Wauwatosa Schools Estimated To Receive General Aid Decrease

WAUWATOSA, WI — New state estimates show that schools in Wauwatosa could be getting a decrease in general aid next school year, a release from the Wisconsin Department of Instruction said.

General aid is the least restrictive and largest form of aid that public schools in Wisconsin receive each year from the state. Other forms of funding, such as categorical or federal grants, can restrict how the money is spent. General aid, on the other hand, can be used by schools for a variety of general education programs.

The DPI estimated that $5 billon of general aid will be distributed to public school districts for the 2021-22 school year, a 2.2 percent increase since last year. The $109 million boost to state general aid funding was not equally spread out amongst Wisconsin schools, though.

Most districts in Wisconsin will receive an increase in general aid, but 140 will receive less, and 68 districts will receive a 15 percent cut, the maximum allowed decrease in general aid under state law.

More districts received the maximum allowed cuts this year than last. Only 50 districts received a 15 percent decrease in general aid for the 2020-21 budget.

Estimates are calculated based on property valuations, enrollment patterns and shared costs. Across Wisconsin, though, many districts have faced enrollment drops. Such reduced enrollment patterns have been felt across the state and nationwide, largely thanks to the pandemic.

The estimates were also partially based on the state biennial budget recommendations by the Joint Finance Committee. The committee's recommendations for how to fund schools have sparked concern among many Wisconsin school districts.

The estimates for general aid are not final, and will be confirmed on October 15. Final aid amounts depend on a second DPI audit and the final figures when Wisconsin's state budget is signed into law, the release said.

Here are the general aid amounts that school districts in Wauwatosa could see next year:

Wauwatosa School District will receive a $2,838,016 decrease in general aid. The district received $20,896,682 and is estimated to receive $18,058,666 for the next school year, a 13.58 percent decrease.

Milwaukee Public Schools will receive a $46,506,245 increase in general aid. The district received $566,548,544 and is estimated to receive $613,054,789 for the next school year, a 8.21 percent increase.