Wisconsin
U.S.
Rank
Rank
#11 B
Overall PPI Score: 82%
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Leadership
Your Governor:
Tony Evers (D) (50)
First term began in 2019 (no term limits). Re-elected in 2022.
Governor Tony Evers is still a long-time opponent of parent power and was even criticized by his status quo supporters for a deal he struck that increased payments for the per pupil amounts for private choice and independent charter schools, in exchange for raising revenue limits for traditional school districts. This ‘small bump in the road,’ as he described it, is all that minority families can expect at this time.
STATE LEGISLATURE:
The budget deal struck that increased payments for the per pupil amounts for private voice and charter schools was the best the Republican dominated legislature could muster. A recent Wisconsin Supreme Court decision that ordered the state’s legislative map be redrawn does not bode well for the Republican majorities. The future of education freedom in Wisconsin could face challenges depending on the outcome of the court-ordered redistricting.
Constitutional Issues
"Wisconsin's constitution contains a Blaine amendment and a Compelled Support Clause, but the Wisconsin Supreme Court interprets both in accordance with federal Establishment Clause jurisprudence. The Wisconsin Supreme Court rejected the first-ever uniformity challenge to a school choice program, holding that although the Legislature is required to provide public schooling to all, it can also offer additional educational opportunities outside the traditional public school system." (Institute for Justice)
Transparency
School report cards are accessible from Wisconsin's Department of Public Instruction homepage under the “Family and Students → Student and School Data.” The report cards, available in PDF format, offer easy printing for parents and are designed for effortless readability. Schools are assigned an overall score, along with distinct ratings in four key priority areas: student achievement, school growth, closing gaps, and on-track and postsecondary readiness.
Accessing educational options is simple through the "Families & Students → Programs & Initiatives → School Choice" section. Here, parents can find information on various choices, including private school programs, charter schools, virtual schools, open enrollment in non-resident public schools, college coursework during high school, and more.
School board elections in Wisconsin align with the general election cycle, empowering parents with greater influence in their decision-making due to increased voter turnout.