For Hub City Times

MADISON — Earlier this summer Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction distributed $7.5 million in aid to 123 school districts that had student transportation costs that far exceeded the statewide per pupil average. Locally, the School District of Auburndale received $37,878, and the Stratford School District was granted $67,573.

“The High Cost Transportation Aid program can really make a difference in school districts that have higher than average transportation costs, freeing up resources to focus on students and their learning,” said Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers. “Fully funding this aid program in the 2017-19 state budget will provide needed support for kids in our small, rural school districts.”

Districts were eligible for High Cost Transportation Aid if their transportation costs exceeded 150 percent of the statewide average cost per member, which was $614.42 per student. Additionally, student membership within the district must have been 50 students or fewer per square mile. Aid was based on audited information from the previous fiscal year (2015-2016) and was paid in June.