Board members criticize voucher policy and special‑education funding during levy debate

Board members used the special Oct. 29 Viroqua Area School District meeting to press concerns about state voucher policy and special‑education funding, arguing both items are raising the district’s levy exposure and creating local confusion.

Presenter (speaker 1) summarized the district’s frustration with voucher accounting and how the resulting levy can make local tax bills look larger. "It's saying 1 out of every $7 is going that that is on our bill," the presenter said, describing how voucher charges appear on the district’s tax calculations even though the district does not keep the voucher funds.

Board members said the district faces roughly mid‑80s voucher students and cited an estimated $950,000 in voucher billing that increases levy pressure. The board urged residents to contact state legislators for an explanation and greater accountability. "What is that costing our state as well as what is the accountability of that system?" a board member asked, calling for legislative answers.

Members also pressed the state’s share of special‑education costs. One member said the reimbursement target was legislated at 60 percent but actual payments have long been far lower; presenters noted recent increases from roughly 31 percent to 33 percent and warned that percentage gains can be eroded as district costs rise.

The comments did not lead to any formal direction to change district policy; rather, members asked staff to continue monitoring voucher numbers and special‑education claims and to pursue available high‑cost exemptions (the board discussed a $35,000 threshold for individual student reimbursement claims). No state officials attended or responded during the meeting.

The board’s critiques framed part of the fiscal rationale behind the district’s levy adjustments and the decision to use fund‑balance and interest to retire the ELC debt this budget year.