LETTER: Kinser backers support state funding for private schools

To Ozaukee Press:

Who’s pulling the levers behind the two candidates running for state superintendent of public education?

Jill Underly supports public education; points out that 50% of Wisconsin school districts have sought referendums due to funding shortfalls; highlights a teacher retention crisis as Wisconsin salaries fall behind neighboring states; opposes vouchers and privatization that siphon money from public schools; supports early childhood education, full-day 4K and after-school programs; and requested a $3 billion increase in public school funding.

Brittany Kinser supports directing taxpayer funding to classrooms without specifying whether for public or private schools.

Kinser is backed by pro-voucher groups and $200,000 from the Wisconsin Republican Party—10 times what the party spent in 2021. Why this sudden partisan interest in a position that should remain politically neutral? Who benefits?

Vouchers deplete public school funding, allowing some students to attend private schools on taxpayer dollars. This weakens the capabilities of public schools. Many of these private schools operate for profit, despite claiming to serve students.

Do we want a strong public education system? Do we trust teachers to know what’s best for students? Do we want our tax dollars diverted to for-profit private schools? Do we want our hard-earned money to support private schools with religious or ideological agendas?

Or do we stand with public education—improving it, keeping it strong and keeping America great?

On April 1, behind the curtain of the voting booth, let’s stand together and pull the levers that will protect our public education system. Vote for Jill Underly.

Anne Bevil

Port Washington