WCRIS schools also provided testimony on April 22 in support of AB 160 and legislators appeared riled by what they heard, turning the simple bill into a two-hour discussion with WCRIS schools looking like champions.
Agitated legislators from both parties questioned MPS on why it did not provide transportation to private school students during the school year when MPS went virtual although the private school buildings were open for in-person instruction.
Legislators repeatedly challenged MPS to account for its transportation aid if it wasn’t being used to bus children to the private schools.
Private school advocates and WCRIS school leaders stepped up and provided testimony showing the importance of transportation in ensuring that students can learn in person. The testimony spoke to the agility of private schools to pivot when MPS pulled transportation in August.
WCRIS members provided the committee a clear picture of the transportation landscape in Milwaukee. They helped educate the committee members on the recent ESSER funds, transportation issues, and district relations with MPS.
It was a good week at the Capitol for WCRIS and our schools.
