Wisconsin Education NewsFebruary 11, 2026A daily update of education news and events that are taking place around Wisconsin. Fond du Lac School Districts $3.5 million budget cut proposal reaches a split vote FOND DU LAC (NBC 26) — Last night, a $3.5 million budget cut was set to be voted on at the school board meeting. The plan, as proposed, would have eliminated up to 20 teachers and 6 library staff. But after a 3-3 split vote, the district is back to square one. Fond du Lac Superintendent Matt Steinbarth says no matter what budget the board approves, cuts are necessary. Watch: Hundreds of Case High School students walk out Tuesday joining anti-ICE movement RACINE — Hundreds of Case High School students walked out Tuesday morning joining anti-ICE sentiments across the country. Students chanted "Say it loud, say it clear. We do not have any fear," as they made their way from the school to the corner of Oakes Road and Washington Avenue. Student organizers told TMJ4 they were surprised by the number of students who participated. GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — Green Bay Area Public Schools leaders are grappling with a potential budget deficit of up to $32 million in the 2027-2028 school year, forcing difficult decisions about staff compensation and student programs. The projected shortfall stems from a combination of inflation, declining student enrollment, and reduced public school funding, according to Chief Financial Officer Angela Roble. MPS financial audits reveal $46M budget gap; District sets June 30 goal to 'reduce that imbalance' MILWAUKEE, Wis.— The Milwaukee Public Schools board met Tuesday night to discuss the 2026-27 budget after three financial audits revealed a $46 million budget gap, according to a press release from the school district. The release pointed to state funding that has not kept up with inflation as a contributor to the deficit and noted that "without voter-supported referenda, the district's financial position would be considerably worse." Altoona School District launches website for April referendum details ALTOONA (WQOW) - The School District of Altoona has launched a new website aimed at providing residents with essential information on the upcoming school improvement referendum. As 18 News reported in January, the district is seeking $15.6 million to address critical repair needs at the district's main campus. If passed, it would be a 20-year bond. According to district officials, taxpayers are projected to pay an additional $72 annually per $100,000 of their home's value. Granton School District Asking Residents to Approve $1.25 Million Referendum on April 7th Ballot At its January 12th meeting, the Granton Area School District School Board approved a five-year, non-recurring operational referendum question that will appear on the ballot Tuesday, April 7, 2026. If a simple majority approves the measure, the district will be able to exceed its revenue limit by $1.25 million annually through the conclusion of the 2030-31 school year. Milwaukee schools face a $46M budget deficit Milwaukee Public Schools officials say the district’s budget deficit is a symptom of inflation and inadequate state funding, but also too much spending. MPS is considering several mid-school-year cuts after auditors found the district spent $46 million more than it budgeted in 2024-25. Red Apple K-8, STEAM School opens its doors RACINE, WI – Generations of Red Apple students, teachers and administration gathered at the new STEAM school Monday night for its official ribbon cutting and open house. Racine Unified School District held the ceremony inside the new school’s red-detailed gymnasium, filled with parents, teachers and future students. Sparta Schools plan public meetings ahead of referendum Before residents in the Sparta School District vote on an April referendum, the administration wants to better inform them on why they need to do so. Last month, Sparta’s Board of Education approved a ballot measure for the April 7 election asking for an operational referendum. The question asks whether to approve exceeding revenue limits by $1.8 million dollars per year for three years starting with the 2026-27 school year through the 2028-29 school year. Assembly committee to vote on bill to boost funding for ‘demonstration' charter school Wisconsin lawmakers are set to advance a bill that would create a “demonstration” charter school designation and boost state aid for that school by more than 50%. During the Jan. 28 public hearing, Rep. Robert Wittke (R-Caledonia) and Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton) said the bill would help create a mechanism in the state to try out innovative teaching methods and export them across the state. “Right now, we are reinventing the wheel in isolation rather than sharing the blueprint for success,” Wittke said. “A teaching hospital receives higher funding to train research and innovate. Similarly, a demonstration school would be a K-12 education lab.” Independent charter schools are different from traditional charter schools. They are not authorized by a public school district and do not answer to a public school board, but instead are authorized by one of a number of designated authorizers, including the Universities of Wisconsin’s Office of Educational Opportunity (OEO).
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