State and local governments share funding, policy, and management responsibilities. There exists a significant amount of local control over policy and management decisions at the local level. Local school districts have the flexibility to raise funds at that level to provide the quality of education desired by the community. The state exercises responsibility in providing a level of funding. There exists a basic equality of educational opportunity.
Basic equality is achieved through a funding floor rather than a ceiling.
The unique characteristics of Wisconsin that can affect the equality of educational opportunities such as school size and changes in enrollment are recognized. Adequate resources are provided for both operational and capital costs to meet state and local educational goals. Adequate resources are provided to offer instruction around the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards and other state required curriculum in addition to local academic standards. Adequate resources are provided to meet state goals surrounding student performance and assessment as well as community goals. Adequate resources are provided to meet any additional state requirements, including the state constitutional requirement in Article X. Adequate resources are provided to meet the professional needs of educators so that they may better serve the students in our state.