Community Spirit–January 2026
Ryan Ruggles, District Administrator
Wisconsin Voucher Program and its Impact on Tomorrow River Schools
The school voucher program has become a topic of increasing discussion in communities all across Wisconsin, including here in Tomorrow River. The school voucher programs were originally designed to give families greater choice in selecting the education that best fits their children’s needs, as well as allowing public education funds to follow students to participating private schools. Proponents of vouchers argue that it is a good way to promote competition in schools, encourage innovation while keeping costs lower, and that it gives parents the flexibility to find the right educational environment for their children. However, it has also sparked debate about using public tax money for private schools as well as the potential negative effects on local public schools and Wisconsin communities.
Under Wisconsin’s voucher system, families can apply for financial assistance that covers part or all of the private school tuition. Eligibility is primarily based on household income relative to the statewide median, and priority is often given to students who have attended a public school previously or those with special needs. Last school year, almost half (46%) of private school students in Wisconsin received vouchers from one of the four voucher programs. The total aid deductions from the state was over $394 million. That number has increased significantly since the voucher program was first introduced in 1990.
While the voucher program has certainly been a positive for some students and families, its financial impact on public school budgets has been significant and continues to grow. In smaller school districts like here in Tomorrow River, the impact is really being felt. Last school year our school district lost $313,596 to the voucher program and this year that number increased to $387,487. That is a 24% increase from the previous year and the voucher percentages are set to go up again next year.
As a long time educator and current Superintendent, I am not against private schools or charter schools. I think it is important that parents have choices, and I think choices help hold us accountable as a system. We should be trying to improve our practices and our schools every year as well as seek ways to innovate and be creative with spending. Those are worthy goals. Additionally, all students are different and I do think it is important for families to find a good match for their children. I just want us all to be on a level playing field. Currently, reporting and funding timelines/processes are different for public versus private schools. We need transparency in the process and the same levels of accountability.
As community members I encourage you to be informed on the way our state funds education as well as the positives and negatives of the voucher system. Being fully informed helps us as a district, benefits our community, and further helps to ensure that every child in our district has access to high quality learning opportunities. We are better together.