Say Something Real GOP Legislators Effort to Score Political Points with MPA By Michell Bryant My grandfather used to say, “Get out of my pocket!.” It was a simple reminder that we were making plans for his paycheck, frequently without consulting him. Mind you these were not life changing purchases, but as grandkids we had […]
Two Truths & A Lie: Understanding the Milwaukee Public Schools Debacle
By LaKeshia N. Myers I am MPS Proud. From Lloyd Street Global Education School, Grand Avenue Middle School, to Rufus King High School (aka the best school anywhere), my K-12 experience in Milwaukee Public Schools was one that I have often extolled and at times wax nostalgic for. I am also ashamed of MPS; ashamed […]
Milwaukee Public Schools Prime for Takeover
Say Something Real Financial Turmoil Spells Trouble By Michelle Bryant “The math ain’t mathing” accurately sums up the recent financial turmoil facing Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). Per Urban Dictionary, the popular phrase means that something doesn’t add up or when you are skeptical about something you are hearing or seeing. Over the last few days, […]
It’s Time to Rip the Band-Aid Off
By Representative Dora Drake Our children are the future; they will become our next doctors, teachers, leaders, nurses, and electricians. Our children will have their own families, their own dreams, and inherit the struggles we failed to address. In this moment, we as a community must ask ourselves, how are the children? And the sad […]
Some Students Ask for Compromise Over Police in Schools
By Devin Blake This story was originally published by Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, where you can find other stories reporting on fifteen city neighborhoods in Milwaukee. Visit milwaukeenns.org. It’s been nearly six months since police officers were supposed to be stationed at Milwaukee Public Schools campuses under a new state law. While local and state […]
Voters Approve $252 Million Milwaukee Public School Referendum
By Karen Stokes On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, voters expressed their support for the children at Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) by approving the referendum question on the Spring Election ballot. By a slim margin of less than 2,000 votes, Milwaukee Public Schools’ $252 million referendum received approval from voters, with 51% in favor and 49% […]
After Decades of Little Progress, Milwaukee Begins New Approach to Improve Lives of Black Men and Boys
The city’s past efforts to confront barriers for Black males fizzled due to a lack of coordination, metrics and resources, officials say. A new nonprofit with a trusted leader is stepping in. By Jonmaesha Beltran Wisconsin Watch News414 is a service journalism collaboration between Wisconsin Watch and Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service that addresses the specific […]
Milwaukee Public Schools Promised Transportation Stipends Due to Unreliable Busing Few Parents Received Them
The district did not distribute $500,000 it allocated to reimburse parents for gas, bus passes and mileage. Parents say buses still run late. By Jonmaesha Beltran Wisconsin Watch News414 is a service journalism collaboration between Wisconsin Watch and Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service that addresses the specific issues, interests, perspectives and information needs identified by residents […]
Wisconsin Needs to Close the Disposable E-Cigarette Loophole
By Jenna Sterr Para-professional with Milwaukee Public Schools As a Milwaukee Public Schools para-professional working with at-risk high school teenagers, the use of smokeless alternatives to traditional cigarettes, specifically from enticing fruit-flavored disposable e-cigarettes by teens, is of great concern. In Wisconsin alone, 11% of middle schoolers and 32% of high school students have tried […]
Students Embrace Diverse Cultures at MPS World Fair
By Karen Stokes The UW Panther Arena on Tuesday was filled with excitement. Students, exhibits, costumes, music and representation of countries from around the world were all in place for the Milwaukee Public School (MPS) World Fair. Approximately 2,500 energized students from grades 4-8 from 16 of the most diverse schools in the MPS system […]