Public school district administrators and school board members dominated the discussion Wednesday at the first public hearing on Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed state budget.
At Brillion High School near Appleton, public school advocates criticized the way this budget would cut state aid in its first year and continue revenue caps that make it harder for districts to make up for cuts at the local level.
Ashwaubenon Superintendent Brian Hanes said districts like his are at a tipping point.
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“And the potential loss of educational opportunities for our students across the state with this proposed budget is just alarming,” Hanes told members of the state Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee.
Walker’s budget would cut property taxes on the median home by a total of $10. Shawano School District Business Manager Louise Fischer said it’s not worth it.
“Honestly, are any of us going to hold this budget, the governor, or you in high regard because it saved us the cost of a Friday night fish fry. This ten dollars is insignificant to the taxpayer and devastating to a school district,” Fischer told committee members.
There are three more budget hearings scheduled. The next one is Friday.
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