Our Goals

Wisconsin families want more educational options. But current programs will not survive — let alone expand — unless we address major threats.

School Choice Wisconsin Action is a co-chair of the Wisconsin’s Coalition for Education Freedom, which is fighting for school choice for families across our state. Here are our goals:

 

Close the Funding Gap

All children have value. Yet those who attend private and independent charter schools receive only about 60 percent of funding available to public school students. We need to close that gap.

The funding gap particularly hurts private high schools, including those in Milwaukee and Racine, that significantly outperform public schools. Private schools struggle to compete for teachers. An exemplary Milwaukee high school has closed. Others are cutting back on seats.

 

Eliminate the Property Tax Impact

Enrollment growth can mean high property taxes. This is true except in Milwaukee, where choice will soon be paid 100% by state general purpose revenue. We should do the same elsewhere, including for independent charters. The Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimates this would be a statewide property tax cut of $200 million.

 

End Barriers to Entry

Any family may choose traditional public schools, charters or open enrollment. Barriers to entry exist only in the Milwaukee, Racine and statewide parental choice programs.

Income eligibility is not the only barrier. Restrictive enrollment periods, district enrollment caps and grade point entry levels limit the ability of families to participate.

 

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