News Briefs - March 6

Supreme Court hears voucher case again

The Wisconsin Supreme Court last week heard oral arguments on the constitutionality of expanding the Milwaukee voucher program to religious schools. Attorneys told justices the expansion would violate the constitutional separation of church and state. The court is expected to rule on the case this summer. In 1996, the court split 3-3 on the case and sent it to lower courts, which ruled against the expansion.

Ministers issue proposal to help MPS

A coalition of Milwaukee ministers has issued its own proposal to assist Milwaukee Public Schools. The Milwaukee Minority Ministerial Alliance is calling for the creation of a special commission to identify failing schools. A second panel would have the power to close schools. The group is also proposing creation of boards to run each city school.

IWF study disputes spending claims

The Institute for Wisconsin’s Future last week released a study disputing claims that Milwaukee Public Schools spending nearly doubled in the past ten years, while improvements in student achievement were dropping. The IWF study found average per-pupil spending rose by 4.5 percent over the past decade when adjusted for inflation. The report said MPS spending increased less than spending in area suburbs.

Posted March 6, 1998