The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has released July 1 aid estimates for public school districts. These are estimates of the general school aids for the 2020-21 school year with the planned increases included in the state budget when it was passed last year. With the full effect to state tax collections from the COVID-19 pandemic still unknown, there is much uncertainty as to whether school districts will ultimately receive what is estimated here. If tax collections take a big enough hit to trigger a budget repair bill, these amounts will likely be significantly impacted.
From the DPI: “Estimated general school aids for 2020-21 total $4.9 billion, representing a $163.5 million (3.5 percent) increase over last year. Due to changes in aid deductions for the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program and the Milwaukee-area legacy independent charter schools, the estimated increase in payments to districts is $160.8 million. Of the state’s 421 school districts, 72 percent (302) are estimated to receive more general aids in 2020-21, while 27 percent of districts (114) are estimated to receive less; five districts will have no change in aid between the 2019-20 and 2020-21 fiscal years. A district’s general aids can increase or decrease due to changes in any of the three local factors comprising Wisconsin’s general equalization aid formula — property valuation, enrollment, and shared costs — as well as a difference in funds available from the state.”
See the full release and district by district break down here.
