MADISON, Wis. — Public schools across the Badger State will get their share of $52 million next year from the Common School Fund.
You might not have heard much about the program, but it has been around as long as the state of Wisconsin and provides important funding to public school libraries across the state.
During a press conference Thursday, State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, who also chairs the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, announced a record-breaking $52 million will be distributed during the upcoming school year.
“We have experienced an unprecedented pandemic that then led to high levels of inflation, and schools across our state then had to navigate how to fund essential services for their students,” Godlewski said.
The funds are a 27% increase from the 2022 school year, amounting to an $11 million boost, and will be used to buy new technology and educational materials.
“We know that strong library programs increase achievement,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly said. “We know that school libraries provide inclusive spaces. Spaces that encourage inquiry and provide incredible opportunities for students to grow as readers and as curious learners.”
In many cases, the dollars are the only source of funding for public school libraries and media centers.
Since 2019, the fund has provided nearly $160 million in distributions.