Group looks to change school funding

BROWN COUNTY - Public school officials announced a plan Tuesday to change funding for public education, saying it would cost hundreds of millions of dollars. However, at least one lawmaker is cautious.

The education system for all public schools across the state of Wisconsin could use a lot more money according to a new group called the School Finance Network.

"But it has to go for specific programs that help students achieve," said Green Lake Superintendent Ken Bates.

The group is made up of thousands of school officials from across the state. They plan to ask lawmakers for more money for various school programs like tutors, mentors or anything else that can improve education for public school students.

"For 15 years, we've lived under revenue limits and now it's time we come together. It's time for a change," said Bates.

The network says the potential change would cost $320 million in the first year, and $550 million in the second year. The plan would also mean schools would get more money per student from the state, from $264 a year to $350. The group tells FOX 11 the plan would actually lower property taxes statewide after all numbers are averaged.

The network plans to ask for a hearing with the state's education committee soon, but one lawmaker is already highly skeptical.

"What they're asking for is money into one source to the detriment of seniors, to the detriment of health care," said State Rep. Phil Montgomery.

State Representative Phil Montgomery, a member of the legislature's joint finance committee, says the public schools have already seen a 108% increase in funding since the late 1990's. Montgomery said enrollment at the public schools has increased less than 2% in that time.

"So I guess for this group to come up before taxpayers at this time--it's almost a cruel hoax," said Montgomery.

"Wisconsin has supported schools. We appreciate that, however, we are saying the students are changing," said Bates.

The legislature is getting ready to tackle a 5.7 budget deficit. It is unclear how this plan will fare with lawmakers.