FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1998
The Madison school district will receive an estimated $593,456 from the federal government to reduce elementary class size, according to information the district received from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI).
Wisconsin received $20.1 million for the class size reduction initiative, which was part of the federal budget passed this fall. The measure requires school districts to use the funds to reduce class size in grades 1-3 to 18 students. The funds were allocated to school districts using the federal government's Title I low-income count based on census data.
On December 14 the Madison school board will hear the school district administration's plan to embrace the Schools of Hope recommendation that all K-3 classes be reduced to 20 students -- and to 15 students in schools where at least 40 percent of the students are from low income families.
The class size reduction funds have been characterized by the President and members of Congress as a down payment on the national initiative for smaller classes. It is anticipated that the President will recommend expansion of the program in next year's federal budget. According to the DPI, the federal funds will be available to districts on July 1, 1999 for use during the 1999-2000 school year. The DPI allocation estimates are partially based on a school district's 1997-98 school year enrollment. The final amount could change depending on this year's enrollment.
Public Information Office
545 W. Dayton St.
Madison, WI 53703
608-266-6270
email: mmccabe@madison.k12.wi.us
Last Modified: 1998-12-01
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