GOP-controlled Wisconsin Assembly votes to break up MPS

Milwaukee’s top leaders are responding to a Republican plan to take over Wisconsin’s largest school district.

Some lawmakers want to turn the Milwaukee Public School system into several smaller districts.

About 200 MPS juniors and seniors spent Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at a career fair focused on trade jobs.

“Events like this is what supports our students,” Superintendent Dr. Keith Posley told WISN-TV 12.

The event was held at the district’s maintenance building.

It came a day after the State Assembly in Madison voted to break up MPS by 2024.

“The state assembly voted on a number of educational bills yesterday, but I would say the one on breaking up Milwaukee Public Schools does nothing to support our students and our staff,” Dr. Posley said.

The bill would dissolve the district into several smaller ones run by a commission that would include the governor, mayor and state education superintendent.

“Something has to be done. The status quo is failing, failing generations of kids,” Republican State Rep. Robert Wittke, of Racine, said.

But as acting mayor of Milwaukee, Cavalier Johnson said he was never consulted on the plan.

“I feel it is important for Madison if they really want to have an effect on what’s happening in the school system, to really focus on the issues that cause problems in the classroom in the first place,” he told WISN-TV 12.

The bill now goes to the Wisconsin Senate.

Gov. Tony Evers told UPFRONT last Sunday he would likely veto the legislation if it makes it to his desk.