October 5, 2009

Coalition Rallies Community to Oppose Mayoral Takeover

Photos: © Barbara J. Miner

The Coalition to Stop the Takeover of MPS, led by the NAACP and Educators' Network for Social Justice (ENSJ), rallied the community against a mayoral takeover of MPS on Thursday, October 1 at a press conference on the steps of Riverside High School in Milwaukee.

The event was held just prior to a scheduled debate between the Mayor and other elected leaders on the topic.

Representatives from 16 community, parent, educator and union groups - including the MTEA - spoke or stood with the speakers to show their opposition to a mayoral takeover of MPS.

Neighbors who had come for the debate gathered around and applauded as speakers made the case for protecting democracy and advocating for reform that will help students, such as increasing community and parental involvement in schools.

The Milwaukee Branch of the NAACP and the Educators’ Network for Social Justice convened The Coalition to Stop the MPS Takeover.

Member groups agree to 3 principles:

• Oppose the mayoral takeover
• Protect and defend voter rights
• Invest in parent and community involvement in our schools

In addition to NAACP, ENSJ, and the MTEA, other member groups include:

• MICAH (Milwaukee Inner City Congregations Allied for Hope)
• Voces de la Frontera
• AFT Locals 212 and 2169
• Title One District Advisory Council
• Mothers of the Struggle
• Progressive Students of Milwaukee   
• People United for MPS
• WISDOM
• Rethinking Schools
• Milwaukee Professionals Association
• Voice of the Central City
• Socialist Party of Wisconsin