Second day of state education convention focuses on new trends in teaching and student achievement

MILWAUKEE (Civic Media) – The second day of the 103rd State Education Convention in Milwaukee brought several discussions on some of the positive trends in teaching and student achievement.

One of the breakout sessions for educational leaders in the state focused on the use of artificial intelligence, for example, while another dealt with technological safety and best practices.

Student achievement was also a highlight of discussions on the event’s second day. Equity, Title IX, social media and communication were also some of the sessions that board members and school administrators could attend.

The dominant theme of the convention, however, was the issue of school funding and the limited number of ways schools can deal with upcoming shortfalls.

In a presentation on operational referenda Thursday, school finance professionals showed that districts asking ballot questions for operational funding has been increasing in recent elections. 2022 had the most ever, at 92. It is widely expected that 2024 will see a record number of operational referenda on ballots; yesterday, the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials said that in a December survey, over 130 districts were considering an operational referendum in 2024.

The chances for operational referenda to hit the ballot are higher as well due to it being a presidential election year, which has historically favored “yes” votes on operational referenda.

Districts are facing a fiscal cliff in some areas due to federal pandemic aid expiring in September. Many districts said they were using the money, called ESSER funds, to balance their budget. However, with the expiration of those federal funds, districts are now grappling with the prospect of huge shortfalls in operating expenses.

The issue is compounded by declining enrollment for about 71% of Wisconsin’s school districts. Trends in the next five years favor continued declining enrollment, especially in rural districts, which make up over half of all of Wisconsin’s 421 school districts. Funding for schools is largely based on enrollment.

Friday is the final day of the convention, which will include a speech from Gov. Tony Evers.

For more information on this year’s education convention, you can visit the WASB website.

For a recap of the first day of the convention, you can click or tap here.

You can listen to coverage of the 2024 State Education Convention on Civic Media stations this week. Download the free Civic Media app by clicking or tapping here.

Ed.: Jimmie Kaska is attending the convention as a member of a school board in Wisconsin.