Wisconsin Senate Bill SB389

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/11/25
• Refer: 8/11/25

Caption

The per pupil adjustment for school district revenue limits. (FE)

Impact

The elimination of the per pupil adjustment could have significant implications for school districts throughout Wisconsin. By adjusting the revenue limits, the bill intends to stabilize fiscal expectations for the future funding of public education. However, this also means that school districts may face budget constraints, which could lead to reduced financial resources for educational services, potentially impacting staffing, programs, and overall school quality. As such, the bill raises concerns among educators and advocates regarding the adequacy and equity of school funding in the future.

Summary

Senate Bill 389 seeks to amend the existing formula for calculating school district revenue limits in Wisconsin by eliminating the annual $325 per pupil adjustment starting from the 2027-28 school year. This change aims to adjust the current funding mechanism that has been upheld in legal challenges and is designed to affect how much revenue schools can collect through state aids and property taxes. The bill's goal is to provide a clearer structure for educational funding moving forward and may be seen as an effort to limit the growth of school funding over time.

Contention

The discussions and debates surrounding SB389 highlight a division of opinion regarding educational funding stability versus the potential for diminishing resources available for schools. Advocates for the bill argue that it is necessary for controlling expenditure and creating a predictable financial framework for districts. Conversely, opponents express worry that removing the adjustment could jeopardize critical funding levels and exacerbate inequities between wealthier districts and those in lower-income areas. The implications of this bill could prompt broader conversations about how education is funded in Wisconsin and whether current structures adequately support all students.