Over 40 legislative candidates invited; Marklein, Novak among no-shows
EVANSVILLE — On Thursday night, education leaders, school board members, and community advocates from 20 southern Wisconsin school districts met at Evansville High School for “Wisconsin Public School Funding: A Spotlight Conversation.” Joined by 12 state legislative candidates representing seven legislative districts from both major political parties, the cross-district coalition sought to move beyond endless local referendums and focus on systemic state-level funding solutions.
The grassroots coalition of 20 school districts — representing over 40,000 public school students across several counties — formed initially in the wake of a failed referendum in Monroe. Rather than relying solely on repeated local ballot measures, district leaders united to engage prospective state lawmakers in constructive dialogue ahead of the November elections.
“We aren’t here tonight simply to ask for more money for schools,” said Jim Curran,
Monroe School Board President and event facilitator. “We’re here because we believe Wisconsin can develop a better, more sustainable approach to funding public education. Communities across our region are worn out and divided by the endless referendum cycle, while student needs grow more complex.”
During the forum, district superintendents and community members outlined the core financial pressures confronting public schools, centering on two critical short-term priorities: inflationary increases and special education reimbursement.
Over 40 legislative candidates from all parties are invited. Here is the list of who attended:
Bill Oemichen (Assembly District 50), Rep. Clinton Anderson (AD-45), Rep Jenna Jacobson (Senate District 17), Rep. Brienne Brown (AD-43), Rep Ann Roe (AD-44), Jeff Pertl (David Crowley Campaign for Governor), Sen. Mark Spreitzer (S-15), Christopher Dean (S-15), Jon Aleckson (AD-50), Dr. John Perryman (AD-31), Ben Gruber (AD-51), Rep. Joan Fitzgerald (AD-4)
Attending candidates shared diverse perspectives on property tax relief, expanding the Homestead Tax Credit, freezing senior property taxes, addressing voucher system costs, and improving special education funding. Coalition leaders expressed their appreciation to the 12 candidates who participated and emphasized the importance of continuing the conversation beyond the November elections. The coalition looks forward to working with incoming state lawmakers, regardless of party affiliation, and collaborating with participating districts and community members to advance sustainable school funding solutions that meet student needs while balancing the interests of local taxpayers.
“Every school district has a responsibility to meet the needs of its students, including those who require specialized services,” said Evansville Superintendent, Nate Perry.
“But when the cost of providing those services and maintaining educational programs outpaces available funding, districts face difficult choices. We need a funding system that recognizes those realities and helps schools meet their obligations without continually shifting the burden to local property taxpayers.
