Political perspectives on school funding policies from the 88th Assembly District candidates

As politicians gear up for the upcoming election, the Green Bay Press-Gazette is asking candidates for Wisconsin's 88th Assembly District to address some of the most pressing issues facing Wisconsin legislators. One of those issues, of course, is the state's school funding policies.

Q: "What is your position regarding possible changes to the state’s school funding policies and formulas?"

Republican challenger, Tony Theisen: A strong economy hinges on a strong public education system. For this reason, state aid to local school districts should remain the state’s top budgetary priority. Any changes to the funding policies and formulas should be focused on providing a quality education for all students while also protecting property taxpayers. We should be directing more money to the classroom and rewarding good teachers for their efforts.

State Rep. Jim Soletski, D-Green Bay: School funding has been a shaky three-legged stool since its inception in the early 1990s. Health care costs have eroded teacher salaries and stripped money from school systems. The mechanism can’t be tinkered with because it was put together like a Chinese puzzle that all comes apart when one piece is removed. We need a dramatic change, and we need it quick. It is also expensive. Estimates to make this dramatic overhaul have been about $2 billion over two years. Not doing anything costs us in loss of qualified teachers, administrators and a poorly educated work force.