Burmaster Wins; Milwaukee School Board Overhauled

Madison High School Principal Elizabeth Burmaster was elected Tuesday (April 3, 2001) as Wisconsin's new state superintendent of public instruction.

Burmaster soundly defeated Hortonville teacher Linda Cross, 60% to 40%. This was Cross's third unsuccessful attempt to become state superintendent. She previously lost twice to John Benson, who is now retiring. Burmaster will take over as head of the Department of Public Instruction on July 1.

Burmaster was strongly recommended by WEAC members. Her positions and WEAC's are very similar on the key education issues.

"Elizabeth Burmaster's large margin of victory shows that Wisconsin residents want an education leader who puts the interests of children first," said WEAC President Terry Craney. "Elizabeth Burmaster is an experienced educator and administrator who will fight for programs and initiatives that maintain and improve the quality of education for all children in Wisconsin.

"She will work to strengthen children's reading skills, ensure that our schools are safe and orderly, encourage parental involvement in schools, expand and encourage programs that have proven track records like the SAGE class-size reduction initiative, and make sure charter schools are accountable to taxpayers and the public."

Following her election, Burmaster said she "couldn't imagine running for this office and not having the support of state teachers."

Burmaster has been principal at Madison West for nine years. She is a former teacher and administrator in the elementary, middle and high school levels.

Craney said the election of Burmaster – who opposes private school vouchers – and the election of anti-privatization candidates to the Milwaukee School Board are strong victories for public education in Wisconsin.

Milwaukee voters ousted School Board President Bruce Thompson, who has been a strong advocate of vouchers and privatization. Jennifer Morales, a critic of Thompson, received 58% of the vote. Her election and that of Peter Blewett is expected to change the politics of the board, which had been dominated by pro-voucher, pro-privatization conservatives.

"Policymakers in the state and the nation should listen closely to the residents of Wisconsin," Craney said. "They see that vouchers and privatization are not the way to make sure every kid attends a great school. Initiatives with proven track records, like the SAGE class-size reduction program, are the way to maintain and improve quality education for all children."