Several local schools are among the 128 districts statewide that will receive funding this year under the high cost transportation categorical aid. According to the Department of Public Instruction, districts are eligible for the aid if their transportation costs exceed 150 percent of the statewide average. The new categorical aid was created by a collaborative effort among State Superintendent Tony Evers, Sen. Luther Olsen and the Rural Advisory Council as a way to reduce disproportionately high transportation expenses. Evers said, “The state must continue to recognize the ever-changing needs of school districts. Addressing the burden that transportation costs were putting on district budgets helps schools focus their resources on student learning.” According to a release from the DPI, state law requires that school districts provide transportation to public and private school students if the student resides more than two miles from the nearest public school. As transportation expenses have risen, funding levels have not, putting pressure on the districts with large transportation budgets.
The school districts receiving funding are:
Adams-Friendship Area, $92,910.56
Cashton, $34,846.34
Hillsboro, $12,187.37
Ithaca, $6,493.98
Kickapoo Area, $845.12
Nekoosa, $29,164.82
New Lisbon, $6,573.98
North Crawford, $10,627.00
Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton, $63,079.91
Seneca, $25,745.31
Tomah Area, $63,020.47
Westfield, $111,553.15
Weston, $16,733.29
Wonewoc-Union Center, $27,111.24