School Districts receive an annual distribution of earnings from the Common School Fund. This distribution is based on the number of residents ages four to twenty. The district census count as of June 30th is reported annually. In January the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) provides an estimate of the funds available for distribution which is divided by the total census reported by all districts to determine the per child amount. Each district receives an allocation based on its reported resident census count and the per-child amount.
Information regarding specific district Library Aid Distribution Amounts is provided by the Division for Finance and Management. Questions related to district allocations should be directed to School Financial Consultant Kathleen Fry (608) 224-5343.
2025-2026 Common School Fund Distribution (Library Aid)
Highlights:
Common School Fund distributions for the 2025-26 school year will be $65.39 (rounded) per census student. This figure is based upon the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands’ estimate of $73.5 million being available for payment. Payments to districts will be made by Friday, April 24, 2026. Funds must be used in the same fiscal year as they are received or allocated as restricted fund balance (WUFAR account 10 B 936130).
2024-2025 Common School Fund Distribution (Library Aid)
Highlights:
Common School Fund distributions for the 2024-25 school year will be $62.38 (rounded) per census student. This figure is based upon the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands’ estimate of $70 million being available for payment. Payments to districts will be made on Monday, April 28, 2025. Funds are to be used in the same fiscal year as they are received or allocated as restricted fund balance (WUFAR account 10 B 936130).