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November 20, 2009
NEWS FROM THE MAYOR
Dear Friends,
The selection of the next leader of the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is one of the most important decisions that will be made in this community in the near future. We need a strong, innovative leader who can transform our vision into success, who will always put students first when working to achieve it and who will not accept excuses for not attaining it. In an effort to establish clear expectations, I’ve identified the following priorities for the next superintendent:
1) Reduce the dropout rate. Currently, for every two kids who successfully graduate from MPS, one student drops out. The outcomes are even worse for students of color. Dropout rates are directly linked to increased crime, lower employment rates, higher incidence of single-parenting, and higher tax burdens. Our next superintendent must set an ambitious goal to reduce the dropout rate and implement a strategy to bring the community together around this issue.
2) Increase the number of graduates who are college or job ready – particularly among students of color. In 2008, it was reported that only 93 African Americans and 170 Hispanic Wisconsin high school graduates would meet the minimum criteria to apply at the University of Wisconsin Madison, which accepts 6,000 freshmen annually. Moreover, 80% of all MPS graduates who attend UW- Milwaukee need remedial classes. Our next superintendent should set a goal to not only increase the number of graduates, but also to increase the skill level upon graduation.
3) Increase the percentage of students that are at least proficient (at grade level) in reading and math at every grade, and the number of students who maintain that level from year to year. Over 70% of MPS 10th graders are not proficient in math and approximately 60% are not proficient in reading. Our next superintendent must ensure that there are processes in place to identify students as soon as they start to fall behind and to ensure they stay on track at each level.
4) Establish a culture focused on student success and accountability. Several reports have raised concern about a lack of accountability within the MPS infrastructure, a lack of urgency to address known problems, and a lack of a single mission of student success. Our next superintendent must establish processes to monitor progress toward defined goals, to empower responsible individuals to respond to any concerns, and to hold those individuals accountable for results.
5) Address the district’s fiscal challenges. In addition to the recommendations from the MPS Innovation and Improvement Advisory Council Fiscal Efficiency Committee calling for increased efficiency and consolidation of services, it is critical that the district address the significant and growing fiscal burdens associated with post-employment benefits. There isn’t a plan that currently addresses the existing liability or to reduce the rate of growth. Our next superintendent must acknowledge this issue that they will inherit and bring in the necessary expertise to develop a plan to address it.
6) Create a rating system for schools. Parents deserve to know how their schools are performing and as a community we have to address schools that are not meeting the goals set out above. Our next superintendent should establish a rating system for schools that recognizes and supports those that excel, provides support necessary to improve those that may be struggling, and quickly addresses those that are failing so that children can instead be placed in high-performing schools.
7) Ensure a strong human resource system. The September 2009 Council of Great City Schools report on the existing Human Resource Department in MPS raised many concerns with the current system. Hiring effective teachers and leaders, supporting them, and placing them where they can be most effective are critical to ensuring strong student outcomes. The next Superintendent must dramatically change the current approach to human capital to ensure we get the best educators in every building.
Certainly this is not an exhaustive list, but a solid starting point to ensure that we move MPS in the right direction.
Sincerely,
Mayor, City of Milwaukee
Visit my website at: http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/mayor
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