MMSD Statement on State General Aid Estimates

MADISON, Wis. (July 2, 2024)—Yesterday, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) released its estimates of general school aid for the 2024–25 school year—the largest form of state support for Wisconsin public schools—earmarking a projected $51.4 million for the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD). That aid helps to fund a range of educational expenses, including curriculum, classroom supplies and staff wages.

“We anticipated that we would receive approximately 32% more in general aid than we did last year, and our projected numbers are actually close to the nearly 36% increase DPI is estimating,” said Bob Soldner, the district’s Assistant Superintendent of Financial Services. “DPI’s estimate is $1.4 million more than our projection of $50 million, which we included in the recently approved 2024-2025 preliminary budget.”

MMSD will ask taxpayers for the authority to increase its revenue limit by way of referenda in the fall. To address how DPI’s estimated general aid will impact the district, we have compiled the following brief list of questions and answers:

1. If funding is increased, why do the operations and facilities referenda matter?
   Public schools continue to be underfunded and the state has not kept pace with inflation. 
   As a result, MMSD realized a $20.8 million funding gap for the 2023–24 school year. In addition, public schools operate under a state government-imposed revenue limit formula that dictates the amount of state aid and local taxes a school district receives each year to operate. Over the past decade, the revenue limit has become increasingly restrictive. With little or no annual revenue growth to meet the rising cost of inflation and student needs, school districts must turn to cuts in personnel, programs and services, and forego needed facility updates.
   
   MMSD has 26 schools that are more than 60 years old. 
   Buildings are the spaces where our students learn, grow and become inspired. There is a connection between updated facilities and high-quality teaching and learning. Ten of our oldest 26 schools are on the 2024 referendum: Malcolm Shabazz City High School, Milele Chikasa Anana Elementary School, Black Hawk Middle School, Cherokee Heights Middle School, Crestwood Elementary School, Samuel Gompers Elementary School, Orchard Ridge Elementary School, Ray F. Sennett Middle School, Sherman Middle School and Akira R. Toki Middle School.
   
   Necessary investments in high-quality teachers and educational initiatives are vital to ensuring optimal educational outcomes. World-class educators are essential to students’ academic success; they prepare students for success by providing them the support and guidance necessary to grow and advance. Vital educational initiatives, such as 4K and early learning programs, help ensure every child receives a strong educational foundation. 
    
2. How does this increase of $1.4 million impact the district’s preliminary budget?
   At this time, the increase in general school aid is only an estimate. The dollar amount may change, and the final amount will not be determined until October 15.
    
3. How will my property taxes be impacted?
   Because the increase is only an estimate, and is similar to the general school aid projection included in the preliminary budget, there are no significant impacts at this time.
    
4. What happens if the $51.4 million does not change and remains the final number in the fall?
   Should the $51.4 million in general aid funds be finalized, $1.4 million less in property taxes will be collected in the fall of 2024.

Please visit MMSD’s website to learn more about the district’s 2024 referenda and view the 2024–25 preliminary budget.

For additional information, please contact Communications staff by phone (608-663-5932) or email (communications@madison.k12.wi.us), or via the Let’s Talk platform on the MMSD website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District
The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career, and community. With more than 4,500 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong, and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.