Many Franklin Schools Estimated To Receive General Aid Increase

FRANKLIN, WI — New state estimates show that schools in Franklin could be getting an increase in general aid next school year, a release from the Wisconsin Department of Instruction said.

General aid is the least restrictive and largest form of aid that public schools in Wisconsin receive each year from the state. Other forms of funding, such as categorical or federal grants, can restrict how the money is spent. General aid, on the other hand, can be used by schools for a variety of general education programs.

The DPI estimated that $5 billon of general aid will be distributed to public school districts for the 2021-22 school year, a 2.2 percent increase since last year. The $109 million boost to state general aid funding was not equally spread out amongst Wisconsin schools, though.

Most districts in Wisconsin will receive an increase in general aid, but 140 will receive less, and 68 districts will receive a 15 percent cut, the maximum allowed decrease in general aid under state law.

More districts received the maximum allowed cuts this year than last. Only 50 districts received a 15 percent decrease in general aid for the 2020-21 budget.

Estimates are calculated based on property valuations, enrollment patterns and shared costs. Across Wisconsin, though, many districts have faced enrollment drops. Such reduced enrollment patterns have been felt across the state and nationwide, largely thanks to the pandemic.

The estimates were also partially based on the state biennial budget recommendations by the Joint Finance Committee. The committee's recommendations for how to fund schools have sparked concern among many Wisconsin school districts.

A lack of any revenue limit increase — the maximum amount of money a Wisconsin school district can receive — worried some districts across the state.

The estimates for general aid are not final, and will be confirmed on October 15. Final aid amounts depend on a second DPI audit and the final figures when Wisconsin's biennial state budget is signed into law, the release said.

Here is the general aid that school districts in Franklin could see next school year:

Franklin Public School District will receive a $1,891,018 increase in general aid. The district received $21,287,962 last year, and is estimated to receive $23,268,980 for next school year, a 9.31 percent increase.

Whitnall School District will receive $813,702 more than last year's general aid. The district received $9,346,743 last year, and is estimated to receive $10,160,445 for next school year, a 8.71 percent increase.

Oak Creek-Franklin School District will receive $2,843,720 more than last year's general aid. The district received $34,407,044 last year, and is estimated to receive $37,250,764 for next school year, a 8.71 percent increase.