Monday, May 7, Tomahawk 

Monday, May 21, Turtle Lake 

Monday, June 4, Madison

Logistics of the meetings will be finalized closer to the date they occur. Details can be found on the Commission’s web site.