Event focused on the impact of vouchers on public schools will be held at 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 16, at South Milwaukee High School.

MILWAUKEE - The public is invited to a forum about the impact of private school vouchers on neighborhood public schools at 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 16, at South Milwaukee High School. Presenters at the Community Forum on Private School Vouchers will include representatives of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the South Milwaukee School Board, Schools and Communities United and the Wisconsin State Legislature.

The number of private schools taking tax dollars has expanded significantly since the stateside voucher program was expanded four years ago, resulting in a loss of millions of dollars from neighborhood public schools – including in South Milwaukee and the area. Many public schools are forced to increase class sizes, reduce student opportunities, lay off teachers, and cut arts and after-school programs because of the loss in funding.

Nearly 300 private schools in Wisconsin are registered to get tuition subsidies in the coming school year through the statewide voucher system. The governor’s budget plan estimates the state’s voucher programs are expected to cost taxpayers about $263 million in 2017-18.

Details:

What: South Milwaukee Community Forum on Private School Vouchers

When: Tuesday, May 16, 6 p.m.

Where: South Milwaukee High School, 801-15th Ave., South Milwaukee