The district asked legislators for additional authority after a staff member's property was vandalized by students, but state law at the time prevented the board from taking disciplinary action under the circumstances particular to the case. It also should be noted that the district's most recent victories this legislative session have been achieved at a time when no member of the Madison-area legislative delegation is in a leadership position in either the Senate or the Assembly. The district's legislative successes are the result of an extensive team effort. Members of the school board, the superintendent and other staff, and the district's legislative lobbyist have had countless meetings and personal contacts with key lawmakers and the governor's office. These efforts have been reinforced by a large number of phone calls and letters to state policymakers from parents, students, district staff and other members of the community.
Legislators respond to persistent and persuasive advocacy.
The district's track record at the Capitol over the last two and a half years proves it. Madison already exceeded the number of at risk students necessary for participation in the program, but couldn't receive assistance because the payments are based on a district's state equalization aid, which Madison did not receive. Aid under the Children At Risk program is not subject to the state-imposed revenue cap on school budgets. As a result, these additional state funds do not simply serve to reduce a district's property tax levy, but rather can be spent on services to the students for whom the aid is intended.