Phillips Educators Meet with Governor to Discuss Impact of Revenue Controls

Background on school district revenue controls

Seven educators who participated in a 240-mile walk from northern Wisconsin to Madison in June to protest school district revenue controls met with Governor Thompson Monday (July 26, 1999) at the Capitol.

The educators from the Phillips School District told the governor that revenue controls are hurting children in many ways.

The governor told the educators he would be willing to listen to recommendations from a revenue control study committee the educators are interested in forming. The governor also said he would be willing to recommend people to serve on the committee.

"We're not on the same page, but at least we're listening to each other," said teacher's aide Teri Hanson.

Last week, the governor's office called march organizers to invite them to the meeting that included Governor Thompson, Lieutenant Governor Scott McCallum, Policy Adviser Bill Steiger and Executive Assistant Kevin Keane.

When the marchers arrived at the Capitol five weeks earlier carrying anti-revenue control petitions, the governor was out of town. At that time, they met with Steiger and Keane.

The June march - called the Walk on the Child's Side - was designed to create an awareness of the negative effects of revenue caps on children in public schools. Revenue controls have forced public schools around the state to cut teachers and programs, reduce support staff, eliminate guidance counselor positions, reduce maintenance, raise student fees, eliminate principals, and eliminate extra-curricular programs.

The governor told participants he would be willing to meet again with them.

"We will continue to work to increase awareness of the harmful impact of revenue controls," said Phillips teacher Randy Kunsch. "We want to keep Wisconsin public schools the best in the nation. The bottom line is it's all about kids."

Posted July 27, 1999