Parents, Students, and Teachers Demand State Legislators Address Funding Crisis

Over 150 parents, teachers, community members, and students rallied for adequate school funding and state support.

On May 20, 2004 over 150 parents, students, and teachers of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) rallied—despite being soaked by a torrential downpour—to protest the $24 million dollar budget cuts facing MPS schools, to call for immediate action at the state level to address the financial crisis facing all Wisconsin schools, and to support an increase in the tax levy to maintain critical education programs.

The rally was organized by Save Our Schools (S.O.S), a parent, teacher, and community coalition fighting for adequate funding for Milwaukee and Wisconsin's public schools. Students, parents, and community leaders highlighted how cuts in art, music, physical education, libraries, and social services—along with increasing class sizes—are reducing the quality of education in MPS.

Travanti Fowler, an eighth grade Milwaukee student recited a rap he wrote about how school funding and budget cuts impact his education.

"It's time we draw a line in the sand. Our children's education and future are at stake. We can't keep cutting the budget every year without hurting their chances to succeed," said Michael Trokan of the S.O.S coalition.

Third grader Samuel Borrero spoke about his fear of losing art programs in Milwaukee Public Schools.

"I love art, but I never knew how good I was at it until my art teacher entered one of my drawings in a statewide contest," he said. "My drawing was one of just 10 pictures selected to hang in the State Capitol. I am very proud of this, and I am scared that if you continue to cut art programs, other students will not be able to find out that they love art, too."

"I love art…and I am scared that if you continue to cut art programs, other students will not be able to find out that they love art, too," said Milwaukee third grader Samuel Borrero.

Roger Brooks, a retired pastor and property owner, spoke about the need to stop pitting retirees against students.

"I'm retired, I'm a tax payer, I'm a property owner, and I'm on a fixed income, but I would gladly pay more taxes to support public education," declared Mr. Brooks.

Students, parents, and community members aren't the only people concerned about the impact budget cuts have on public education. Teachers are scared, as well.

Willie Sinclair, an MPS teacher, spoke of the dangers of overcrowded classrooms at MPS schools.

"In my freshmen level shop class, I have over 40 students. Never mind the fact that it's impossible to provide these kids with a quality education, we are putting their safety at risk, and that is unacceptable," exclaimed Mr. Sinclair.

"I am committed to ensuring that all students—rich or poor, urban or rural—have access to a quality public education, and I will fight alongside you to achieve that goal," said State Senator Gwen Moore.

To underscore the statewide nature of the school funding problem, State Senator Gwen Moore took part in the rally, and several superintendents from across the state dedicated their support.

Senator Moore reaffirmed her commitment to providing a quality public education to all students no matter where they are in the state.

"I am a proud graduate of Milwaukee Public Schools, and all these years later I still have a personal relationship with my school librarian and guidance counselor. I am committed to ensuring that all students—rich or poor, urban or rural—have access to a quality public education, and I will fight alongside you to achieve that goal," said Senator Moore.

Achieving statewide school funding reform means the various regions of the state must be united. The school funding crisis is a statewide problem, and it requires a statewide solution.

"The state of Wisconsin needs to provide adequate funding for public education to ensure that all children have access to a sound, basic education. The state legislature should immediately call a special session to deal with the financial crisis facing Wisconsin schools." said Tina Johnson, co-chair of the Milwaukee Inner-city Congregations Allied for Hope (MICAH) education committee.

MPS school board members also recognized the state's failure to address school funding and provide sufficient state aid to local districts. For press coverage of the MPS board meeting following the rally, click here (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel).

If you live in the Milwaukee area and would like to get involved in the Save Our Schools coalition, contact Mike Trokan at 414-964-9646.

Click here for coverage of the rally in the (Milwaukee) Riverwest Currents.

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