MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) – A series of bills that would put state aid toward consolidating school districts passed in the Wisconsin State Assembly on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

AB 644, AB 645, AB 646, AB 647, AB 648, and AB 649 all passed in the Assembly. The bills would have the Department of Public Instruction to study and enact consolidations and shared services across Wisconsin's 421 school districts.

Democrat and Republican state lawmakers addressed reporters about the bills prior to the vote. Republicans believe these bills would be a way to support struggling school districts across the state. Democrats believe these efforts are the opposite of what families in the state want and suggested that state lawmakers invest more funds into public education in Wisconsin. 

“In a state where two thirds of students cannot read or perform basic math at grade level, it’s easy to see why taxpayer support for the referendums are waning,” State Rep. Amanda Nedweski (D-Pleasant Prairie) said. "Democrats will insist that the answer is to spend more money. They want us to believe that if we simply spend more on K-12, people will flock to Wisconsin and increase enrollment. The facts, however, tell a very different story.”

“No one asked for help closing public schools. No one. Because this is not what Wisconsinites want. They want well-funded excellent community public schools,” State Rep. Deb Andraca (D-Whitefish Bay) said. “Our school leaders are not asking for more than they need. They are simply asking for enough.”

Wisconsin's school funding system is based partially on pupil numbers. Some Republicans say having 421 school districts is not sustainable for schools to have proper investments. Democrats on the state floor voiced concerns for rural districts if some will consolidate due to these bills. 

These bills were passed in the Assembly as Wisconsin faces a record number of districts going to referendum to help keep up with costs.

These bills will now make their way to the Wisconsin State Senate for further action.