State announces estimated school aids for 2020-21

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, as required by state law, has released an estimate of the general school aids each public school district will receive for the 2020-21 school year.

Estimated general school aids for 2020-21 total $4.9 billion, representing a $163.5 million (3.5%) increase over last year. Of the state’s 421 school districts, 72% (302) are estimated to receive more general aids in 2020-21, while 27% 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.

Among districts that are wholly located in Oconto County, Gillett is estimated to receive $3.842 million this year (up 1.1%); Lena, $3.08 million (up 12.87%); Oconto, $7.535 million (up 4.35%); Oconto Falls, $11.065 million (down 1.4%); and Suring, $85,908 (down 15.09%).

Among school districts that serve Oconto County students as well as those in other counties, Coleman is projected to receive $3.760 million (up 11.37%); Crivitz, $1.224 million (up 41.22%); Peshtigo, $7.507 million (up 0.07%); Pulaski, $26.363 million (up 5.53%) and Wabeno, $68,847 (down 15.09%).

General school aids are the largest form of state support for public schools in the state. The estimate is based on the most recent 2019-20 budget data reported by school districts to the DPI, as well as the level of funding approved in the 2019-21 state biennial budget. Estimated amounts are subject to change because they are based on budgeted, not audited, school district data. On Oct. 15, the DPI will certify amounts for 2020-21 general school aids based on audited data and the state’s appropriation.

The DPI also approved 163 claims totaling $9.4 million in funding for High Cost Special Education Aid for serving 1,394 public school students whose needs are considered particularly significant and costly. Agencies apply for partial reimbursement of costs for individual students in the prior year, where those costs are in excess of $30,000 per student and not covered by other state and federal special education funding.

Oconto Falls was allocated $13,692 through this program.