MPS change imperative to avoid shipwreck

I am disgusted and embarrassed by the ongoing failures within Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). For far too long, the glaring shortcomings of MPS have mirrored the catastrophic collapse in the movie Titanic. While some societal issues may be uncontrollable within the classroom, MPS holds the power to shape the present and future of Milwaukee, and they must excel in every area they can control. There is absolutely no room for error. This is not a slight against the dedicated and amazing staff they have; it is a condemnation of the system’s structure and certain key decision-makers within the system.

Throughout my campaign over the past two years, I’ve spoken with thousands of parents. The majority are desperately taking every measure to not send their children to an MPS school. Despite being an elected official, I remain powerless, with no influence or decision-making authority within MPS. I am looking to change that and am exploring options at the City and State level — to give local and/or state level government oversight over the district and a voice — which in my opinion is clearly needed.

As I have done for the past year, I will continue to engage with other school districts nationwide that operate differently from MPS. Change is imperative. Other school districts have changed the way that they’ve been structured and operated, and so can MPS.

I believe change at MPS is imperative to prevent a fate as disastrous as the Titanic’s.

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.