Henry Leonard announces candidacy for MPS Board of School Directors

MILWAUKEE: Long-time MPS educator Henry Leonard today filed to run for the District 7 seat on the MPS Board of School Directors.

Henry Leonard, a lifelong resident of Milwaukee, a graduate of Hamilton High School(MPS) and UWM, (EDBS), and a longtime defender of public education, brings leadership and family advocacy skills as a hallmark of his candidacy. He has taught at all grade levels including Special Needs students .

Henry also volunteered his skills for preparing immigrant families for their citizenship exams. Besides teaching in MPS for 27 years he has also been involved with numerous community based programs and projects that have advocated for the many diverse families in the Milwaukee area.

Henry and his wife Patty have two children and four grandchildren. They live in a multi-generational home in which Patty was raised. They currently live with their daughter, who graduated from Hamilton and grandson, who attends the neighborhood MPS school.

In declaring his candidacy Leonard issued this statement:

“After 27 years serving children, teachers and the community it is clearly evident that Milwaukee’s children and families have great potential. For all of us to reach that potential our classrooms must be appropriately funded, staffed and supported. I am willing and ready to serve as a leader with this goal foremost in mind. Our student’s success is highly dependent on the quality of their education. In order for that to happen we need to generate dialogue with all of our community members. I believe that this challenge can be accomplished if we find common ground and move forward as a community. Our families have voted for and demand that their children receive the best and most equitable education available to them. If I am elected to the board this will always be my prime motivation.

It is only by working together as a community that we can ensure the public schools our kids deserve. I will never stop fighting for strong, vibrant public schools in our community where all children have the support they need for emotional and physical wellness and academic success. Success that will benefit all aspects of our community.”

The election for the Milwaukee Board of School Directors is April 6, 2021, with a possible primary February 16, 2021.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.