Wisconsin has handed cash-strapped Milwaukee a lifeline to stave off bankruptcy, allowing the city to raise sales taxes without voter approval as part of a larger local government and K-12 schools funding plan, according to a bipartisan deal announced Thursday by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republican lawmakers. Evers called it a “transformative” deal that will rescue […]
Tag: vouchers
Posted inEducation
Wisconsin students with disabilities often denied public school choices
Wisconsin lets public schools reject applications of students with disabilities who seek transfers across district lines — a form of exclusion courts have upheld.
Posted inEducation
‘Unwanted and unwelcome’: Anti-LGBTQ+ policies common at Wisconsin voucher schools
Many taxpayer-funded ‘choice’ schools in Wisconsin have anti-LGBTQ+ policies, often justified by Christian beliefs. And there’s little the state can do about it.
Posted inEducation
Federal, state law permit disability discrimination in Wisconsin voucher schools
The state Department of Public Instruction says it has no legal authority to force private taxpayer-funded schools to accommodate students with disabilities
Posted inEducation
False choice: Wisconsin taxpayers support schools that can discriminate
Dozens of voucher schools have policies that allow them to exclude LGBTQ+ students or those with disabilities. In many cases, it’s legal.
Posted inEducation
Considering a Wisconsin voucher school? Here’s what parents of children who are LGBTQ+ or have a disability should know.
Private schools that accept taxpayer-funded vouchers have different rules from public schools.
Posted inGovernment
Wisconsin Republicans, Evers set to clash on budget
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Republicans who control the state Legislature are poised to clash with newly reelected Democratic Gov. Tony Evers over tax cuts, how to fund local governments and whether to expand the private school choice program to wealthier families. But even though Evers and Republicans are on opposite sides of issues like abortion […]
Posted inEducation, Government, Money & Politics
School choice advocates hope to build on gains
Beginning this fall, taxpayer money will help children move from public to private schools in Racine. But according to a nonpartisan group, expanding vouchers to Racine will add nearly $3 million to the state’s costs over the next two school years. Part three of three in a series.
Posted inEducation, Government, Money & Politics
School choice big winner in state
Dozens of Wisconsin political players have received millions of dollars from individuals and interest groups committed to promoting alternatives to public schools. Part two of three in a series.
Posted inEducation, Government, Money & Politics
The selling of school choice
A vast and interconnected array of school choice proponents — including the Walton family, heirs to the Walmart fortune — is changing the face of education in Wisconsin. Part one of three in a series.
Posted inEducation, Government, Money & Politics
Are choice schools better?
School choice proponents argue that private vouchers give students in troubled school districts the opportunity for a better education. But the numbers don’t always back them up.