Strategies for Coping in Divisive Times

WCRIS principals across the state are reporting cool receptions from once-friendly public school administrators and superintendents.

It seems an odd development in a year when Gov. Walker introduced a state budget that proposes spending nearly exactly what was requested by the DPI and strongly supported by Democrats. It’s also the biggest increase in years for public schools (about $200 per pupil in each year of the biennium).

While the budget proposes a similar increase for vouchers, the change is required under a state law mandating that school choice per pupil funding increase parallel to pubic school per pupil increases.

So, what’s going on? Are the public school folks being stoked by anti-Trump forces who despise the President’s campaign pledges for federal school choice funding?

Or, are they afraid of a new US Secretary of Education who takes only $1 a year in pay and can’t be bought with promises of a future job by the education establishment?

We’ll never know. But one thing we can do, is react constructively to these situations, says WCRIS Executive Director Sharon Schmeling.

“If you have a positive relationship with a public school leader and it feels like things are changing, don’t let the opportunity slip away to connect with that person and signal your support for their work,” Schmeling advises.

“It’s better to take the person aside and show concern for your relationship and support for what they do,” she said.

“They need reminding that you are not responsible for the political rhetoric surrounding education, nor are you in control of the public policy proposals being cast around in Washington, D.C. and Madison.”

“The bottom line is that education doesn’t improve when public and private schools are pitted against one another. Our students and teachers move between systems and we need to do all we can to help each other make sure there are high quality schools in all sectors,” Schmeling said.

WCRIS has some tools to help private school advocates navigate these public and private debates. You can cut and paste from “School Wars Don’t Work,” to write letters to the editor of your local paper.

And, “Private School Facts and How to Use Them” can be sent home with parents and used to educate people about the role of Wisconsin’s private schools in creating our state’s K-12 educational infrastructure.

Taking a moment or two to keep the lines of communication open and positive with the local public school officials is important to maintaining a constructive relationship that ensures your students access to busing and federal title programs, Schmeling noted.

“Just like we tell our school children: don’t let the small spats and misunderstandings turn into petty grudges and long-term feuds. Catch the small things early, and strive for understanding, empathy and encouragement.”