Hudson Schools Are Doing More With Less
This letter to the editor, by Joyce Santo, appeared in the Hudson Star Observer on January 8, 2026.
Recently, the Hudson School Board addressed misinformation regarding the closing of two schools. Then, I read that the group SaveOurSchools-Hudson was pursuing a recall petition of school board members and is currently seeking an injunction against all seven school board members and the superintendent.
The group has every right to hire a lawyer and pursue legal action against the school board and district, but this action requires that the school district devote precious time and resources to legal fees. I prefer their time — and my tax dollars — to be focused on educating the children of Hudson.
Like me, you might receive Social Security. This year the costof-living adjustment (COLA) in my Social Security check was 2.4%. Though it’s not a large increase, it makes a difference, and over the years those slight increases add up.
Effectively, school districts in Wisconsin have not had a COLA since 2009. That’s 16 years without any increase in per pupil funding in the Hudson School District.
Why? The current state funding formula sends less to districts with high property values, ones like Hudson. This, paired with declining enrollment, means even less money in the coffers. There’s no longer “fat” left in the budget.
I appreciate the thoughtful process the Hudson School Board and the superintendent used that led to the tough decision to close two schools. I wasn’t surprised, as I participated in one of the community engagement sessions last year and it was pretty clear to me that community members believed Hudson’s children were a higher priority than buildings.
In 2011 Wisconsin spent around $1,100 more per student on public schools than the U.S. average. Then, Act 10 eliminated adjustments for inflation on the amount of per pupil spending and effectively axed bargaining rights for teacher unions. Wisconsin’s spending per pupil dropped from 11th in 2002 to 26th by 2023. State aid has only increased 2.4% in 21 years compared to the national average 21%.
Despite this, the Wisconsin K-12 system ranked seventh overall each year since 2024, per U.S. News and World Report. Students in the Hudson School District often place in the top 10-20% in the state. The district is doing more with less. I applaud the teachers, staff, students and families for making it work.