Statement by School Board President Michael Bonds on Budget Debates and MPS
Press Release
February 21, 2011
For Immediate Release
The ongoing political activities and budget debates at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison involve very emotional and passionate issues that challenge all of us. These are real issues that have real implications for our students, families, staff, and communities, both in the short term and in the long term. While I’m personally 100% supportive of public education and the rights of workers to have collective bargaining, I’m also 100% committed to the 80,000+ MPS students and their families. Our students and parents have rights too. Our students have the right to be educated and to be in school daily, even during these challenging times. Our parents and community have rights and expectations for MPS to carry on its responsibilities during these challenging times. Therefore, I’m requesting that all MPS employees be present on Tuesday and the remainder of the week so we can resume our primary function of educating our children. But I’m also asking all MPS employees to take this opportunity to educate our students, families and community about these issues, if the opportunity should arise after school, outside of the classroom, or as an extension of the curriculum. While these are very emotional and challenging issues, I do not want us to lose our focus of educating our children on a daily basis in a safe and conducive environment. This must continue to be our main focus.
I am requesting that the MPS Administration refrain from making threats of disciplinary action toward our employees. The use of threats does not send the appropriate message to our employees, nor does it serve any constructive purposes. There will not be any blanket disciplinary actions of employees. District collective bargaining agreements require personal conferences prior to disciplinary actions. We have contracts with our employees, which outline procedures relative to the use of sick leave and disciplinary procedures. Any disciplinary actions administered by the MPS Administration will be considered on a case-by-case basis and follow MPS’ currently established policies and contractual language. I am also requesting
