GBAPSD
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Funding for public education in Wisconsin will be a major topic for legislators as they negotiate the state budget.
A large portion of Governor Tony Evers’ plan to invest in all levels of education includes more support from special education programs.
Evers wants to spend more than $1.1 billion over the next biennium on special education.
“Doing what’s best for our kids will always be what’s best for our state. Investing in our kids will pay dividends for their futures, and ours, too,” said Gov. Evers during his budget address in Madison on Tuesday, Feb. 18th.
The vast majority of that money would go towards doubling the state’s special education reimbursement rate from 30% — to 60%.
Republicans agree the reimbursement rate should be increased, but don’t see the Governor’s plan to double the rate as realistic.
“That’s going to be very difficult for us to completely double the amount for anything in the budget,” said State Rep. David Steffen, R-Howard. “We don’t have a specific dollar amount. We’re going to be negotiating, even internally, as to what that will be. But it will be significant. It will be the largest percent increase, likely, as it relates to any education-related funding.”
“We have significant competing interests within the state, whether that be for Medicaid, whether it be for senior citizens, whether it be other elements of the budget and so all of those have to be put into place to make something that’s fiscally responsible,” said Steffen.
The Green Bay Area Public School District (GBAPS) says any costs not covered by the state or grants for special education come from the district’s general operating fund.
Any type of reimbursement increase would mean more money for the district to use elsewhere.
“Any funds that we can put into supporting our teachers, which could be retaining, attracting teachers to come to the district,” said GBAPS Interim Superintendent, Vicki Bayer.
About 15% of students in the district qualify for special education services.
For the 2024-25 fiscal year, GB schools had to use $35 million from its general operating fund for supporting special education.
The proposed increase would help the district make fewer cuts down the road, as the district believes it will be operating at a deficit this upcoming fiscal year.
“We would still need to make cuts, but it wouldn’t be at the rate we would have to if it doesn’t go to 60%,” said Bayer.
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