Education Committee – April 2026

Denise Gaumer Hutchison, Chair

Due to the work going on with public school advocacy around the state, the Education Committee hasn’t met recently. In April, I hope to change that situation. We’ll meet on Thursday, April 23, at 3:30 - 5:00 via Zoom.  Please email me at  denise@WisconsinNetwork.org or text or call at 920-883-7462 if you are planning to attend.

We’ve seen a lot of news about public education lately, including information in the paper and on television about "potential cuts" to programs and services in our public schools. There is a reason for this, and it is the Wisconsin State Legislature that is causing these actions from school boards. The 2025-27 state budget did not include any increase in funding for our public schools. In fact, the state legislature thinks that the local taxpayers should cover the cost of the public schools. NOT TRUE! Funding for public schools is a combined effort of the state and federal government and local property tax payers. 

Here is what I recently said in a conversation with a local community: " High quality, well-funded public schools serve all of Wisconsin and our communities. With over 80% of Wisconsin's children attending, public schools are the heart of every Wisconsin community. They serve as the skilled workforce pipeline, support economic growth and competitiveness, and help retain and attract talent (education professionals). Funding our public schools first, rather than last, is an economic development strategy that strengthens Wisconsin's workforce, communities and long-term business climate. Wisconsin public schools are a valuable community resource. They support overall community wellness, lift members up with lively arts, science, sports, and more, while improving standards of living and helping to keep crime rates low. Recognizing the importance to Wisconsin's vitality, our founders codified the provision of funded, free and equitable public schools in our Wisconsin Constitution. Don't starve our public schools as they have been for the past 17 years - fund them, support them (financially and vociferously) and watch our children and state thrive!"

Check out Fund Wisconsin Public Schools Facebook page for details on the lawsuit that has recently been announced. Green Bay Area Public School District is one of the plaintiffs.  

A number of state assembly bills about schooling might still be addressed if the Governor calls a special session to get help for our public schools.

KIDS! NO KINGS!  The League and Wisconsin Public Education Network will be at the No Kings rallies, encouraging people to speak out/up about the lack of funding for our schools.

Stay tuned.

I hope you celebrated Women's History Month in March. We in the League have a lot to be proud of with the women who came before us and fought so hard for us to move forward as equal citizens.