Statement from Mayor Cavalier Johnson On Milwaukee Public Schools Board Action

“I am committed to improving educational outcomes in Milwaukee. I’ve worked to build stronger relationships between the City and Milwaukee Public Schools, and the City and the Department of Public Instruction. Although not privy to every detail and decision point, I established monthly meetings with the MPS Superintendent. In addition, over the past few weeks my office has communicated regularly with DPI. I was as alarmed, as was the MPS Board of Directors, to learn of this looming crisis.

“My top concern is for the kids who attend Milwaukee Public Schools, including my three kids. I want to make sure that they are afforded every resource and every opportunity – and that they are not denied the resources other Wisconsin students will receive this coming school year.

“Over the past week, my staff and I have had multiple conversations with both the MPS administration and representatives from the Department of Public Instruction.

“Regardless of how the District got to this point, what our students need – and our community deserves – is accountability, stability, and solutions. I have discussed with both DPI and MPS the plan in place to resolve the reporting and accounting mismanagement that landed MPS in this situation.  We will secure the needed resources for our community’s children and educators.

“The Board of School Directors and Dr. Keith Posley have made a decision regarding the future of MPS leadership. I thank the Superintendent for his service to education in Milwaukee and wish him well in his future endeavors.

“I remain committed to using my position in the community to ensure swift resolution to these issues. I look forward to working closely with the MPS Board, MPS Office of Accountability and Efficiency, and DPI to monitor their progress in bringing this matter to a close.

“Families and businesses make decisions about moving into and out of a community – and where to invest and grow – based in great part on the education system. If we want our children and our entire city to succeed, we must ensure they have a great education from early childhood through high school and college, or whatever post-secondary education and training they choose.

“As a graduate of Milwaukee Public Schools and as an MPS parent, I know there are some remarkable public schools in our city. But, there are also schools that need greater assistance and support to best serve our kids. This is not an MPS issue alone; the same can be said about many of our city’s private and charter schools that receive public funding.

“My administration will continue to work to bring people together around education in our community. I hope the resolution of the financial reporting issues and the appointment of new leadership at MPS will serve as an impetus for leaders and community members alike to work more closely together to benefit all children, and not be used as an opportunity to further divide us.

“Together, we can improve education in Milwaukee and make sure that our kids are best positioned for success.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.