School libraries receive Common School Fund money

The 425 school districts of Wisconsin are sharing an estimated $29 million for the purchase of library media center materials. The aid comes from earnings from the Common School Fund, the oldest trust fund managed by the State of Wisconsin.

Common School Fund earnings come mostly from interest earned on bonds and loans made from the fund to school districts and municipalities. As established in the Wisconsin constitution and state law, certain other fees, fines, forfeitures, proceeds from unclaimed property, and timber revenue from public trust lands also are added to the principal of the fund. The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands manages the fund.

"The commissioners are providing a record amount of aid to public school libraries this year due to strong investment returns," said Board of Commissioners of Public Lands Executive Secretary Tia Nelson. "At a time when there is increasing pressure on public officials to do more with less, we are happy to provide an increased level of support and property tax relief."

"Payments from the Common School Fund are critical for school library media centers to provide print, multi-media, electronic, and other library materials that open the world of information to students," said State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster. "Research shows that school library programs that are adequately staffed and funded lead to higher student achievement.

"Increased payments from the Common School Fund come at an important time for school districts that are struggling to provide strong educational programs for their students in spite of ever tighter budgetary conditions. While aid from the Common School Fund shouldn't be a district's sole source for library acquisitions, it is an important and welcome resource for school districts as they strive to ensure a quality education for every child," Burmaster said.

More information, including a list of allocations by school district: http://www.dpi.wi.gov/eis/pdf/dpi2007_46.pdf
More about the Common School Fund: http://dpi.wi.gov/sfs/comsch.html

For more information about SEAchange, contact: Benson Gardner at (608) 266-3374.

Last updated on 6/4/2007