September 4, 2009 

NEWS FROM THE MAYOR

Dear Friends,

As mayor, economic development and job creation is a top priority of mine and one of the most important issues to the people of Milwaukee.  As the recent report by UW-Milwaukee highlights, one of the greatest challenges we face is the mismatch between the available jobs and the skills of our workforce.  Other data shows only 20% of the workforce in Milwaukee has a four-year degree.  More concerning is the significant racial gap in the workforce--only 10% of the African American workforce has a 4-year degree compared to 30% of the white workforce.

It is precisely because of this Black-White workforce gap that, as mayor, I MUST do everything I can to eliminate the Black-White achievement gap in Milwaukee Public Schools.  We cannot allow these unacceptable K-12 outcomes to continue as we work to attract new high-paying jobs to the city.  The lack of workforce skills cannot surprise us given the graduation and post-secondary track record of our MPS students.  Over 9,000 students enter MPS as freshman every year, and roughly half will graduate from a MPS high school.  Of those who graduate only 39% enroll in a post-secondary program within a year of graduation, compared to 48% of Chicago Public School students.  Twice as many of these students go to MATC as compared to UW-Milwaukee, and 80% of MPS graduates at UW-Milwaukee have to take some remedial course work.

I am determined to change the system that has produced these outcomes and to do everything I can to ensure our children reach their full potential, which is precisely why the governor and I are pursuing a change in governance in Milwaukee Public Schools.  We have great teachers in MPS and a very committed community--this proposal is not a criticism of any individuals, but of a flawed system.

Changing the governance system to one where the mayor is ultimately held accountable eliminates the passing of the buck among school board members and the administration.  It allows the next superintendent to implement a clear vision for reform, to focus resources to achieve that vision, and to establish clear accountability.  The voters will hold the mayor accountable if the results are not there.

My key priorities under a changed system will be:

• To get the best superintendent possible to lead our schools.
• To ensure accountability at all levels.
• To close the racial achievement gap.
• To respond to parents' needs.
• To attract quality teachers and get teachers the support they need to succeed.
• To replicate what works-- based on quality research.

Keeping the status quo is the path of least resistance, but it is also the path that is failing our students.  The stakes are too high and I am determined to do the right thing for our children and community.

Sincerely,

Mayor, City of Milwaukee  

Visit my website at: http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/mayor