SDR superintendent issues statement on failed school funding bill

A bipartisan proposal that would have delivered financial relief to Wisconsin public schools — including the School District of Rhinelander — died in the State Senate May 13, falling short on an 18-15 vote despite having cleared the State Assembly.
School District of Rhinelander Superintendent Eric Burke said the district was disappointed by the outcome, calling the legislation an important step toward addressing mounting financial pressures facing public schools across the state.
“The School District of Rhinelander is disappointed that the bipartisan tax relief and school funding proposal approved by the Wisconsin State Assembly did not pass in the State Senate,” Burke said.
The failed bill combined statewide property tax relief for Wisconsin residents with a proposed increase in special education reimbursement funding — a provision Burke described as particularly critical for school districts statewide.
Under the proposal, the state reimbursement rate for special education costs would have increased to approximately 42 percent in the current school year, rising to 50 percent the following year. That funding, Burke noted, would have helped districts better manage the growing costs of serving students with disabilities.

With the bill’s failure, school leaders across Wisconsin are now calling on the Legislature and Governor to continue negotiations and find a path forward to fund special education at levels already approved in the two-year state budget — 42 percent this year and 45 percent next year.
The defeat comes as public school districts face financial pressures on multiple fronts. Burke cited inflation’s impact on health insurance, transportation, utilities, staffing, and student support services as ongoing budget drivers, compounding what he described as years of state education funding failing to keep pace with the Consumer Price Index.
“State funding for public education has not consistently kept pace with the CPI for many years, creating ongoing budget challenges for districts throughout Wisconsin,” Burke said.
For Rhinelander specifically, Burke said the proposal would have provided meaningful financial support, helped stabilize the district’s long-term finances, and continued to offer property tax relief for local taxpayers.
Despite the setback, Burke expressed confidence in the district’s continued ability to serve students and struck an optimistic note about ongoing state discussions.
“Our schools remain a vital part of this community and region, and we will continue working to ensure students receive the high-quality educational opportunities, programs, and support they deserve,” he said. “We appreciate the continued support of our families, staff, community members, and local legislators as these important state budget discussions continue.”
The bill was negotiated by Gov. Tony Evers, whose term ends this year, and Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Republican Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, both of whom are leaving office at the end of 2026. Prior to the vote, GOP gubernatorial frontrunner Tom Tiffany of Hazelhurst, issued a statement opposing the proposal, calling it a “backroom relief deal”. Ultimately, three Republican state senators joined all of the Democratic representatives in voting against the bill. Senate Democrats called the bill reckless, arguing it would create a nearly $3 billion hole for the next budget.