WASBO
Advocacy

Using data-driven research to advocate for Wisconsin students

Advocacy is a critical component of WASBO's Mission statement, which reads in part "to advocate for funding that ensures outstanding educational opportunities for all children in Wisconsin." To fulfill this mission, WASBO uses data-driven, nonpartisan research and analysis to advocate for school funding that supports all students in Wisconsin. WASBO encourages all of its members to become involved in local, regional, state, and national issues impacting the quality of education for children. WASBO created a Research Director position in 2022 to provide nonpartisan policy research, analysis, and advocacy. As the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials’ first research director, Anne Chapman, with Executive Director Mike Barry and WASBO members from around the state, to present research and analysis that our members can use to advocate for the quality of children's education.     

 

CONTACT RESEARCH DIRECTOR ANNE CHAPMAN

 

 

Featured Resources

Article | Is Wisconsin meeting its constitutional obligation to K-12 students?

18 June 2026
Wisconsin PTA, et al. v. Wisconsin Assembly asks the court to declare the school finance system inadequate under the constitution and to compel the legislature to enact new policies ensuring every district has resources to serve student needs.
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Presentation | The state of school finance: Effects of the state budget & other issues

21 January 2026
This presentation provides a review of the key K-12 education provisions in the 2025-27 state budget; what they mean for public, charter, and voucher schools; how the latest shifts in federal education policy might affect Wisconsin schools; and more!
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Presentation | The price of parallel systems: How Wisconsin state policy shapes public resources for

21 January 2026
This presentation examines several key questions regarding state support for school choice in Wisconsin, including how Wisconsin school finance policy treats voucher and independent charter schools and the impact of public support.
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Additional Resources

  

Article | Is Wisconsin meeting its constitutional obligation to K-12 students?

Published on 6/18/2026
Wisconsin PTA, et al. v. Wisconsin Assembly asks the court to declare the school finance system inadequate under the constitution and to compel the legislature to enact new policies ensuring every district has resources to serve student needs.
  

Statement | Lawsuit filed to "hold legislature responsible for adequately funding schools"

Published on 2/25/2026
A lawsuit in Eau Claire County claims Wisconsin's school funding system is unconstitutional. It aims to hold the legislature responsible for adequately funding public schools to ensure every student has an equal opportunity to an education.
  

Statement | Take action now for $200 million: A message from WASBO and SAA

Published on 2/11/2026
Please read the following time-sensitive statement from the WASBO (SAA) Legislative Committee regarding some key steps you can take now to help secure critical funding for Wisconsin students in the last week of the legislative session.
  

Statement | Reach out to your legislators: Fill the special education funding gap

Published on 2/2/2026
Now is the time to reach out to your legislators, school board members, local media, and communities to explain what filling this special education funding gap would mean for your district’s ability to serve your students and community.
  

Presentation | The state of school finance: Effects of the state budget & other issues

Published on 1/21/2026
This presentation provides a review of the key K-12 education provisions in the 2025-27 state budget; what they mean for public, charter, and voucher schools; how the latest shifts in federal education policy might affect Wisconsin schools; and more!


 

School Administrators Alliance

In addition to WASBO's policy research and analysis efforts, WASBO is a member of the School Administrators Alliance (SAA), which provides a unified voice for all Wisconsin school administrators before the state government.

 

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SAA