September 11, 2009 

NEWS FROM THE MAYOR

Dear Friends,

There are critics of school governance reform who have correctly pointed out that the citizens of Milwaukee hold me responsible for addressing many issues – job creation, crime reduction, and health issues such as teen pregnancy. However, those who follow by suggesting I should therefore not be concerned about the academic achievement of Milwaukee Public Schools fail to recognize that these problems are inextricably linked and must be addressed collectively.

We cannot expect the educational attainment of our workforce to increase and diversify as long as we continue to have more than 70% of our 10th graders not proficient in reading and fewer than 40% of MPS graduates enrolling in post secondary programs within a year of graduation. We also have to ensure that are students are pursuing diverse areas of interest to match future job needs, which is why I think it is important that our graduates are attending a variety of post-secondary options, such as MATC, UW –Milwaukee, and the other quality educational institutions in Milwaukee.

We can’t expect to address the teen pregnancy rate without addressing the high dropout rate and low college attendance rate. Research shows that teens that stay in school, are more involved in school, or plan to go on to college are less likely to become pregnant¹ . And there is ample evidence linking school achievement and quality after school programs with lower incidence of juvenile crime. It is naïve to think we can solve these problems in isolation.

It is also correct to point out that I am not a professional educator, just as I am not a professional law enforcement officer. But, by making it a priority to bring a visionary chief of police to Milwaukee and giving him the support he needs to implement real reform, we have been able to take a new approach to crime reduction and are achieving real results.

By moving toward a system of clear accountability and the stability necessary to implement real reform, we can hire the most qualified leader who will make the changes needed to ensure that students stay in school, achieve and graduate prepared for higher education or the working world. I will hold the next superintendent accountable for achieving these goals and would expect him/her to instill that accountability at all levels.
If we are to have successful, long-term impacts on employment, teen pregnancy and reductions in incarceration rates, we have to have a dramatic change in how we run our schools. I refuse to let defenders of the status quo keep us from providing all students with the respect and opportunities they deserve.

Sincerely,

Mayor, City of Milwaukee  

¹ http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/why-it-matters/pdf/education.pdf

Visit my website at: http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/mayor