Contact: Tom Evenson, (608) 266-2839
Tomah – Governor Scott Walker traveled to Tomah today to discuss the historic K-12 and rural school investments included in his biennial budget proposal with Lemonweir Elementary School students, teachers, and staff. The governor’s proposal lifts K-12 investment to $11.5 billion over two years, an all-time high, and includes $649 million in new state aids for all K-12 schools in the state.
“Our biennial budget isn’t about the past, it’s about looking forwards towards Wisconsin’s bright future,” Governor Walker said. “One of the ways we’re investing in the future success of our state is by investing in student success. By providing $649 million in new state aids for K-12 schools throughout Wisconsin, we’re ensuring our students receive a quality education that will prepare them for college, a career, and real life.”
The Tomah Area School District is estimated to receive $40.5 million in funding from the state under Governor Walker’s biennial budget, including:
- An increase of $1,842,804 in Per Pupil Aid. Governor Walker’s budget proposal increases per-pupil funding by $200 per pupil in Fiscal Year 2018 and $204 per pupil in Fiscal Year 2019 – the largest increase since the 2005-2008 biennium.
- An increase of $100,732 in High-Cost Transportation Aid. High-Cost Transportation Aid provides additional transportation aid to school districts with per-pupil transportation costs more than 150 percent of the state average and with a density of 50 pupils per square mile or less.
The Tomah Area School District may also be eligible for further funding under Governor Walker’s budget proposal, such as mental health grants, energy efficiency incentives, and special needs grants.
To learn more about Governor Walker’s proposed investment in K-12 education, click here. Governor Walker’s full 2017 Budget Address can be found here.
