Racine Schools

  • REA Opposes Mayoral Takeover of MPS

Governor Jim Doyle has announced his support for a bill to be introduced in the Legislature giving the mayor a strong hand in governance of Milwaukee Public Schools. The plan would not just give the mayor the ability to fire and hire the MPS superintendent, according to a handout drafted by the governor and legislators. It also would move authority over budget and fiscal issues, curriculum, facility decisions and collective bargaining from the School Board to the superintendent.  The mayor would set the annual tax levy.  School Board members would provide oversight and perform duties related to community relations and student discipline. A referendum to reauthorize mayoral control would be held after seven years.

The Racine Education Association opposes the governor’s idea because simply transferring responsibility to one person, such as the mayor, will not produce lasting results in struggling schools. To close achievement gaps and improve education for all students, a comprehensive solution is needed that addresses the challenges facing schools and enlists the involvement of educators, parents, businesses and the community.  Milwaukee educators have developed such a plan with a focus on what they know works best when it comes to student learning, leading to enhanced opportunities for students.

Learn about the Milwaukee Opportunity Plan:

http://www.weac.org/Issues_Advocacy/Resource_Pages_On_Issues_One/OpportunityPlan.aspx

ACTION NEEDED!

It’s time to say, “Mayoral takeover of MPS is a bad idea!” Contact Governor Doyle and members of the legislature (see information below) and urge them to oppose mayoral takeover of MPS.  The Governor and legislators need to hear that the right thing to do is support the Milwaukee Opportunity Plan.

You can make a difference if you act quickly:

1) Share this message with everyone you know so people get involved, NOW.

POSSIBLE MESSAGE:

I oppose the idea of empowering a mayor to appoint a school superintendent or school board members in Milwaukee or any other community. Please oppose any legislation that takes away the right of voters to elect their school board which acts as their voice in choosing a school superintendent.

Simply transferring responsibility to one person, such as the mayor, will not produce lasting results in struggling schools. To close achievement gaps, a comprehensive solution is needed that addresses the challenges facing schools and enlists the involvement of educators, parents, businesses and the community. Milwaukee educators have developed such a plan with a focus on what they know works best when it comes to student learning, leading to enhanced opportunities for students.

I hope this plan will refocus the discussions amongst policymakers about moving Milwaukee and the state forward. I know that what happens in Milwaukee has far-reaching implications for the rest of our state.

 

2) Email or call the Governor and members of the legislature.

Gov. Jim Doyle--On-line contact:  http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/contact.asp?locid=19  
Phone: 608-266-1212

Rep. Cory Mason--Email: Rep.Mason@legis.wisconsin.gov Phone: (608) 266-0634 

Rep. Robert Turner--Email:  Rep.turner@legis.wisconsin.gov  Phone: (608) 266-0731  

Rep. Robin Vos--Email: Rep.Vos@legis.wisconsin.gov  Phone: (608) 266-9171 Or (888) 534-0063

Sen. John Lehman--Email: Sen.Lehman@legis.wisconsin.gov    Phone: (608) 266-1832 Or (866) 615-7510

Your legislators need your input on this, but if you can, also call Mike Sheridan, Speaker of the Assembly, (888) 947-0044 and Russ Decker, Senate Majority Leader, (608) 266-2502. Tell them you oppose the takeover and why.

For WEAC members only:

https://www.weacm.org/cf/cyberlobby/actionAlert/message.cfm