Green Bay school board seeks tax bill transparency on private school voucher funding

Green Bay residents are set to gain greater transparency regarding the financial implications of the school voucher program after the Common Council voted to include specific figures on property tax bills. During a recent meeting, community members, including school board president Laura McCoy, emphasized the need for clarity on how much taxpayer money is allocated to private school vouchers.

The council's decision follows a resolution passed by the Green Bay Area Public School District, which requested that the amount levied for vouchers be clearly stated on tax bills. This year, the figure stands at approximately $8.9 million, a significant portion of the district's budget that has raised concerns among taxpayers about the impact of vouchers on public school funding.

Stephanie Guzman, a local resident, passionately argued for transparency, stating, "We, the taxpayers, want to know numbers. I want facts. I want data." Her remarks resonated with many in attendance, highlighting a community desire for straightforward information regarding educational funding.

The discussion also touched on the complexities of school funding in Wisconsin, with McCoy noting that the district has faced increasing financial pressures due to rising voucher costs. The council's move to include this information on tax bills aims to inform residents about how their tax dollars are being utilized, fostering a more informed public dialogue about education funding.

In addition to the voucher transparency initiative, the council acknowledged recent collaborations between the city and the school district, such as the installation of safety beacons funded through the American Rescue Plan. These efforts reflect a commitment to enhancing community safety and educational support.

As the council prepares to implement these changes, residents can expect to see clearer financial breakdowns on their tax bills, allowing for more informed discussions about the future of education funding in Green Bay. The next steps will involve working closely with school district officials to ensure accurate and effective communication of these figures.