We've known for a while that Alberta Darling just LOVES to spend money on schools. We're puzzled by why she gets her way so often with a "conservative" legislative majority. (Same applies to her quiet support for abortion, by the way.)
Anyhow, now we're seeing pleadings for passage of another Darling brainchild: splitting the Milwaukee Public Schools into 4 new Districts.
Anyone with an IQ north of room temperature can tell you this will be a very costly move no matter the results. Multiplying MPS' administrative staff by four cannot possibly be less expensive than the gargantuan load of extra-juicy salaries and benefits taxpayers currently support.
(While we're on 'salaries and benefits,' what's the plan for the Milwaukee Teachers' Union members?)
A former MPS teacher, while advocating for Darling's plan, actually makes the case for Universal School Choice (USC):
...Parents and educators want schools that represent their values. They
want schools that allow their students to feel proud to belong to their
school community. They want excellent outcomes for their students — and
want a voice in the process. This is one reason why we are seeing
families flee from large public school systems, both in Wisconsin and
nationally. Enormous and intimidating institutions are not representing
families and educators the way many charter, private, and homeschooling
options can....
Indeed.
Were USC enacted by the Legislature and signed by a future Governor, MPS will wither on the vine of its own accord. Both major (R) Gubernatorial candidates have endorsed USC.
Of course, it will have to get past Alberta Darling and several other (R) legislators who are madly in love with the Publik Screwels. That's the big challenge.
Why else would Darling want to create FOUR failing Milwaukee school districts??
