Dane County school districts vote to dissolve consortium for youth apprenticeship funding

Concerns over funding and operational changes dominated the Waunakee Community School District (WCSD) Board of Education meeting on March 31, 2025, as discussions centered on the potential dissolution of the Dane County School Consortium (DCSC). The consortium's lack of a fiscal agent has raised alarms, with officials emphasizing that without this structure, the consortium cannot effectively operate, hire staff, or manage funds.

Currently, the state grant reimbursement for students in the program averages between $900 and $950 per student, while the district receives only $450 per senior due to overhead costs taken by the consortium. This discrepancy has left the district feeling financially strained, as they are not receiving adequate funding for juniors and are burdened with additional costs associated with consortium membership.

One board member highlighted that the district has been paying over $1,100 annually just to be part of the consortium, alongside costs for classes that students take, further straining the budget. The discussion revealed that the consortium's management has created barriers for students, particularly in youth apprenticeship programs, where local coordinators have faced challenges in determining appropriate related courses for students.

The proposed dissolution of the consortium is seen as a pathway to increased financial support and reduced barriers for students. By working directly with the South Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, the district anticipates a more streamlined process for funding and program management, eliminating the middleman and associated overhead costs.

The board is expected to vote on the dissolution on April 11, with all 17 member districts reportedly in favor of withdrawing. This move is anticipated to allow for better allocation of funds directly to the districts, potentially returning approximately $35,000 currently held in designated funds back to the WCSD for youth apprenticeship programming.

As the district prepares for this transition, officials are optimistic about the increased flexibility and financial opportunities that will arise, allowing them to better support students and their career pathways without additional demands on the main district budget.