"We will not stand back:" MPS parents and teachers fight against failing school takeover proposal
MILWAUKEE -- Republicans have a plan to help fix Milwaukee's failing schools. It's not going over well with some of the parents and teachers who attend them.
"Hey ho hey ho, the takeover has got to go," protesters chanted during protests on Friday, June 5th.
The chanting, the walking, Milwaukee Public Schools backers say the fight is far from over.
"I am a student here to say that North Division is here to stay," said Martinez Milton, MPS junior student.
But if the 'Opportunity Schools Partnership Program,' a republican-backed proposal passes -- North Division High School is one of the several Milwaukee Public Schools that will be converted to independent charter schools overseen by the Milwaukee County Executive.
"That's ridiculous. We live allegedly in a democracy," said Bob Peterson, President of the Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association.
"Instead of some outside people come and saying we will impose this upon you will say we make the decisions come talk to us," said Kim Schroeder, President of the Milwaukee Teacher Association.
Students and teachers held signs saying "Defend Democracy, Protect our Public Schools," with a circle and a line through the words "Take Over."
"Our message is clear, no takeover. Take your hands off MPS, support MPS, we want to help improve MPS -- don't abandon and privatize MPS," said Peterson.
Under the GOP proposal, many of the schools targeted have more than 90% of children not reading on grade level and less than three out of four attend school regularly.
"It is Milwaukee rising up and saying don't impose things upon us, we will figure it out," said Schroeder.
This is one of many protests across the city of Milwaukee this week in what organizers are calling a 'week of action.'
"We will not stand back and let you put your hands on what our children's future are in this state," said Reverend Willie Brisco, MPS supporter.
The MPS supporters delivered petitions and signatures of nearly 6,000 people to state Senator Alberta Darling's office Thursday, June 4th.