Board hears warning that state, federal budget moves could hit special education funding

Chris Steele, the board's governmental relations representative, told the Milwaukee Board of School Directors that the governor's proposed budget and pending state and federal decisions could affect how much the state and federal governments reimburse districts for special education and other programs.

Steele said the governor proposed about $3.1 billion in education funding and that key decisions remain as the Joint Committee on Finance begins public hearings. He told the board the governor's plan includes proposed changes to special education reimbursement that differ from alternatives discussed in the legislature: "The governor has proposed 60% reimbursement, others have proposed 90," Steele said, noting that higher reimbursements would reduce districts' reliance on referendums.

The broader context matters, Steele said: any change at the federal level would affect state reimbursement because federal aid typically comes first. "If special ed funding at the federal level gets cut, for example, that means the reimbursement rate for special ed at the state level will go down because they operate in conjunction with each other," he said. Steele also flagged a separate bill about setting a proficiency "cut score," and said policymakers need to align academic standards with funding so students have the opportunity to meet new expectations.

Dr. O'Rourke, a district staff member, provided district-specific federal funding numbers cited from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction: Milwaukee Public Schools receives $194,781,223 in federal aid, of which $146,208,784 is U.S. Department of Education funding and $48,572,439 is U.S. Department of Agriculture funding for school meals. Dr. O'Rourke noted the district-equivalent effect of that funding: "the funding that we get is equivalent to 1,640 educator jobs in the school district of Milwaukee."

Board members asked for additional details and channels to participate in state budget hearings. Director Zomber asked the Office of Board Governance to provide information on the committee's listening sessions; Tina Owen Moore, Chief Officer, Office of Board Governance, said the office would distribute details.

Why it matters: State and federal funding levels determine how districts provide services to students with disabilities and those affected by poverty. Board members and staff urged community advocacy at public hearings and reminded the public that the state budget process is still unfolding and could be delayed, complicating local budget planning.

Looking ahead: Steele urged board members and the public to contact state and federal legislators during the budget process. The board asked staff to circulate dates and times for public budget hearings so the district community can participate.