Gov. Scott Walker announced Wednesday specific details of a plan that offers more financial support to Wisconsin’s rural public schools as part of his biennial budget proposal.
Walker’s plan would give $20 million more to less populated school districts, or districts with fewer than 745 students and a population density of fewer than 10 students per square mile.
Rural schools have been hoping for more money to address increasing transportation costs, teacher shortages, declining enrollment and a need for technological advances in their districts.
Walker also proposed an additional $10.4 million be given for high-cost transportation aid, with 100 percent reimbursement, for schools with fewer than 50 students per square mile and transportation costs that are greater than 150 percent of the state average.
State Superintendent Tony Evers has also proposed measures to answer the call for increased funding for public and rural public schools that have fewer resources and transportation problems. Evers requested a $707 million increase in state funding for public schools in the 2017-2019 budget.
Walker proposed to increase the technological grant funding by $22.5 million dollars and the grant for broadband internet by $13 million. Additionally, he proposed the implementation of hot spots on buses and for students to take home, providing easier internet access.
To address teacher shortages, the UW System flex option program will focus on training part-time teacher’s aids and other paraprofessionals to become full-time teachers in order to staff rural schools who are struggling with a lack of teachers and professionals.
Walker’s announced his rural schools plan across the state at schools in Crandon, Hilbert and Wauzeka.
