Madison – State Representative Tamara Grigsby (D-Milwaukee) made the following statement this week, following Governor Doyle’s announcement of the coming Special Session on the future of Milwaukee Public Schools:
“It is disappointing that Governor Doyle has decided to ignore the will of Milwaukee’s citizens and continue his push for a mayoral takeover of Milwaukee Public Schools. MPS needs serious reform, but the top-down approach for which he advocates lacks the level of community engagement and consideration that any proposal of this magnitude requires.
“At this point, it goes without saying that the governor’s proposed mayoral takeover is not the only option for reforming Milwaukee Public Schools. I am working to ensure that the “RACE for Success” receives consideration at any Special Session in which mayoral takeover is pushed upon the legislature. Of course, I would prefer that any legislation related to the future of MPS go through the normal legislative process, a process which would ensure public input, but Governor Doyle seems intent on avoiding that opportunity. Any legislation on the future of MPS deserves a public hearing, but both proposals for education reform should be heard if the legislature enters into a Special Session.”
