WiRSA (Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance) - Strong Schools - Strong Communities
WASB’s strong leadership is focused on setting the record straight with the cost-effectiveness of Public vs. Voucher Schools
WASB is LEADING the way by launching a new resource and advocacy campaign designed to equip school leaders with the messaging and talking points they need to defend their local public school districts from misleading claims that so often dominate the narrative on public education.
In their Part 1 series WASB focuses on the claim: When accounting and adjusting for different levels of income, students with disabilities, and English learners, private voucher schools deliver better student achievement than public schools with less money.
by David Martin | Apr 29, 2026 | Legislative Update Blog, Setting the Record Straight, State Issue
FACT: Assertions about cost-effectiveness ignore that public schools have certain costs mandated upon them that private schools do not. These include pupil transportation costs (including the costs of transporting voucher pupils), special education costs, and pension (WRS) costs, to name a few. Private schools have none of these costs mandated upon them. While some of these costs are partially reimbursed by the state (transportation aid, special education categorical aid) this reimbursement is nowhere near adequate to cover these costs meaning districts pick up a large portion of the tab themselves.
Sources: Transportation; Special Education; WRS Pension Costs
FACT: Reports on the cost effectiveness of voucher systems only includes details of their public financing. There is no consideration given to the amount of private donations or funding raised through tuition that these schools collect.
Note: The WASB has created this initiative to equip school leaders with accurate information and effective talking points. Think of these as a foundation — they become most powerful when paired with your district’s own data, experiences, and stories. Adapt them, expand on them, and use them to strengthen trust in Wisconsin’s public schools.