Repeal of Residency Requirements for Education Employees
Background
The Milwaukee Public School District (MPS) struggles to recruit and retain teachers to serve the diverse educational needs of students in the district.
Legislative History
The city of Milwaukee residency requirement has been in place for Milwaukee Public School teachers since 1978.
WEAC Position
The Wisconsin Education Association Council believes that all education employees must be free to reside in the communities of their choice.
Talking Points
. Wisconsin public school districts, with the exception of Milwaukee, do not impose residency requirements on school employees.
. Teachers who work for schools that contract with MPS, and for charter schools in Milwaukee, are not required to abide by the residency requirement.
. Milwaukee's public schools struggle to find enough quality teachers every year to fill vacancies, forcing the district to make widespread use of substitute teachers and those serving on special temporary permits.
. Residency requirements make it more difficult for MPS to recruit and retain teachers.
Additional Information
Contact Deb Sybell, WEAC Legislative Program Coordinator, at 800-362-8034 ext. 227 or by e- mail at sybelld@weac.org with any reactions, comments or questions.
Posted May 4, 2006