Madison- Thousands of poor kids in Milwaukee will remain trapped in failing schools if Governor Tony Evers gets his way.
Recent excerpts from Governor Evers’ “pro-kid” budget locks out low-income families in Milwaukee from finding the best possible opportunity for their child. Evers also wants to prevent the state from turning around historically failing schools in our state. State Senator Alberta Darling says Evers has a history of turning his back on Milwaukee schools.
“As Superintendent for nine years and now Governor, it is clear Tony Evers has no interest in improving failing schools in Milwaukee and certainly doesn’t want parents to choose the best opportunity for their kids,” Darling said. “Governor Evers is telling every parent protecting bureaucratic interests is more important than if their children succeed.”
Around 23,000 students attend schools in the MPS system that fail to meet expectations. In 2015, Senator Darling and Senator Dale Kooyenga offered a comprehensive plan to turnaround failing schools in Milwaukee. To help stabilize students’ life away from school, their plan targeted continually low-performing schools in MPS and provided support services for the community. Governor Evers plans to eliminate this reform tool.
“There is a real crisis happening in Milwaukee’s public schools,” Darling said, “I believe every child should have access to an affordable, safe, and effective school of their choice. Despite historic investments in public education, Tony Evers ignored the turnaround initiative and now wants to lock kids into failing schools.” “It is time to put politics aside and do what’s best for our kids.”
Senator Darling represents portions of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties.
