Summer school's popularity keeps money in taxpayers' wallets
But should enrollment dive, everyone will feel financial pinch
Unexpected growth in the Wauwatosa School District summer school program is helping temper the property tax levy by an estimated $2.4 million this year, a district official said.
John Mack, district director of business services, said the additional $2.4 million in state aid brought in by summer school accounts for nearly 15 percent of the $16.1 million in equalization aid in the 2009-10 budget.
"From an aid standpoint alone, that brings tremendous tax relief for the taxpayers," he said.
Growth in the summer school program over the years has meant an increase in state aid, which directly reduces how much the district needs to levy. But the bigger the summer school program gets, the bigger the effect an enrollment decline would have, Mack said.
"I am amazed at the numbers we have in summer school," Mack said during a recent budget presentation to School Board members. "For our district, it's gotten to the point that it almost scares me, because we're becoming dependent on it."
Everyone wins
Summer school enrollment grew 47 percent from 2007 to 2009, increasing from 1,426 students to 2,097. Participation went up another 18 percent this year, when 2,470 students participated in the six-week program.
Each of those students increases the district's revenue cap for the same school year, and boosts state aid for the following school year. Summer school students also provide revenue for the district. Last year's program cost about $430,000 but increased the district's revenue cap by about $650,000. That means summer school gave the district income of about $220,000.
The $2.4 million in state aid brought in as a result of summer school enrollment replaces district property tax revenue under the revenue cap.
Mack said the program is beneficial to all involved parties.
"You're offering the kids something that's very valuable and hopefully keeps them interested," he said. "And they learn something that keeps their skills sharp for the next year. And at the same time, it's benefiting the taxpayers a great deal."
Program seen as stable
However, Mack said, he is concerned about what could happen if summer school participation drops significantly.
"We have maybe the biggest summer school program in the state, and my concern is if that goes down … taxes would go up," he said.
Mack said such an enrollment drop is unlikely, although the large gains seen in recent years are probably over.
Superintendent Phil Ertl said enrollment increases have been driven by a recent focus on improvement led by administrators Anthony Bonds and Mark Carter, and added that keeping program quality consistent will ensure stable enrollment.
"I think the benefits there far outweigh any risk of that (enrollment drop) happening," he said. "In my interactions with parents, I don't see the numbers reducing with summer school. I think more and more parents and students are looking for options in the summer for improved learning."
AT A GLANCE
The Wauwatosa School District offered 56 courses between June 22 and July 31. Offerings ranged from enrichment and advancement classes to remedial and makeup opportunities.
| 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |
| Total students | 2,470 | 2,097 | 1,426 |
| Nonresident students | 74 | 49 | 23 |
| Total classes taken | 6,455 | 4,927 | 2,004 |
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