Some Democratic state lawmakers are proposing more so-called “community” schools, as an alternative to a Republican push to expand the state’s private school voucher program.
Milwaukee Democrats Sen. Chris Larson and Rep. Mandela Barnes say community schools offer a broader array of support from partners such as local businesses and social services agencies. And, said Larson, there would be resource coordinators to bring everything together and the schools would be public.
“So the public still has a direct say in what’s happening and can continue to steer it in that direction,” he said.
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Under a bill Larson and Barnes are introducing, the state Department of Public Instruction would provide grants for community schools.
This spring, Republican lawmakers have signaled their interest in expanding voucher schools statewide as well as turning some Milwaukee schools into independent charter schools.
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