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Behind the Bill: Growth of Pass-Through Funds in Madison Schools

The 2021 City of Madison property tax bills show “Madison Schools” as the recipient of 49% of those taxes. The Madison Metropolitan School District is the largest recipient of funding, but a rapidly growing incidence of funds diverted to voucher schools and 2x charter schools is affecting that portion.

All of Madison’s students deserve well-funded schools, but decisions made at the state level have burdened our schools and made it difficult to respond to rising costs and urgent needs. The Madison Public Schools Foundation is committed to providing data and resources to promote transparency and meaningful discussion on the conditions facing our schools, students, and families.

To learn more, please email the Foundation’s Advocacy Coordinator, Caleb Kulinski.

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What Truly Supporting our Children and Families Looks Like

In Wisconsin, state law caps how much school districts can spend per student—regardless of rising costs. Layer in the expanding use of private school vouchers and independent charter schools, and it becomes harder to see where your local tax dollars actually go. This post unpacks the basics—and shows how improving tax transparency can give Wisconsin families a clearer view and a stronger voice in school funding decisions.

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