There’s been a great deal of activity vis a vis Mayoral control and influence over local public schools:
Locally, Mayor Dave has been, as far as I can tell, very quiet vis a vis substantive public school issues, other than periodically meeting with MTI’s John Matthews. I’m unaware of any similar parental meetings on what is a critical issue for any community: raising our next generation with the tools necessary to contribute productively to our society (and I might add, support a growing economic/tax base). Madison has long strongly supported it’s public schools with above average taxes and spending.
Former Madison Mayor (and parent) Paul Soglin weighs in on this topic:
For over thirty years I said, “There is nothing a mayor can do that has the impact on a city that is as great as the public school system.”
The mayor needs to be a partner, a protector, an advocate for the public school system. Any mayor who lets a week go by without having some contact, involvement or support with public education is not doing the job.
Perhaps the April, 2007 Mayor’s race will include some conversations about our $333,000,000; 24,576 student K-12 system.
I have a different impression of Mayor Cieslewicz’ interest in Madison schools. I know he has visited classrooms at my children’s school (Lincoln) each year he has been in office. He has also publicly supported the Madison School referenda – something that I think shows an interest beyond just the city’s portion of the local levy. I think he considers strong schools to be a critical part of a healthy city.