TODAY: Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, BCPL to Present $70 Million Common School Fund Distribution at WEMTA Conference

Madison, WI – On March 10, 2025 Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, Chair of the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL), will present a historic $70 million check to support public school libraries and media centers across the state. The announcement will take place at the Wisconsin Educational Media & Technology Association (WEMTA) Conference and highlight the impact of the BCPL’s Common School Fund, which serves as the primary source of funding for more than 90% of Wisconsin’s public school libraries.

This record-breaking distribution is made possible through smart, responsible investment strategies that have grown the Common School Fund to $1.5 billion. Secretary Godlewski will be joined by fellow commissioners, education leaders and library advocates to share how these funds provide critical resources for students and help ease the burden on local property taxpayers.

EVENT DETAILS:

WHAT: Presentation of $70 million from the Common School Fund to Support Public Schools
WHO: Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, BCPL Executive Secretary Tom German, State Treasurer John Leiber, Attorney General Josh Kaul, State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly, Assistant State Superintendent Dr. Darrell Williams, WEMTA President Jennifer Griffith
WHEN: Monday, March 10 at 11:15 AM
WHERE: Brookfield Conference Center, 325 S Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005
MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Secretary Godlewski will be available for interviews following the event.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Nicole Pegram
Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Secretary of State
[email protected]
608-391-0424

BACKGROUND:
The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) manages over $1.5 billion in state trust funds, including the Common School Fund, which provides annual distributions to fund books and technology for every public school district in Wisconsin. The board consists of Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski (Chair), State Treasurer John Leiber, and Attorney General Josh Kaul. Under Secretary Godlewski’s leadership, BCPL has prioritized community investment and sustainable financial growth to maximize support for Wisconsin’s students.