News Briefs
Voucher school founder sentenced to prison
Adrian T. Hipp, founder and director of the now-closed Exito School in
Milwaukee, has been found guilty of falsifying attendance records that
resulted in the school being overpaid $42,000 under the Milwaukee private
school voucher program. He was sentenced to 5 years and 5 months in prison.
WEAC wins three publications awards
WEAC won three awards at this summer's State Education Editors Conference
in Atlanta. They are: First Place, Best Newsletter: “Update
for WEAC Leaders.” Update is printed weekly during the school
year and sent to nearly 5,000 local officers and building representatives,
as well as WEAC officers, staff and committee members. Update is
produced by the WEAC Communications Division. First Place, Black and
White Photography. This award is for photos that accompanied a fall
1996 New & Views series titled “The joys and struggles
of a first-year teacher.” The photos were taken by News &
Views Editor Bill Hurley. Award of Merit, News Story, “Coming
through in time of crisis.” This article, written by Hurley, was
about how teachers sprang into action after a train wreck forced the evacuation
of Weyauwega and three district schools. The State Education Editors is
made up of editors and graphic designers from NEA state affiliates. WEAC
competes in a category that includes the largest state affiliates.
Madison teachers help pro-union student
Madison Teachers Inc. has contributed $100 to help fund the college education
of a Michigan student who rejected a scholarship opportunity from the
Detroit News because of its history of anti-union activity. Becky
Reames, of Harrison, Michigan, turned down the chance for a $10,000 scholarship
because, she said, “My convictions are way too strong in support
of striking workers to accept money from an organization that I protest
against.” Becky’s father, Ameel Trabilsy, is a UAW member. The
Detroit News has locked out workers who struck two years ago against takeaway
demands by the News’ owner, Gannett Co.
Posted September 3, 1997