News Briefs - February 19

Milwaukee area residents’ top concern is education

Education is the top concern of Milwaukee area residents, according to a recent survey. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the Public Policy Forum found more people listed education as the most important issue facing the Milwaukee area than any other issue. Respondents’ opinions of Milwaukee Public Schools were lower than in past years, but people had mixed opinions about the governor’s proposals to improve the district. Nearly two-thirds gave the quality of teaching in their local schools a grade of A or B.

One-third in survey say teachers are underpaid

An increasing number of Wisconsin residents believe public school teachers are underpaid. A statewide survey by Chamberlain Research Consultants found one-third of the people surveyed believe teachers are underpaid, compared to 27 percent who thought teachers were underpaid in 1993. The poll, conducted between January 28 and February 4, found 11.7 percent believe teachers are overpaid, compared to 19.7 percent in 1993. Nearly 60 percent of the respondents gave the quality of teachers in their local schools an A or B in 1998 and 1993.

Weaver to boost Wisconsin’s Read Across America effort

NEA Vice President Reg Weaver will visit Wisconsin next month as part of the Read Across America project. Weaver will help kick off Dr. Seuss' birthday on March 2. He has been invited to a "Green Eggs and Ham" luncheon at Indian Hill School in River Hills. The birthday bash will last throughout that week, with students and staff dressing as either Dr. Seuss or their favorite Dr. Seuss character. The group will also hold a week-long read-a-thon. WEAC President Terry Craney kicks off Read Across America on February 27, when he will read to children at a Milwaukee school. Read Across America is a celebration of reading.

Posted February 19, 1998