Democratic gubernatorial candidates split on education; advocates see next year as pivotal
As Wisconsin heads toward its primary, Democratic gubernatorial candidates agree on boosting public school funding and raising special education reimbursement rates, but they're divided on the state's voucher programs.
Candidates Crowley and Brennan want to strengthen public schools without cutting the voucher system, arguing an abrupt end would be disruptive, particularly in Milwaukee, where roughly 30,000 students use vouchers. Roys and Hong, by contrast, both support sunsetting vouchers, though on different timelines — Roys favors a faster phase-out starting with the statewide program, while Hong has suggested Milwaukee's program would be the last to go, likely around 2030.
Meanwhile, school administrators and advocates across the state describe mounting financial strain from unreimbursed special ed costs and the growing dollar amounts flowing to voucher schools.