In short, political action that limits money to public schools helps fuel privatization efforts. Many view this as an economic opportunity. The discussion that follows will look at six ways in which privatization efforts are affecting public schooling. In many cases, privatization results from unexamined claims about its alleged benefits, in addition to the need of districts to find alternative sources of funding. Subcontracting Currently, about 30 percent of all school districts nationally report some type of subcontracting.
Transportation is subcontracted the most frequently, with food service close behind.
Custodial and maintenance services are the third most frequently subcontracted school service. About 30 percent of all districts nationwide contract for transportation services. Wisconsin ranks in the top ten nationally for contracting transportation services. Inc. are the two largest transportation providers nationally. Other businesses, including Johnson Controls of Wisconsin, are seeking to expand their role in public education by managing school district programs, including transportation.