Wisconsin Senate OKs Massive School Choice Expansion Deal

MADISON — The Wisconsin Senate approved legislation Thursday expanding the state's school choice programs with unprecedented funding, reaching a compromise between Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu. The deal raises per-pupil vouchers to $9,500 for elementary and middle school students and $12,000 for high schoolers in the Parental, Milwaukee and Racine Choice Programs. Charter schools gain a $11,000 base per student, while the Special Needs Scholarship Program increases to $14,677 per student; all choice students also receive a $325 general aid bump matching public schools.

This $300 million expansion marks the biggest boost in Wisconsin's 33-year school choice history, narrowing the funding gap where choice students previously received about 61% of public school per-pupil support in 2021-22. Proponents hail it as empowering families in urban hubs like Milwaukee and Racine, where choice programs originated, without altering income eligibility or entry requirements set to phase out caps by 2026-27. Automatic re-enrollment and simplified new school participation streamline access.

The agreement follows years of tension, including 2023 hikes of $2,000-$2,500 per pupil and prior research-driven adjustments closing gaps by 22-41% across grade levels. Critics, like the Wisconsin PTA, warn the 2026 universal voucher expansion under prior law AB 900 will strain public funding by shifting choice programs fully to state general revenue starting 2024-25, exacerbating crises in districts statewide.

With the bill now headed to Evers for signature, it promises more options for Wisconsin families amid ongoing debates over equity and public school resources. School choice advocates from the American Federation for Children praised the leaders' unity, positioning the state as a national model.