Education
NO CUTS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM – THE “BADGERCARE IOWA FIX”
Following is the text of the speech given by Joel Lewis, Marathon County Board Supervisor from the 5th Supervisory District, at the February 19, 2015 Citizen Action of Wisconsin media event in Wausau, WI. Labeled the “Badgercare Iowa Fix,” the event was to encourage Wisconsin legislators to accept Federal Medicaid/BadgerCare dollars as the state of Iowa did, rather than inflict huge cuts to the University of Wisconsin system.
At a time when politicians are bickering over how to best create jobs, I can hardly believe that we are seeing budgets from our elected ...
WALKER’S SHALLOWNESS
A letter to the editor
Oh what a difference a week can make in the lives of people in the news. If you doubt me, check with newscaster Brian William, former Olympian athlete Chris Jenner, Or, closer to home, Gov. Scott Walker. At least Jenner wasn’t caught lying, but rather being honest.
The last week of January was good to Walker. His speech to conservative and reactionary Iowans went over well though, of course, he was preaching to the choir. But then came his February 1 interview with ABC’s Martha Raddatz, who quizzed him on foreign affairs matters, and his ...
EDUCATION FOR THE COMMON GOOD
Inclusive education for the common good is guaranteed under Wisconsin's Constitution.
"The legislature shall provide by law for the establishment of district schools, which shall be as nearly uniform as practicable; and such schools shall be free and without charge for tuition to all children between the ages of 4 and 20 years; and no sectarian instruction shall be allowed therein." (Wisconsin Constitution Article X Section 3)
Nowhere in Wisconsin's Constitution does it grant legislators authority to:
Label our children as failures because they cannot pass a ...
WHAT’S IN IT FOR THEM?
The power of money in politics is on our minds these days, especially since the Koch brothers just announced that they will be spending almost a BILLION dollars on the 2016 election.
What’s in it for the Koch brothers? To bypass party politics altogether.
Why? To govern on their terms.
What would that mean? In 1980, David Koch ran for vice president on the Libertarian ticket. The party platform answers this question. Here are a few excerpts:
Repeal federal campaign finance laws, and abolish the Federal Election Commission.
Abolish Medicare and Medicaid....
A LETTER FROM A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER
Angela Bina is a Spokane, Washington teacher. She moved to Washington a year ago after having taught 18 years in Wisconsin. WEA (Washington Education Association) is sharing her letter.
Dear Union,
Thank you. It’s the least I can say, and the very least I can do. I’ve missed the sense of belonging and unity that you bring. I miss being “one” with my colleagues.
I’ve been “separate” for too long, having to ask if my colleagues are members or potential members. I’ve missed the certainty and clarity which comes with a Master Agreement. An ...
Rocky Balboa Political Types
A letter to the editor
Rocky Balboa political types appear attractive in Wisconsin these days. Portraying themselves as a fighter makes a winner. Voters appear not interested in the details such as who and what the fight is for, and how it will affect me. Adam Jarchow, our current assembly representative, fought hard against Polk County's efforts to improve and preserve our lakes. Had he won, the result would have been deteriorating lake water quality producing lower property values and increased taxes for some. Water quality deterioration lowers property values and ...
“I Don’t Have a Clue” – School Play Mirrors Confusion in Assembly Education Committee
“Edgar: All right, everybody; back to the scene of the crime.
“Ella: New clues?
“Carol: What clues?
“Bob: What’s the next clue?
“Carol: I don’t have a clue.
“Norman: (At the window box, dramatically.) Guys, the body’s gone!”
So goes the hilarious comedy written by Craig Sodaro and performed by Alma students. The play begins as a murder mystery dinner invitation and ends wrapped up in an international smuggling ring.
Students spent the last three and a half months practicing lines and preparing costumes. Play Director Tom Brakke ...
TESTIMONY IN OPPOSITION TO AB1
The following is the January 14, 2015 testimony by Sheila Plotkin before the Wisconsin Assembly Education Committee in opposition to AB1, the so called “School Accountability Bill.”
Article X SECTION 3 of the WI Constitution says: “The legislature shall provide by law for the establishment of district schools, which shall be as nearly uniform as practicable; and such schools shall be free and without charge for tuition to all children between the ages of 4 and 20 years; and no sectarian instruction shall be allowed therein.” That’s education for all.
The ...
New Survey Asks Your Opinion of Public Tax Dollars Funding Private Schools
New Survey Asks Your Opinion of Public Tax Dollars Funding Private Schools
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/OurSchools
School Funding Reform for Wisconsin, Stevens Point, released an online survey on vouchers and public school funding on Tuesday, January 6, 2015. This survey seeks to engage public school supporters by educating them and empowering them to take action.
In the first 36 hours it was online, 1,150 people took the survey:
More than 530 people chose to leave comments related to vouchers and how their school districts are coping with budget cuts, ...
SIT UP AND PAY ATTENTION
A letter to the editor:
Sit up and pay attention!
Pardon me. I just used what my son calls my school teacher voice. It's that important, neighbors. On January 14th the Wisconsin legislature holds hearings on the so called school accountability bill (A co-sponsor is Assemblyman Jarchow).
I urge you to watch carefully as the party of small government takes more control away from our local school boards. The plan is for a 13 member academic review board established by the legislature to oversee and grade public schools, for-profit schools, and private voucher ...
