Kindness. Respect. Integrity. Character.
Parents long for schools where virtues like these are taught and celebrated.
But due to Wisconsin’s school funding gap, it can be difficult for high-character schools to meet parent demand.
So, what is Wisconsin’s school funding gap and where does it come from?
Wisconsin’s education options
Start with a survey of the state’s tax-funded schooling options. There’s traditional public school education, public charter school education, and even private school education for families participating in one of Wisconsin’s parental choice programs.
All are legitimate options for Wisconsin families, but you couldn’t tell from the way they’re funded by the state.
On average, traditional public schools receive about $15,000 per student to educate Wisconsin kids. But charter and private choice schools receive thousands of dollars less per qualified student — often less than 60% of what traditional public schools receive.
See the problem?
When it comes to educating kids, charter and choice schools start from a deficit — one that only grows larger with each family they serve.
Close the gap; celebrate character
Parents who favor charter and choice schools often do so because they’re better suited to a family’s values. But Wisconsin puts a price tag on family values when the gap between funding traditional public school students and charter or choice students is so drastic.
That’s why the Badger Institute is calling on Wisconsin lawmakers to close the gap through equal funding for charter and choice schools… and to celebrate character in the process.
Related video: Funding gap: Wisconsin choice and charter schools shortchanged
For more from parents and students across the state embracing the freedom to choose the best education, see our entire collection of Choice Stories.
