Board hears first reading on resolution to support ‘Fund Wisconsin Public Schools’ coalition; asks administration to quantify resource commitment

The Wauwatosa School Board held a first reading of a resolution to formally support the Fund Wisconsin Public Schools coalition and the Wisconsin PTA’s legal action seeking more equitable state funding for public education.

Board members and the legislative advocacy committee discussed edits to the draft resolution, including removing duplicative clauses, explicitly naming the case or the Wisconsin PTA as the recipient of the district’s support, and inserting a "not to exceed" dollar cap for district resources devoted to the effort. Suggestions for the cap ranged during discussion from figures such as $10,000 to $50,000 as illustrative examples, and members asked administration and the LAC to return with a proposed figure and a brief description of the categories of support (for example, staff time, amicus brief, administrative coordination, or potential plaintiff status) before the board takes final action.

Several board members emphasized that any district commitment should be limited to support for the named case only and should include a mechanism for the superintendent to return to the board if the estimate is likely to be exceeded. The board also asked for links or briefing materials from the coalition so members can review the case background. The item was presented as a first reading and no final vote occurred at the March 9 meeting.