Gov. Scott Walker announced in a meeting Wednesday that he has a “dramatic” plan to improve the state of rural K-12 public schools with the Wisconsin Credit Union League.
Although details of Walker’s plan are limited, he stated that his 2017-’19 budget will “dramatically help rural schools in Wisconsin so that every student in every community in every ZIP code in this state can have access to a great education.”
Walker scheduled to release more information about the plan throughout the day Thursday while attending different schools in Wisconsin. Shortly after the meeting, however, Walker’s spokesman said the governor had a cold and would not be able to visit the schools.
Despite not having any specifics of the plan, rural school advocates are hopeful for financial help in order to solve teacher shortages and transportation costs, increase enrollment and advanced available technology.
Kim Kaukl, executive director of the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance, told the Wisconsin State Journal he would like state revenue limits to increase to more than $200 per student and hopes for more money to be allocated toward mental health programs and special education.
After meeting with Gov. Walker, Kaukl was unsure of what Walker’s plan will encompass.
Superintendent of the Stanley-Boyd School District Jim Jones also expressed the imperative need to get more funding for rural schools.
“The rural schools, they have some real, tough budgetary parameters. They have issues that everybody else doesn't have simply because of their size. So, I hope he will quote-unquote throw some money at them.”
