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November 6, 2009
NEWS FROM THE MAYOR
Dear Friends,
President Obama’s visit to our state earlier this week was an important step forward as we continue our efforts toward significant reform in Milwaukee Public Schools. I had the chance to talk to the President privately and I was pleased he recognized we are on the right track in Wisconsin, and that our efforts represent the best changes needed for the system and position us well as we work in preparing for the Race to the Top application.
In his remarks, the president underscored the importance of education saying nothing will determine our future more than education. I can’t think of a time when improving education is more important than ever given our current economy and the dramatic decrease in blue-collar jobs. The future of Milwaukee is inextricably intertwined with MPS and we can no longer embrace the status quo. We need real change.
Mayor Barrett greets President Obama as he arrives in Madison on Wednesday
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Some of that change is already starting to happen. Just last night, and early this morning, the Legislature passed meaningful education reforms. These reforms did not include the authority for the Mayor to appoint the Superintendent. That authority will be included in the legislation known as the Milwaukee Transforms Education for All Our Children (TEACH) Act. This legislation has been drafted and it’s my hope will be taken up by the legislature in the near future.
I commend the leadership of Senators Lena C. Taylor, Jeff Plale, Tim Carpenter and Representatives Pedro Colon and Jason Fields for sponsoring this important legislation that will lead to positive change in MPS.
I agree wholeheartedly with President Obama’s approach to motivating communities throughout the nation to offer the best possible education to our children. We have much work ahead of us and we are ready for the challenge. If you would like to learn more about a governance change to improve educational outcomes for the children of Milwaukee, please feel free to visit the following Web site.
Sincerely,
Mayor, City of Milwaukee
Visit my website at: http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/mayor
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