Editorial column by Representative Loren Oldenburg (R-Viroqua)
The first national test scores that came out since the pandemic, released in fall of 2022, showed students reading and math scores had regressed significantly. Indicating that remote learning had a negative effect on students learning ability. To help students readjust after the pandemic, the Wisconsin state Legislature invested in per pupil funding and increased the low-revenue ceiling, continued to support school libraries, and created new literacy initiatives in this year’s state budget.
Per pupil spending has been increased by $325 dollars each year of the biennium, totaling $975 dollars per student in new revenue from 2023-2025. The low revenue ceiling has also been raised by $1,000 dollars in this year’s budget, making it $11,000 dollars per student. This is the largest increase in statewide revenue limit authority since revenue limits were first imposed on K-12 schools thirty years ago.
It is imperative that we not only support our students, but also ensure that they have access to all of the educational materials they may need. Libraries provide access to computers and the internet, serve as a valuable meeting place for classes, and give our students the resources they need to become excellent readers. I am proud to share that $7 million dollars will be invested into school library aids for each year of the budget. This funding will support students and the surrounding communities who utilize all that the library has to offer.
Along with these investments, the Legislature has been working hard to create new literacy programs. $50 million dollars will be used to establish the Office of Literacy, which will supervise a literacy coaching program. This program’s goal is to provide teachers with more tools to assist students who are struggling to read. Around two-thirds of 8th grade students in Wisconsin are not proficient at reading, so the creation of this office could not come at a better time. I am hopeful that this program will help educators of all grades come up with new, innovative ways to help the students of Wisconsin learn to read.
As our students prepare to head back to school, I hope this information gives the parents and educators of the 96th some peace of mind. In addition to these investments into public education, I’m pleased to share that choice and charter schools will also see $360 million dollars in new funding. These funds support the viability of the choice programs, so that families have educational options to select based on the needs of their child. For further questions on K-12 funding in the 2023-2025 state budget, please contact Representative Oldenburg at Rep.Oldenburg@legis.wisconsin.gov or at (608) 237-9196.
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