The Forward Institute completed a study of school finance in Wisconsin and concluded that the state does not provide equality of opportunity to the neediest children.

The study is called “Segregation of Opportunity.”

“The study concluded the following:

1. The school funding system is depriving many Wisconsin children and communities the resources they need to provide equal educational opportunities; these same communities are being forced to increase property taxes just to provide the basics. The situation has gotten worse over time.

2. Because of the unfair funding formula, the more high needs students (poverty, special needs, English language learners) a school district has, the less educational opportunities that are available to all children in that district.

3. The inequality of opportunity between different types of school districts with different student populations and community wealth has been getting worse over time – leaving more of our children and communities behind.

4. High poverty schools have significantly lower revenue limits, which deprive them of critical funding for educational opportunities. This negative effect is getting worse over time.

“The Heart of the Matter

“The final conclusion is that the system is not meeting its obligations, as shown between gaps in per pupil
funding and spending, resulting in a child’s educational opportunities being determined by where he/she lives.

“Ultimately what the study reveals is that Wisconsin’s funding formula no longer adequately funds all school
districts,” stated AEF President John Gaier. “This has resulted in widening gaps of opportunities for students
and communities. Low property value communities are shouldering a greater burden for funding local
school districts. A better funding system is needed for Wisconsin school students to have the opportunities
needed for them to be college and career ready, regardless of life circumstances or the community in which
they live.”