January 17, 2010
What's going on?
First the governor tells us we will get lots of money from Arne Duncan at U.S. Department of Education--all we need to gain a seat at the table is a plan to eliminate the elected school board in Milwaukee and give all power to the mayor who, wouldn't ya know, is running for governor. But, Doyle warned, finger wagging at the Legislature, if you don't do what I tell you Arne will skip Wisconsin and give its share of the loot to....? We don't know. Maybe he will give it to Ben Nelson in Nebraska! Or to Joe Leiberman!
The grass roots in Milwaukee rose up in anger to defend their system from a Madison takeover. They stopped the train and today Doyle's quote seems like whining. He asked the people, the people said no, and he says as a result, we stand little chance of winning funding. We would be "bitterly disappointed if we lose," but he makes it clear we will lose. So prepare yourself for the bitter disappointment we will all feel. Then demand answers from the governor--not more finger-wagging.
As yet unanswered is, What would winning mean? And, Why is mayoral control of schools so good? And, "Had we done what you asked, was the money guaranteed? At first Doyle limited his threats to Milwaukee, but today he says virtually every school district in the state will lose Race to The Top funds. How much? Don't ask, and don't expect a response. Only Doyle knows!
Take it from Doyle--Superior, Platteville, Madison, Beloit, Green Bay, Kenosha--all will lose lots of money because Milwaukee thinks the takeover is loopy.
I think a "profile in courage" award goes to Spencer Coggs and Tamara Grigsby. It would have been easy for them to go along, but they didn't. As a result we might develop a sensible plan based on policy choices not threats. Kudos!
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