Essential Elements for Wisconsin's School Aid Formula

"...Wisconsin students have a fundamental right to an equal opportunity for a sound basic education...one that will equip students for their roles as citizens and enable them to succeed economically and personally.

"An equal opportunity for a sound basic education...takes into account districts with disproportionate numbers of disabled students, economically disadvantaged students, and students with limited English language skills. So long as the legislature is providing sufficient resources so that school districts offer students the equal opportunity for a sound basic education as required by the constitution, the state school finance system will pass constitutional muster."
Wisconsin Supreme Court, Vincent v. Voight, 2000

Formula changes must address issues raised by the state Supreme Court Vincent v. Voight decision - adequate state resources must be provided for disadvantaged students (low-income, special education, bilingual);
If a "foundation" is used to provide "a sound basic education," then the "foundation" must rise annually, commensurate with the Consumer Price Index, and also take into account regional cost of living differences;
Debt service should be outside foundation and locally controlled by board of education (local building programs);
Foundation level of state funding should exceed the current average per pupil expenditure;
The foundation must be weighted (low-income, special education, bilingual);
Local boards of education must be given taxing authority with simple majority vote (property tax);
Remove the Qualified Economic Offer and revenue limits language from statutes.
A "foundation" amount must not constitute a "voucher" amount.

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