Joint Finance Committee Restores Funding for Racine Unified Charter School

The Joint Finance Committee has restored a portion of $2.6 million to Racine Unified for charter school funding. Racine Unified would have been the only district in the state to have faced such cuts.

According to a joint press release from Representative Robin Vos (R-Rochester) and State Senator Van Wanggaard (R-Racine), the budget motion restores $1.75 million, which should help lessen the financial hit the district faces for the 2011-2013 biennial budget year.

“We’re trying to protect Racine Unified from a drastic cut in their budget,” said Vos. “This will soften the financial strain on the district.” He is co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee.

The release clarifies that state aid for the charter school phases out gradually, giving $1 million for the 2011-2012 school year and $750,000 for the 2012-2013 year. There would not be any state charter school aid for the 2013-2014 year.

“The combined actions of JFC restoring a portion of the cuts to RUSD and REA’s concessions during their recent contract negotiation should help put RUSD on the path to financial stability,” said Wanggaard.

Racine Unified and the teachers' union hammered out agreements earlier this year that includes a salary freeze and shared costs and contributions for healthcare and retirement, saving the district about $18 million.

The full measure, included in the biennial budget, will come up for vote with the full Legislature in June.