Wisconsin Constitution Article X - Education
Wisconsin Constitution – Article X: Education
Overview:
Article X of the Wisconsin Constitution establishes the framework for public education in the state. It mandates the creation and maintenance of public schools, outlines the role of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and ensures that educational resources are managed in the public interest.
🔹 Key Sections and Provisions:
Section 1 – Superintendent of Public Instruction:
A state superintendent is elected by the people every four years.
This officer supervises public instruction and has duties prescribed by law.
The superintendent is considered the chief education officer of the state.
Section 2 – School Fund:
The state must create and preserve a perpetual school fund.
Revenues from federal land grants, escheated estates, and other sources go into this fund.
Only the income (not principal) of the fund may be used to support schools.
Section 3 – Use of School Fund Income:
Income from the school fund is to be distributed among the school districts.
Must be used exclusively for maintaining common (public) schools.
Section 4 – School District Taxes:
The legislature can authorize local taxes for the support of schools within districts.
Section 5 – Uniform Public Schools:
The legislature must provide by law for the establishment of district schools, which are to be as nearly uniform as practicable.
These schools must be free and without sectarian (religious) instruction.
Section 6 – University and Public Lands:
The state must support a university (University of Wisconsin system) and maintain its associated land grants.
Income from these lands forms the university fund and is dedicated to university purposes.
Section 7 – Religious Instruction Prohibited in Schools:
No sectarian instruction is allowed in public schools.
The state ensures separation of church and state in public education.
📝 In Summary:
Guarantees a free, uniform, and secular public school system.
Establishes a state superintendent to oversee education.
Creates and protects school and university funds.
Requires legislative support for maintaining and funding public education.
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