Expanding School Choice Highlights Education As A Priority

In Wisconsin a lot has been said about education in the last few years. Thankfully, due to Governor Walker’s forward thinking approach to fiscal solvency and efficiency we are one step closer to providing a quality education to every child in the Badger State. As the result of the governor’s positive reforms we are now seeing the benefits coming to light in school districts across the state.

Throughout the state our school budgets are now under control and our teachers are now being given the tools that they need in order to see lasting and dramatic successes coming out of the classroom. School districts are reaping unforeseen benefits and the quality of our students’ education has grown because of it.

Gone are the days of burdensome bureaucracy that hindered growth for our students’ educational achievements. Those burdens and the backward thinking approach held by Democrats toward education have been replaced by a system focused on performance, responsibility and accountability that will give each and every student in Wisconsin access to a world class education.

When Governor Walker took office he faced a $3.6 billion budget deficit and now we have a budget surplus. Due to the tough, but prudent, decisions made during the last two years, Wisconsin’s kids now have a shot at a better classroom experience and our teachers are afforded the ability to be paid based on merit and success rather than on how long they have had their teaching license.

We must ensure that every child in Wisconsin, regardless of location or background has access to a great education.  One step toward that goal is to expand School Choice.

School Choice, which has worked well in Racine and Milwaukee, gives parents real control in deciding the proper course for their child’s education. It is a breeding ground for success and should be emulated throughout the state.

With that in mind, the governor recently proposed a plan to expand School Choice to other struggling districts in order to give parents statewide a better option for their children’s future. Forward thinking like this will help guarantee that every child in the Badger State is afforded a quality education.

Providing a lasting and well-rounded education for our kids should not just be a stump speech or a feel good notion sent out to the masses. This goal must move from fantasy to reality and be a real priority going forward.

Governor Walker has proven that his plans look further than just the next election, but look out for the next generation. By investing in our public schools to the tune of half a billion dollars and expanding School Choice, Governor Walker shows that he is walking the walk as well as he talks the talk.

Jeff Johns
Chairman
Republican Party of Ozaukee County