http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/teaching-students-s5.jpgWisconsin fails to offer the same educational opportunities for each student around the state. While some districts have passed the costs on to local taxpayers, some distressed neighborhoods have been economically squeezed dry and simply cannot fill the funding gap.

MADISON - State Superintendent Tony Evers said he'll ask the Legislature for more funding for the state's highest-need students as part of his 2017-'19 budget request during his "state of education" address Thursday at the Capitol Rotunda.

"Superintendent Evers has been a steadfast advocate for our neighborhood schools, and today was no different," said State Senator Chris Larson in a statement released Thursday. "I was glad to hear him talk about common sense solutions that our state can and should be spearheading to ensure all of our kids are able to thrive and live a prosperous life."

Evers highlighted the community schools model as a proven way to remove learning barriers, such as access to mental health care. One in five of our students face a mental health challenge. Supporting this model will ensure schools are the center of communities across Wisconsin the way they were meant to be.

Currently, Wisconsin fails to offer the same educational opportunities for each student. Superintendent Evers pointed out more and more of our communities are passing referendums to try and make up for the state’s failure. When voters are asked to pick up state’s tab to provide basic support for their local schools, 80% of the time they say ‘yes.’

Unfortunately, some of our distressed neighborhoods have been economically squeezed dry and simply cannot fill the funding gap. They need state legislators to provide all schools with their fair share of funding.

“Today’s State of Education address is a reminder that we must reinvest in our local, neighborhood schools to ensure a bright future for all Wisconsin children," said Larson. "This will take all of us working together to acknowledge the disparities our communities face. I look forward to continuing to work with my neighbors and colleagues in supporting policies that will provide each student the freedom to pursue the American Dream.”