Milwaukee – Support staff of Milwaukee Public Schools joined Representative Tamara Grigsby (D-Milwaukee), and State Senator Spencer Coggs (D-Milwaukee) today at Hawley Elementary School where they unveiled a new plan for education reform.

The plan proposed by Representative Grigsby and Senator Coggs allows for greater oversight by the Mayor, increases community involvement in the school district, and leaves the elected school board intact. The plan is supported by SEIU members who are concerned about the quality of education in Milwaukee Public Schools.

“We work inside the schools, and we have children who attend MPS,” stated Delores Copening a food service worker at Carson Academy. “More than anyone, we understand improvements must be made and we trust that it can be done by the school board, mayor, and the community working together.”

SEIU members opposed the original plans for a mayoral takeover of Milwaukee Public Schools due to unease that the elected school board was being replaced by an appointed body that would have less motivation to listen to community concerns. The bill presented today allows for financial oversight by the mayor, and provides veto power to the mayor for the school board’s selection of superintendant. The school board will remain in control of collective bargaining and governance of the school board.

“SEIU members appreciate the work of Representative Grigsby and Spencer Coggs finding a compromise plan that creates greater oversight, and encourages public participation,” stated Mike Thomas, President of the SEIU State Council, and a former facilities and maintenance employee in Milwaukee Public Schools.