Category Archives: Uncategorized
Education, Taxes, and MMSD Board Goals
I was struck by the relationship between two things in recent Wisconsin State Journal stories. The first of these is the graph above illustrating the cuts of over 150 Special Education staff positions (from Matt DeFour’s report on the new … Continue reading
Where I Come From
I came across a short video earlier this week on the WTTW site. It appears the video is set not to repost or download, so go to the link to view it. Really, take the time. It is an excerpt … Continue reading
Filed under AMPS, Best Practices, education, Equity, Uncategorized
An Endorsement for Andy Heidt — #1 of 7 of the 48th Assembly District Candidates on Education
On July 12 the voters in the 48th Assembly District — covering the East side of Madison, Monona, McFarland and the Town of Dunn (map here)– will choose a Representative to the State Assembly to replace now County Executive Joe … Continue reading
Rep. Bernier Tries to Get Cute (and Fails).
Phony Democratic Primary Candidates are apparently only the beginning, the GOP has now moved on to insincere revenue legislation. First term Republican Representative Kathy Bernier is circulating phony legislation proposing an income tax check-off to fund shared revenue, medical assistance, … Continue reading
On the Agenda — MMSD Board of Education, the Week of May 23, 2011 (updated, finished)
I picked a bad week to start doing “On the Agenda” posts on the Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education doings. Too much going on. Given the amount to cover, I’m going to try to keep the comments and … Continue reading
MMSD Budget Hearings, 5/19 & 5/22
Click on image for all the District 2011-2012 Budget Information. The Kingsmen – “Money” (click to listen or download). The Madison Metropolitan School District will be holding two Budget Hearings on May 19 (5:00 PM at the Doyle Building) and … Continue reading
Filed under "education finance", Best Practices, Budget, Contracts, education, Equity, finance, Local News, School Finance, Scott Walker, Take Action, Uncategorized
Senate Bill 95 Testimony
Sisyphus 1, by Davor, click on image for more. The Lyres, “Don’t Give It up Now” (click to listen or download). Thank you for this opportunity to testify on Senate Bill 95. Due to time limitations — both the time … Continue reading
“Flexibility” = Decline = Ugly
Remember warnings about your face getting stuck in some ugly expression? I think the champions of “flexibility” in Wisconsin and elsewhere need loud and repeated warnings that their “flexibility” in educational policy (along with privatization, cuts in funding, destruction of … Continue reading
Save the Dates
Wednesday April 20, 10:30 AM, “A Better Way” School Funding Alternatives Press Conference FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 19, 2011 Parents, Religious and Education Leaders Call for Balanced Approach in Budgeting for Public Education. MADISON, Wis. – A broad coalition of … Continue reading
My Letter on Senate Bill 22
Members of the Senate Education Committee My name is Thomas J. Mertz. I have been active in Madison and statewide working for adequate educational funding and equitable educational policies. Like many I see much in Senate Bill 22 that will … Continue reading
