MADISON, Wis. (WXPR) — Several smaller school districts will be getting some extra money for the upcoming school year. The Department of Public Instruction announced the allocation of sparcity aid. That aid is given to smaller districts says DPI spokesperson Tom McCarthy. “Sparcity aid is a special aid paid to students with a low number of students per square mile and a low overall enrollment. It’s a reflection of a fact that school districts with a smaller number of students have unique fiscal challenges.”
Schools benefiting from the extra state aid in central Wisconsin include Almond-Bancroft, which received $139,500 dollars, Athens with $129,000 dollars, Edgar with $201,300 dollars, Iola-Scandinavia with $209,100 dollars, Marathon City with $197,400 dollars, Rosholt with $168,600 dollars, Pittsville with $177,000 dollars, and Port Edwards with $113,100 dollars.
In the northwoods, Lakeland Union High School received over $208,000 dollars, M H L T $164,000 dollars and Three Lakes $149,000 dollars. Extra aid up north was also received by Elcho, Mercer, North Lakeland, Phelps, Arbor Vitae -Woodruff, Minoqua, White Lake and Lac du Flambeau. McCarthy says the $300 per student payment is an increase from last year. To qualify, schools can’t have more than 725 students and fewer than 10 per square mile.
by Ken Krall, WXPR
