Falls School District State Aid Drops $1.1 Million

The Department of Public Instruction released the numbers for their general state aid to school districts today, revealing nearly 10 percent cut in state aid for the Menomonee Falls School District.

During the 2010-11 school year, Falls received roughly $10.85 million in state aid from the DPI. However, the 2011-2012 school year shows the district receiving just over $9.7 million, a $1.1 million cut.

Districts across the state are feeling the burn, too. All but 13 public schools in Wisconsin are receiving less aid this school year, and the median decrease in aid is almost 10 percent.

The general aid districts receive is based on data submitted from the 2010-2011 school year. It includes membership, shared costs and property value. Final data is verified based on 2011-12 enrollment, verified on the third Friday in September.

However, not all neighboring districts received large cuts. Pewaukee’s school district saw an 11.5 percent increase in general aid, lifting its total funding by $116,000. Elmbrook School District also received a 4.88 percent increase, equal to $286,000.

Schools in other neighboring communities weren’t as lucky.

• Sussex Hamilton: 10.03 percent decrease (-$1,903,708).
• Wauwatosa: 9.97 percent decrease (-$1,973,287).
• Waukesha: 9.98 percent decrease (-$4,985,975).
• Kettle Moraine: 9.77 percent decrease(-$1,188,137).

The DPI makes aid payments in several installments throughout the year, with the next payment coming in December.