State fund distribution to fuel big boost for SDR’s libraries

In a school library, young imaginations soar.

Last Friday in Crescent Elementary School’s library, those imaginations got a huge boost of rocket fuel when Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski came by to announce the School District of Rhinelander’s $207,766 share of this year’s record $73.5 million Common School Fund annual Library Aid distribution — funds specifically for the state’s public school libraries.

“We’re the only state in the country that provides this kind of resource,” she told the River News, after reading a book on a classroom election to Crescent’s kindergartners, having them vote in a mock election for its characters, and presenting them with a giant check representing the $207,766 slated for the district. 

“I think it’s just really important that we’re traveling and we get to see then exactly, too, how these resources are making such a big difference … showing up and saying ‘these funds are here for you.’ And we know how important that is to the future of our kids.”

Godlewski, who also visited Eagle River Elementary School that day for a $101,038 Library Aid check presentation, is chair of the state’s Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, which manages the Common School Fund. 

“The history about it is, our founders for the state of Wisconsin wrote this into the Constitution, so they were committed to public education,” she said. “Their thought was, for our public lands, when we became a state in 1848, when we sell those lands the proceeds go into a school trust, and then every year, that would distribute money for public schools.

“What started out as a few thousand dollars, with land sales back in 1848, is now worth $1.6 billion. And since I’ve become chair of the Common School Fund (in 2019), it’s grown about 103 percent … my first distribution was, I believe, $36 million to the state. And this last go-around, it was $73.5 million. … Since I’ve been chair, we have reinvested about a billion dollars … now we are much more diversified. Not only has that resulted in higher returns, but we also are more resilient.”

Godlewski explained that each school district gets a percentage of the annual distribution, based on their number of students. 

“We divide it up on how many kids between (ages) 5 and 18 they have in their district. That’s how much money every public school district gets. It doesn’t matter how small or how big you are, everybody gets money from the Common School Fund,” she said. “We know the state has not been paying their fair share, and property taxes have been a result of that. And we’re at a time when we can’t be asking property tax holders to be paying more money, you know?

“That’s why I’m really proud to see the growth of this fund — because we know that this is a time when this money really does make a big difference.”

A grateful Eric Burke of the SDR shared his thanks with the River News. 

“As superintendent, I am incredibly appreciative of the Common School Fund and the impact it has on our students,” he wrote. “By law, the funds must be used for library-related materials and resources, ensuring that students across the state have access to high-quality, up-to-date learning materials. With this year’s increase, our district is in a strong position to make meaningful investments in our libraries that directly benefit students and staff.” 

Among the areas Burke said the district is considering include:

• Expanding and updating book collections to reflect student interests, diverse perspectives, and current curriculum needs

• Increasing access to digital resources, including e-books, audiobooks, and research databases

• Enhancing technology within library spaces to support research, collaboration, and digital literacy

• Updating furniture and learning spaces to create more flexible, student-centered environments

• Supporting programming and initiatives that promote a love of reading and lifelong learning.

“Our libraries play a vital role in supporting academic achievement, fostering curiosity, and helping students develop critical research and literacy skills,” Burke continued. “This additional funding allows us to be intentional and forward-thinking in how we meet the evolving needs of our learners.

“…Our school libraries are at the heart of learning in our district,” Burke concluded. “We are grateful for the Common School Funds, which allow us to continually invest in resources and spaces that inspire curiosity, support literacy, and empower every student to succeed.”

Ardith Carlton may be reached at [email protected].