Letter Critical of Gov. Walker's Budget Proposal Drafted by Nicolet School Officials

Members of the Nicolet School Board and administration are voicing their opposition to Gov. Scott Walker's 2013-15 budget proposal in a letter to be sent to Madison.  

Four of five board members, and Superintendent Rick Monroe have signed the letter, according to GlendaleNOW, which says like many districts, Nicolet has used the "tools" allotted to them in Act 10, including increasing employee contributions to health care premiums and state retirement benefits, but they do not offset reductions in revenue. The letter is addressed to Walker and members of the Legislature's Education and Joint Committee on Finance. 

"These efforts initially eased the negative impact of reductions on per-student funding, but having been utilized, will not offset future required reductions resulting from the proposed freeze on revenue limits."

• Read the full letter here

The letter goes on to urge Walker and state lawmakers to consider tying state-mandated revenue limits to the consumer price index, ensure any funding to choice, voucher or private schools don't affect public school funding, and giving school boards the power to set school start dates.

Walker's budget proposal includes a freeze on district revenue limits and an expansion of the voucher program, which allows students to attend private schools in lieu of underperforming public schools.

Ellen Redeker was the lone board member to opt out of signing the letter. 

"I don't think this is the place for the School Board to pass some sort of political action, which this letter is," GlendaleNOW quoted Redeker as saying. "Until you step into an inner-city school that's publicly funded, that you'd never send your kid to, I think we're doing a disservice to those failing schools."