Another education takeover

In 1995, Governor Tommy Thompson decided to take over Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Since the state school superintendent is constitutionally mandated, Thompson simply de-funded DPI and set up his own education office. The elected Superintendent John Benson could sit in his empty offices while Tommy ran Wisconsin’s educational system.

The reasons given for the state takeover weren’t much different than the reasons for the takeover of Milwaukee Public Schools. Thompson stated that very few people voted in the superintendent’s race, special interests ran the department, DPI opposed innovations like school vouchers, and it was time to shake up the system. He, Tommy Thompson, was elected by all the people, and he was going to use his mandate. 

The Milwaukee Journal strongly opposed the takeover. Not only was the superintendent’s office constitutionally protected, reasoned the paper, but having “… a state education chief directly subservient to the governor is a bad idea… some buffer should be built between public schooling and the partisan office of governor.” If Thompson really wanted control of DPI, he should seek a constitutional amendment and “…put the final decision squarely in the hands of Wisconsin voters.” The paper concluded, “Thompson’s power grab is bad for education and bad for democracy.”

State Superintendent Benson did not go quietly, and he had Attorney General Jim Doyle on his side. Thompson was taken to court, the governor lost, and funding for the DPI was restored.

The lessons learned here should be applied to the Milwaukee Public Schools. Yes, an elected Milwaukee school board is not constitutionally protected the way the state superintendent is. But before the state Legislature takes that power away, Milwaukee voters should at least vote directly on a mayoral takeover. State Superintendent Tony Evers is well advised to remember how quickly taking control of a local school district only makes it easier for others in state and federal offices to control his position as well. Governor Doyle ought to examine his 1995-96 legal arguments. And the Journal Sentinel editorial board should go back and reexamine the thoughtful editorial of the old Milwaukee Journal.

A copy of the Feb. 17, 1995, Milwaukee Journal editorial can be found at: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4207/is_19950217/ai_n10185612/

Terry Falk is the Milwaukee Public Schools Director for the Eighth District, which includes Bay View. He can be reached at (414) 510-9173 or falktf@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.

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