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Governor Evers Introduces State Budget Proposal
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | February 20, 2025
K-12 Education Highlights in Governor Evers’ 2025-27 Budget Proposal
Increased Education Funding
Governor Evers’ budget proposes over $3.15 billion in new investments for K-12 education, focusing on equitable funding, mental health support, literacy improvement, and reducing financial burdens on families. Key initiatives include:
- $1.2 billion for general equalization aid, giving schools flexibility to address various needs.
- $1.9 billion for targeted categorical aids, including:
- $1.1 billion to raise special education reimbursement to 60%—the highest level ever.
- $18.5 million to increase high-cost special education reimbursements.
- $212 million to boost per-pupil funding by $58 in 2025-26 and $50 in 2026-27, with a new 20% weighting factor for economically disadvantaged students.
- Linking per-pupil revenue limits to inflation, increasing limits by $334 per student in 2025-26 and $345 per student in 2026-27.
- Raising the low-revenue ceiling by $1,000 per student in 2025-26 and $400 per student in 2026-27 to support underfunded districts.
- Strengthening “hold harmless” provisions to ensure school districts receive at least 90% of the prior year’s funding, up from 85%, preventing major budget cuts.
- $20 million for sparsity aid, increasing per-pupil payments by $100 for small, rural districts.
Supporting Student Mental Health
Evers’ budget dedicates $300 million to expanding comprehensive mental health services in schools, including:
- $167.7 million for mental health aid, providing $100 per pupil and a minimum of $100,000 for districts to hire mental health professionals and offer support programs.
- $129.9 million to reimburse schools for mental health staff, such as counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurses.
- $500,000 to expand peer-to-peer suicide prevention programs.
- $760,000 for increased mental health training for school staff through the Wisconsin Safe and Healthy Schools Center.
Improving Literacy and Student Outcomes
Evers proposes $84.6 million—the largest state investment in early literacy—to improve reading outcomes:
- $50 million (previously blocked by the Legislature) to fund literacy coaches, reading diagnostics, and one-on-one tutoring.
- $3.2 million to support literacy programs through The Literacy Lab, Reach Out and Read, and Wisconsin Literacy.
Free School Meals for All Students
The “Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids” initiative would invest $154.8 million to ensure every K-12 student receives free breakfast and lunch, including:
- $147.7 million to fully fund universal free meals.
- $500,000 to expand the Farm-to-School program, supporting local food sourcing.
- $6.1 million to reimburse school breakfast costs and extend eligibility to independent charter schools.
Strengthening the Education Workforce
To address teacher shortages and improve retention, Evers’ budget includes $22 million to support and expand the education workforce:
- $9 million for student teacher stipends.
- $5 million for “grow your own” teacher recruitment initiatives.
- $3.8 million for stipends to experienced teachers mentoring student teachers.
- $2 million to support teacher apprenticeships through the Fast Forward program.
- Tuition remission for student teachers at UW System schools.
- Rehiring provisions to bring retired educators back to classrooms.
Governor Evers argues these investments are essential to improve student outcomes, reduce inequities, and ensure every Wisconsin student has access to high-quality education and support services. However, the Republican-led Legislature remains critical of the increased spending and is expected to push back on several proposals.
Link to budget bill Senate Bill 45
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