Equity News Extra

2001 Proposal Revision Addresses MPS Choice Plan

AEF Annual Meeting Set for January 18

2001 Proposal Revision Addresses MPS Choice Plan

By Doug Haselow

AEF Executive Director

As part of its 2001 Proposal for Legislative Action, AEF included a provision to establish a separate state funded appropriation for private school vouchers.  After input from school districts (including Milwaukee), voucher advocates, legislators and others, the AEF Steering Committee recently voted to revise that proposal.

The Revised 2001 Proposal incorporates a new method of financing the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP).  AEF suggests that Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) be given the responsibility to pay for the education of Milwaukee children participating in MPCP in the same way it pays for children attending MPS. Enactment of the new proposal would:

·         Continue to allow those students to choose the school they want to attend

·         Continue to have the voucher tuition amount follow the student to whatever school they choose to attend

·         Treat all MPCP students as MPS students financially for state aid and revenue limit purposes

  The result of such a proposal would be that:

·         MPS would bear the responsibility for the education of children who live in Milwaukee and attend private schools under MPCP

·         The equalization aid reduction would end for other school districts

·         Tuition for voucher students would be financed on the same basis as tuition for students who attend private schools under contract with MPS

The state would share in the cost of educating

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AEF Annual Meeting Set for January 18

By Bill Vincent

AEF Steering Committee Chair

Part of AEF's mission is to educate others about equity issues.  At our annual meeting on January 18^th at the Hyatt Hotel (Executive Rooms A & B) in Milwaukee, you'll have a chance to voice your views, ask questions and discuss how you can help change Wisconsin's school finance system. 

Members who helped finance the Vincent vs. Voight legislation (66.30 agreement) will meet at 3:45 to determine how to use the remaining funds.

Then at 4:00, AEF will hold its annual meeting. The co-chairs of the Legislative Joint Finance Committee have been invited to present their thoughts on school finance issues during the 2001-03 legislative session; and we'll vote on new steering committee members.  Bring school board members, parents, teachers or anyone interested.  Call 715-879-5066 for information.

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