Unrivaled Learning Community Videos

The Oconomowoc Area School District and our schools have an incredibly positive impact on our community.  This video series will share more information about our connection to the community, provide an understanding of how schools in Wisconsin are funded, and offer information on the strength of the OASD.

During the most recent fiscal year, the local tax levy for Oconomowoc included $2.3 million dollars for independent charter schools and $3.2 million dollars for private school voucher schools. Those costs are included in the Oconomowoc Schools line-item on your tax bill, even though they only pass through the OASD.

If the OASD had the same revenue limit as the highest-funded district in Waukesha County, we would have nearly $11 million more to fund our annual operations. This funding difference isn't based on the quality of the education kids receive or the performance of the local schools; it's based on the budget of each school district in the 1990s, or in some cases, it reflects a district that has previously passed an operational referendum. 

 

For many of us, school funding is an afterthought for much of the year, with the possible exception of that day in December when our property tax bills arrive. But the truth is, school funding in Wisconsin is complex, and it's important that our community understands how our local schools are funded.

Over the course of time, and despite funding challenges that have impacted our annual operations, we have taken intentional steps to ensure our district is in a strong, long-term financial position.

If you’ve had the opportunity to attend our Homecoming parade, a student performance at the Oconomowoc Arts Center, or one of our athletic events, you’ve seen the talent and energy of our students. These activities enhance our students' education and development, but they also add to the “hometown” feeling that makes our area such a great place to live.  Our district has worked to develop strong partnerships with organizations throughout our community; these partnerships are providing benefits for both our students and the greater Oconomowoc community.

Oconomowoc is truly a special community, and many of our students will continue to work and live in our community long after they graduate - and that is why our schools are so important - they will help drive our local economy and quality of life for decades to come.

Want to learn more about the financial complexities of school funding and how they affect the OASD?

Read our article, Beyond the Numbers: Understanding the Financial Complexities Driving OASD’s Budget and Lower Mill Rate.