October 2024
This November, in Rock County, four school districts will again come to the property owners seeking funds to maintain their operations and facilities.
There is no doubt that voters are feeling the economic pinch this fall, and some of them will vote in the negative on school funding questions simply because their budgets are so tight. School officials argue referendums must be passed and taxes increased or the system will disintegrate.
Is the argument valid? Are schools not receiving any funding increases from the state leaving taxpayers to foot the bill? The answer is no. Districts might not be receiving all they want, but consider this.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) report published by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC), the revenue per student has increased every year since 2014. And last spring, Governor Evers ensured that is always the case with his (arguably illegal) budget veto creating an increase in funding per student for the next 400 years.
What about the argument that if taxpayers provide the districts with more money via referendums, it will equate to more student success?
Checking a summary provided in this month’s “Did You Know” series from Rock County First, we find that increases in spending doesn’t equate to increased educational outcomes. In fact, in the last five years, student proficiencies in math and English are down. The Rock County school district’s average rank within the state has fallen 49 spots over that time – led by the County’s two largest school districts (Beloit and Janesville School districts). This while, as discussed, state funding has increased and nearly all the rock county districts have operating referendums requesting even more from taxpayers.
You will love this. Just last year the state DPI lowered the thresholds defining student and district success. That means future reports will show an increase in success, when in truth, the bar was simply lowered. To learn more about this bait and switch, please read this report from the Institute for Reforming (WI) Government – Testing our Patience: How Wisconsin Lowered Standards, Widened the Achievement Gap, and Busted Its State Exams.
When we discover that the “more money equals better outcomes” narrative is false, it means the system built on that foundation cannot work properly.
It means legislators and administrators need to go back to the proverbial drawing board, starting with state mandated programs, and determine if those ‘one size fits all mandates’ make sense within the individual districts. Any curriculum that seeks to manipulate the student body needs to be closely examined. While it may be appropriate to address violence on the school grounds, having teachers promote theories on religion, gender or racism may not pass the test of education necessary for students to succeed. Nor is it likely the best approach to integrate special needs students with those not requiring a higher level of attention, especially from an efficiency standpoint.
As one of the highest property taxed counties in the country (225th highest of 3143 counties in the U.S.) it’s your right, and duty, to ask the obvious question: “Are our kids getting the education we’re paying for?”
RCF is Here to Help!
Deciding to run for office is a difficult decision for anyone, and unique to their own circumstances. Many people have told us they have very much appreciated the support and guidance RCF has provided, so they can make a more informed decision. Long story short, RCF is here to help!
Here are a couple resources to get you started
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Someone from our Candidate & Campaign Committee would be happy to speak with you directly as well. If you are interested in further assistance, please contact us at rockcountywifirst@gmail.com
