Supt. Rainwater's Letter to Governeor Doyle

January 16, 2007

Governor Jim Doyle
115 East
State Capitol
Madison, WI 53702

Dear Governor Doyle,

Thank you for making education one of the cornerstones of your administration. The long-term viability of Wisconsin's economic future is closely linked with a world class education system.

As you begin to put the finishing touches on your 2007-09 biennial budget, I urge you to examine revenue limits, and the devastation they have wreaked on school districts across the state. The revenue limit law allows the Madison school district to increase its "same service" budget by about 2.6%. However, the Qualified Economic Offer translates to a minimum increase of 3.8% for about 85% if the district's budget.

Eliminating the QEO will only sharpen the impact of revenue limits; one does not work in isolation of the other. Madison Schools have cut almost $53 million from its "same service" budget since the inception of state-imposed revenue limits — $35 million since 2000.

We have long passed the point where revenue limits can be managed outside the classroom. The consequences are inescapable: class size increases, students have fewer curricular opportunities and essential services for students most in need diminish or are eliminated. School districts are in a slow, downward spiral of death by a thousand cuts.

Utilities and bus transportation expenses are two costs dictated by market forces and outside the control of any school district. Providing revenue cap relief in these two areas is a good starting point, along with vital security measures necessary to ensure the safety of students and staff.

I look forward to working with you on reviewing the revenue cap law and other K-12 initiatives.

Sincerely,

Art Rainwater
Superintendent