For the City Times

MADISON – Board of Commissioners of Public Lands chair and state treasurer, Sarah Godlewski recently announced that $39 million will be disbursed to public school libraries across Wisconsin to “help students, parents, and educators continue to tackle the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“The Common School Fund is a crucial source of revenue that enables school libraries to provide students with books and technology, greatly enhancing the educational experience and success of young people in every corner of the state. For 92 percent of school libraries, the Common School Funding is the only available source of funding,” said a release from Godlewski’s office. 

 “Educators, parents, and students have faced enormous and unique challenges during this pandemic,” Godlewski added. “As the product of Wisconsin public schools and the daughter of two public school teachers, I’m honored to lead the BCPL and help make these vital resources possible. Whether it’s e-books, hotspots, or other essential materials, I know our public schools will put these funds to great use as we continue to tackle the digital divide and ensure every student in Wisconsin receives the highest quality education possible.”

 “The folks who wrote our Wisconsin Constitution had a fantastic idea; put the proceeds from the sale of School Trust Lands into a trust and return the interest earned to the school libraries of our State,” Secretary of State Doug La Follette, BCPL commissioner. “I have been honored to oversee these funds for many years and protect them for the school libraries. Giving them a check for millions each year is a highlight of my work as your Secretary of State.”

“In today’s low-interest-rate environment and with the uncertainty of the financial market, this level of distribution would not be possible if the Trust Fund remained invested solely in loans and bonds, as required under statute from 1848 through 2015. The updated investment strategy has led to the diversification of the Common School Fund that likely added $15 million to the 2021 distribution and will continue to pay dividends to Wisconsin schoolchildren for generations to come. In the last biennium, the BCPL has made $570 million in new portfolio investments, which includes $165 million for financing essential economic development, infrastructure, and other community projects and purchases in Wisconsin,” the release explained.

Central Wisconsin school district libraries receiving funding include: Abbotsford, $30,085; Adams-Friendship, $57,899; Almond-Bancroft, $21,479; Colby, $51,329; Greenwood, $28,516; Loyal, $34,353; Marshfield, $185,005; Neillsville, $42,858; Nekoosa, $53,764; Pittsville, $25,114; Port Edwards, $18,410; Rosholt, $21,512; Spencer, $33,752; Stevens Point, $340,926; Stratford, $42,157; and Wisconsin Rapids, $268,352.