Colby K-12 contributes to legal fund for AEF lawsuit
The Colby School Board voted Monday to contribute $400 toward a possible lawsuit against state authorities that would try to force a more equal distribution of state aid to public schools.
The action came at the request of the Association for Equity in Funding (AEF), which lobbies the state for a better K-12 funding formula that ensures students are getting the best education possible regardless of where they live.
AEF was responsible for bringing a landmark case, Vincent vs. Voight, to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2000, questioning whether the state’s distribution of state aids fulfilled the state constitution’s guarantee of public schools that are “as nearly uniform as practical.”
The court’s ruling in that case stated: “So long as the legislature is providing sufficient resources so that school districts offer students the equal opportunity for a sound, basic education as required by the constitution, the state school finance system will pass constitutional muster.”
AEF argues that the state continues to avoid this responsibility, especially for school districts with high number of “disabled students, economically disadvantaged students and students with limited English language skills.” The group says that revenue limits and negative aids have harmed students’ ability to get a decent education.
According to a Feb. 15 letter from AEF, the group’s members voted in January to pursue legal action against the state and are asking its members for additional dues to help assemble a legal team.
Superintendent Steve Kolden said Colby has been a member of AEF for many years, so it is being asked to contribute another $400 beyond its regular annual dues (an amount based on student population).
Board members Cheryl Ploeckelman said there’s strong evidence showing that some districts benefit greatly under the state’s funding formula while many others are forced to make do with less.
“There’s just no real comparison,” she said.
Other business
_ Kolden told the board that the 2021 commencement is set for Friday, May 28, in an outdoor ceremony like last year. In case of inclement weather, the event will be pushed back to Saturday, and if that is also rained out, the event will be Sunday.
_ The board accepted the resignation of Ron Morrow as assistant football coach and approved the hiring of Lisa Galvan as lunchroom server, Danté Kleinschmidt as track coach, DeeAnna Kloth as evening custodian and Al Kneifl as assistant softball coach.
_ The board approved 2.65 percent collective raises for teachers, hourly staff, executive assistants and administrators, Colby
with the amount of extra money to be spread equally among staff.
_ The board renewed the district’s membership in the SOAR (Students Open to Achieving Reality) consortium with Medford and Gilman, which provides services for special education students, ages 18 to 21, who are transitioning into the workforce. Colby’s membership fee is $7,000.
_ The board renewed the board’s annual service contract with CESA 10, which provides special education and other services to the district. The total cost for CESA 10 services is $149,205.
_ The board renewed the district’s membership in the Falcon Enterprises Alternative High School, which is hosted by the Abbotsford School District. Colby pays a $5,000 participation fee plus a prorated fee for every credit attempted by Colby students. About five or six students are currently enrolled in FEAHS.
_ The board reviewed a newly revised set of administrative guidelines for the use of district-owned Chromebooks by students in grades fourth through 12th grade. A $20 fee for taking them home was eliminated, but the new guidelines include a schedule of fees to cover the cost of repairs and replacements, ranging from $30 to $200.
