Walker to Increase K-12 education funding by $649 million

Governor Walker announced this weekend that he will increase K-12 education funding by $649 million in his 2017-19 state budget, most of which will come from an increase to per pupil aid. Per pupil aid payments will increase by $200 per student in the first year of the budget and by $204 per student in the second year for a total increase of $509 million.

According to Walker, private schools participating in the school choice program will also receive an increase to per pupil payments. 

In addition to increasing per pupil aid, Walker's budget will include:

• $5.6 million in incentives for Milwaukee public, choice and charter schools
• $2.8 million for Milwaukee Public Schools to provide summer school
• $3 million for school social workers
• $2.5 million for schools to connect students with mental health services
• $2.9 million for an early college credit program
• $7.6 million for schools to connect students with disabilities to employment 
• $300,000 to fund an anti-bullying curriculum. 

Walker previously announced a rural schools funding proposal that includes investments in broadband and technology. 

See Governor Walker's full school funding plan here. 

Wisconsin State Journal: After earlier cuts, Scott Walker proposes spending boost for schools