Where We're From

Birchwood, the Bluegill Capital of Wisconsin, is on the Chetac, Birch and Red Cedar chains of lakes and offers spectacular views, abundant wildlife, and plenty of outdoor activities year-round.  This location makes it a popular vacation and seasonal home destination for Wisconsinites as well as visitors and transplants from surrounding states. The location is not only its greatest asset but also its weakness when it comes to the current state school funding system.

Wisconsin relies on property wealth to pay for schools, and the value of Birchwood’s property is high enough that its designated a “zero-aid” receiving only $4094 in state aid in 2023 while similar communities, such as Bruce, received $3,000,000.  Further, the state aid will decrease 15% each year until we reach zero aid.

Fortunately for property owners, Birchwood’s mill rate—the tax rate for a property’s assessed value—is the 37th lowest of the 368 K-12 public school districts in the state. However, it is unfortunate for Birchwood learners.

Completing the perfect storm of low funding is that almost half of the population served by Birchwood School District lives below the state poverty line, with an annual income of $34,450 for a family of four.  This population lacks the wealth to make up for deficits in education through private means.

In 2002, a group of concerned Birchwood citizens witnessed the decreasing state school funding’s impact on Birchwood schools and wanted to preserve educational opportunities for learners in Birchwood. They formed the Educational Foundation of Birchwood (EFB), a 501(c)(3) audited nonprofit organization. Staffed by a volunteer board, the EFB raises money to create and sustain educational opportunities within Birchwood schools so all learners can reach their full potential. We believe a thriving and sustainable local education is fundamental to the well-being of the Birchwood community.