Hortonville School District reports on student success and funding challenges to Wisconsin legislature

During a recent meeting of the Village of Hortonville, key discussions centered around the Hortonville Area School District's performance and funding challenges. The district's representative provided an overview of their continuous improvement plan, highlighting their commitment to enhancing educational outcomes for the approximately 4,400 students enrolled.

The district has achieved notable academic success, ranking higher than 86% of the 421 public school districts in Wisconsin, according to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) report card. This achievement reflects the district's focus on learning and academics, as well as its unique operational model, which includes employing its own transportation and food service staff. This approach has reportedly reduced turnover and fostered a sense of pride among employees.

In addition to academic performance, the district is seeing a rise in youth apprenticeships, allowing high school juniors and seniors to gain practical work experience while still in school. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to prepare students for future careers and is complemented by partnerships with local organizations that provide essential services, including mental health support and food assistance for families in need.

Financially, the district has seen a decrease in its mill rate, which is now at its lowest since the early 1990s. However, the representative emphasized the disparities in funding across school districts in Wisconsin, noting that Hortonville is classified as a low-revenue district. This classification limits the amount of funding the district can raise per pupil compared to others in the state, which poses challenges, particularly in funding special education services.

Looking ahead, the district is monitoring several factors that could impact enrollment and funding, including housing affordability in the community and potential changes in state education policies. The representative expressed concerns about the implications of federal funding changes and the ongoing discussions surrounding the U.S. Department of Education.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to continuous improvement and community engagement while highlighting the pressing need for equitable funding to support all students effectively. The district's leadership remains proactive in addressing these challenges, advocating for necessary resources to ensure a high-quality education for every student in Hortonville.