Rep. Myers: It is Evident that MPS Board is Part of the Problem

MADISON-Representative LaKeshia Myers (D-Milwaukee), reacted to recent news involving Milwaukee Public Schools. Representative Myers released the following statement:

“If today’s press conference held by the MPS Board of Directors has shown the public anything, it proves they are part of the problem. At Wednesday’s press gathering, board President, Marva Herndon stated the district was ‘working with their auditor and DPI to submit reports’. Herndon also stated the district was ‘ahead of schedule’ in submitting a ‘working draft’ of the corrective action plan to DPI.

I am concerned that no outline of the proposed corrective action measures were provided to the public. Equally disturbing is the fact that board members only allotted time for two questions from the media. For a scandal of this magnitude, one would think the board would provide the public with more explanation.

I am also alarmed that board Vice President Jilly Gokalgandhi only mentioned that the role of comptroller was vacant; the public has received no additional information regarding MPS Chief Financial Officer, Martha Kreitzman’s employment status with the district. Furthermore, there was no discussion of the forecasted fiscal health of Milwaukee Public Schools or how much of the $252 Million dollar referendum could be used in the next MPS budget. The public was only told that the budget would be discussed at a meeting next week.

Transparency is of the utmost importance at this time. I implore the MPS Board of School Directors to be forthright with the citizens of Milwaukee and come to the table with tangible solutions on how to move forward. Our district’s survival depends on it.”

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.