MADISON (WKOW) -- The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction announced it has distributed nearly $1.74 billion to schools across the state to support mental health programs in public schools, students with individualized education plans, transportation costs, and general state aids. General state aids, including Equalization Aids, are the state’s main public K-12 funding program, accounting for $1.54 billion of the funding. Payments to districts reflect $142 million withheld for their residents enrolled in participating private choice schools and new independent charter schools. Special education aids totaled $129.6 million, transportation aid allocations equaled $15.4 million, and other categorical state aids, which include Achievement Gap Reduction and Aid for School Mental Health Programs, amounted to $49.1 million.