(The Center Square) – One of the candidates for Wisconsin’s state superintendent says Milwaukee Public Schools are in “crisis” and could need some sweeping changes.
Brittany Kinser told the crowd at the Rotary Club of Milwaukee candidates forum that Milwaukee’s school district needs to change quickly.
“Look at the results for kids,” Kinser said. “That’s why I give [MPS] an F. When you have 5% of black children reading, only reading well enough. When we have lead poisoning, that’s enough”
Kinser said MPS needs top-to-bottom changes.
“It’s the system. It’s the governance. It’s the leadership,” Kinser said. “I’m excited that we have a new superintendent. We all need to support her, because her successes are children’s successes.”
MPS’ new superintendent started last week and immediately had to deal with a lead crisis in the city’s schools.
Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services have given MPS until the end of the week to clean any school with dangerously high lead levels.
So far, lead has been found in nearly a dozen MPS schools. Several of them have been closed, though some are now back open.
Kinser said if MPS cannot fix its reading, writing and math scores or its lead problem, more drastic changes could be called for.
Kinser said a state takeover of MPS “could be an option. If things don’t turn around.”
“I am hoping that the new superintendent will create very clear goals on what she wants to see with operations, and academics, and financials. And that she can meet those goals,” KInser added. “I think if we continue to see, you know, [MPS] not turning in your financials on time, kids not growing, more lead poisoning. I think that’s where the state would have to really, possibly step in.”
Kinser called the current situation in Milwaukee Schools a “crisis for our children,” and said, “they deserve so much better.”
Last month, Underly said an operational school audit report on Milwaukee Public Schools offered a path for the district to get back on track and she expressed optimism Superintendent Brenda Cassellius will create change from the recommendations.
“The success of our children is at the heart of everything we do. The operational audit report released today on Milwaukee Public Schools offers a clear and practical blueprint for getting the district back on course, ensuring it better serves students and families. I am optimistic that under the leadership of Dr. Brenda Cassellius, the district will take the actionable recommendations from this report and turn them into meaningful change,” Underly said in a statement. “Our collective support is crucial in helping MPS create a brighter future for its students and families. We are committed to working together with the district to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.”
Kinser appeared at the forum alone. Her opponent, current State Superintendent Jill Underly, did not to attend.
The two did both attend a forum last week put on by the Wisconsin Public Education Network, NAACP Wisconsin, the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Early Childhood Action Network.
Voters will decide between Kinser and Underly on April 1.
