Racine Unified School District is Failing our Community
We are organizing concerned residents to educate their neighbors, improve public policy at the local level, and save our younger generation. Are you in?
RUSD BY THE NUMBERS
RUSD's education challenges aren't just headlines. They're measurable and persistent. Here is the data behind the school districts educational failures.
Racine Unified spends $20,493 per student, above the state median of $17,014, and up 20% over four years, yet ranks 429th out of 443 Wisconsin districts, with only 13% math proficiency and 17% reading proficiency, compared to the state averages of 40% and 38%.
Despite 100% of teachers being licensed and 29 full-time counselors on staff, just 10% of Racine Unified high school students test proficient in math, and only 20% in reading. That means 9 out of 10 kids are graduating without basic math skills, in a district that isn't short on staff or credentials.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction gave Racine Unified a "fails to meet expectations" rating, one star, and a score of just 48.1 out of 100 on its official report card. Years later, the district's most recent report card still fell just short of "meets expectations."
In the same budget year Racine Unified eliminated 35.22 full-time staff positions, the district's board approved a "zSpace" educational VR product at a cost of up to $199,969 over two years. Ask yourself: if the district can find $200,000 for a gadget, why is it cutting the teachers actually in front of your kids?
What's Driving It
Policy Failures
No Real Consequences for Disruptive Behavior
Multiple RUSD teachers describe a school environment where student misbehavior goes largely unaddressed, one teacher noted the district lacks "adequate consequences for student's actions," including hallway wandering and disruptions during class time, while another said discipline amounts to removing a student for a few minutes before returning them to class.
The District Can't Keep Its Own Teachers
RUSD's teachers' union has repeatedly sounded the alarm over staff turnover, warning that rising numbers of teachers are leaving for other districts or leaving the profession entirely. Teachers themselves point to the cause: too many administrator-mandated meetings, excessive after-school workshops disconnected from actual classroom needs, and standardized testing requirements eating into instructional time.
Central Office Is Disconnected From the Classroom
Teachers working inside RUSD schools describe central office staff and supervisors as out of touch with what's actually happening in the classroom, citing insufficient prep time, oversized classes, and safety concerns that leadership doesn't seem to prioritize.
We Need Leaders Like You
Communities like yours need leaders to change children's outcomes. They're protected by driven residents who show up, speak out, and take action.
Education
Learn how the RUSD functions, how to speak at community events and to board members directly.
Connection
Connect with a growing network of neighbors who share your concerns and are ready to stand together and demand change.
Action
Get practical tools to participate in school board and other city government meetings, submit public comments, and hold local officials accountable.
Support
Ongoing help from experienced community advocates who've successfully driven change across Racine and other parts of Wisconsin.
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