What cuts? Madison schools OK

Wisconsin State Journal Editorial:

Alarmists in Madison suggest Gov. Scott Walker's state budget proposal will decimate public education.

But Superintendent Dan Nerad's proposed 2011-2012 budget for Madison School District tells a different story.

Under Nerad's plan, unveiled late last week, the Madison district would:

• Launch a new 4-year-old kindergarten program in the fall.
• Open a charter middle school on the South Side focusing on urban agriculture.
• Avoid any teacher layoffs.
• Continue to offer free health insurance to employees who select the less-expensive plan.
• Give teachers small raises based on years of experience and advanced degrees.
• Maintain overall spending.

That's not to suggest Madison schools are flush with money. Gov. Walker, after all, is trying to balance a giant state budget deficit without raising taxes or pushing the problem further down the road. Walker has proposed cuts to most state programs, including aid to public schools.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at March 29, 2011 8:51 AM
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