Senate Bill 603 proposes a significant change to the calculation of per pupil aid for school districts in Wisconsin. Currently, per pupil aid is determined by a three-year average of student enrollment and a fixed per pupil amount of $742 for the 2025-26 school year. The bill seeks to repeal and recreate the existing statute regarding per pupil aid, specifically section 115.437 (2) (b), to modify how the per pupil amount is calculated starting in the 2026-27 school year.

Under the new provisions, the per pupil amount for school districts will be based on the previous year's amount plus any increase in the per pupil amount paid to private schools participating in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program for high school students. This adjustment will only apply if the change is positive, thereby linking public school funding more closely to private school funding trends. The bill aims to create a more dynamic funding model that reflects changes in the educational landscape, particularly in relation to private school funding.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 115.437(2)(b), 115.437