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June 27, 2003
Governor James E. Doyle
115 East
State Capitol
Madison, WI 53702
Dear Governor Doyle:
Without question, the 2003-05 biennial budget is the most difficult budget confronting state policymakers in decades. Faced with a $3.2 billion deficit, the education community realized from the outset that it would be a difficult two years for everyone in Wisconsin. However, the Legislature's final product falls short of our state's historic support for K-12 public education. There are several K-12 provisions in the bill that I believe demand greater scrutiny.
Revenue Limits - The temporary "short-term fix" of revenue limits have required schools to cut programs annually. After a decade of cuts amounting to over $28 million and the elimination of almost 300 positions, halving the allowable revenue limit increase further erodes the district's ability to offer the high quality education our community demands.
The state's backing away from the 2/3 commitment, coupled with a dramatic reduction in the allowable revenue limit increase, will harm Wisconsin's premier K-12 system. Further, the $100 allowable increase in Fiscal Year 04-05 fails to keep pace with inflation and disregards higher costs for utilities and transportation costs, and already negotiated labor agreements. I urge you to veto this provision and return to current law on allowable revenue limit increases.
SAGE - The SAGE program has been a tremendous benefit to the Madison Schools. We strongly support the state program to reduce K-3 class size and believe it has made an important difference for our children.
Over 75% of the district's K-3 students are in SAGE classes, including 91% of children from low-income families. Five years ago only 59% of all students tested scored at the proficient/advanced level on the state's Third Grade Reading Test, compared with 71% in 2001-02. These gains occurred while the district increased the percentage of test-takers from 82% in 1998 to 90% in 2001-02. That said, in dire financial times, districts across the state might need the flexibility in the Joint Finance Committee's (JFC) SAGE proposal. Many school districts are similar to Madison in the sense that local dollars are needed to supplement state SAGE funds if the enrollment of low-income students at a particular school is less than 50%.
4-year old kindergarten - For nearly two years the district has worked with private sector businesses (child care providers), the City of Madison, Head Start, the UW (Waisman Center), the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and the local teachers union to craft a 4-year old kindergarten program for Madison. We know that the earlier children can build a literacy foundation, the better we will be able to close the achievement gap for children in danger of falling behind.
The action by the Legislature to cut in half the allowable aid for 4-year old kindergarten will make it impossible for the district to move forward with a model developed by a broad cross section of the community. It's ironic that lawmakers urge local units of government to cooperate and work as partners, while the state's action hinders that collaborative effort. I urge you to veto the Legislature's changes related to 4-year old kindergarten and return to current law for state aid purposes.
Teacher Licensing - The action taken by the Legislature to increase teacher/administrator license fees by $50 and use the resources for teacher mentoring is laudable. However, during the course of the debate surrounding PI 34, Madison and many others in the education community cautioned lawmakers about unfunded mandates.
The Legislature allocates $1.5 million for the mentoring provision in PI 34. According to the DPI's recent "Supply and Demand" study, there were 1,387 first-time teachers during the 2001-02 school year. That equates to about $1,081 for mentoring purposes for each new teacher, a woefully inadequate amount. While there is no corrective action you can make with a veto, I continue to be concerned about this unfunded mandate.
Youth Apprenticeships - Madison students have benefited greatly from the Youth Apprenticeship program. The practical application of classroom knowledge gives students a real head start in their careers. This year 23 Madison students participated in Youth Options. I urge you to veto the Legislature's changes to the Youth Apprenticeship program and to return to current law for funding purposes, so students can get the most out of this wonderful opportunity.
Driver's Education - The Legislature's $4.3 million increase in special education aid is a small first step in coming to grips with the State Supreme Court's Vincent v. Voight, 2000 decision to adequately fund special needs students. Funding the state special education mandate - especially for "low-incidence/high cost" students - must be a priority of your school finance task force. The district will have to re-evaluate whether or not to continue to offer driver's education through the public schools.
Thank you in advance for your attention to my concerns. If you have questions, or need more information, please don't hesitate to contact me, 663-1907, or the district's legislative liaison, Joe Quick, 663-1902.
Sincerely,
Art Rainwater
Superintendent
C: Madison-area state delegation
Sen. Michael Ellis, Chairman, Senate Education Committee
Rep. Luther Olsen, Chairman, Assembly Education Committee
Rep. Scott Jensen, Chairman, Assembly Education Reform Committee