Does anyone know what's going on with MPS? (Milwaukee, Florence: school districts, moving)

[ministers]

I read in the Journal today that MPS is being dismantled? What does that mean? I have been hearing rumors that the state will be taking over, and that they will phase it out all together. How is that even possible. Where will all the kids go? Anyone know anything about this? i wonder will alot of people lose their jobs.

[Eshea]

What the Journal reported is that the board voted to look into what it would take to disolve MPS. This was a mostly symbolic vote due to frustration. They are not going to disolve MPS any time soon...IF, and that is a big if, they were to disolve, the responsibility for Milwaukee schools would be the state's. There would be little to no disruption to most schools.

Quoted from Doyle-
“I take this vote very seriously by the board and, if they are moving in this direction at all, it can only be done through state law,” Doyle said in an interview. “I think we need — everybody needs — to have a good clear understanding of where exactly the Milwaukee schools are.”

I am not sure how he could be unaware of the problems at MPS, at the very least it has been big news for years. I find it hard to believe this is the first he has heard of it. That said, Doyle is now focusing on it. I suspect there will be commitees and meetings and it will be awhile before any decision/solution is forthcoming. In the meantime, MPS will not just shut down. You are not going to go drop your kids off and find a "closed" sign on the door.

[Geechie North]

When Tommy Thompson and the GOP was in charge of state gov't, back in the 1990's, they passed a scheme which was designed to put 95% of the school districts in the state in financial default.

It's been 12-15 years since then and we are seeing the results of that scheme.

Remember the Florence Co. School District?
About as different of criteria (demographics, economy, etc) from Milw as possible, but same result.

And same basic cause.