Secretary Godlewski Announces Historic $70 Million Distribution from Wisconsin’s Common School Fund

Secretary Godlewski Announces Historic $70 Million Distribution from Wisconsin's Common School Fund 

Brown Deer, WI – Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, Chair of the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL), proudly announced a historic $70 million distribution from the Common School Fund to Wisconsin public schools during a press conference held at Brown Deer Middle/High School. This marks the largest distribution in the fund's 175-year history.

The Common School Fund, established in 1848, is the only dedicated funding source for many of Wisconsin's public school libraries. For more than 90% of these libraries, it is the sole source of financial support for books, technology, and other essential learning tools. Created from the proceeds of federal land granted to Wisconsin, the fund has grown to $1.5 billion under the BCPL's financial stewardship.

"I'm proud of our record-breaking distribution. It comes at a time when schools are being asked to do more with less, and our strategic investments and collaborative efforts are making a difference to ensure that every student—no matter where they live—has access to the books, technology, and tools they need to succeed," said Secretary Godlewski.

Under Secretary Godlewski's leadership, distributions from the Common School Fund have nearly doubled in recent years. 

"Today's milestone reflects the dedication of our team and the strategic investments we've made to ensure the fund continues to grow for future generations," added Secretary Godlewski. "We've diversified hundreds of millions of dollars to include Wisconsin-based venture funds that support new and growing businesses. This is a win-win for our state: the Common School Fund bolsters Wisconsin's economy, and the financial returns directly support our schools and libraries, reinforcing our commitment to educational excellence and opportunity."

Joining Secretary Godlewski at the press conference were BCPL Commissioner and State Treasurer John Leiber, WEMTA President Jennifer Griffith, and Brown Deer Middle/High School Director of Libraries and Technology Kara Turner.

"Supporting our school libraries is more important than ever, and I'm proud that Wisconsin's Constitution guarantees this ongoing funding," said State Treasurer John Leiber.

“Without the support from the common school funds, many school libraries would not have the necessary resources to stay up-to-date and provide the digital resources necessary for our students' continued learning. The BCPL work ensures that these schools are not left behind, and that all students in Wisconsin, no matter their background, have access to the educational opportunities they deserve,” said WEMTA President Jennifer Griffith.

“Thanks to the resources we receive from the Common School Funds, e-books, audiobooks, STEM learning, computer science, creating, and making take place in a space like this,” said Kara Turner, Director of Libraries and Technology for Brown Deer Middle/High School.

As schools across Wisconsin face mounting financial challenges—over 100 districts have turned to referendums this year—the Common School Fund provides a critical lifeline without burdening taxpayers.

Secretary Godlewski concluded, "This $70 million distribution is a testament to the vision of Wisconsin’s founders and the power of an effective investment strategy. The Common School Fund empowers our students with the traditional and digital tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world, and we will make sure this continues for generations to come.”

Background  

The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) oversees more than $1.5 billion in state trust funds, including the Common School Fund, which makes annual distributions that fund books and technology for every school district in the state. As board chair, Secretary Godlewski has prioritized community investment and integrating environmental, social, and governance considerations into the investment policy. To learn more about the BCPL, see here.