Walker Open to Compromise on School Vouchers
GREEN BAY, WI--The debate over expanding school vouchers heats-up in northeast Wisconsin. Govenor Walker, touting his plan in Green Bay, which would allow parents to choose what school their kids go to. But there was a lot of opposition to that plan at a public forum held by the school board.
Governor Walker says according to state report cards, 49 % of schools in Green Bay are getting a D or F. His plan would give funding to students who may not otherwise be able to afford it to go to a different school. But not everyone agrees.
The floor is open for parents, teachers and others at the Green Bay school district's board meeting to voice their opinion on school vouchers. The school board says they are against it and many teachers opposed too, saying vouchers hurt public education.
Amy bahena-ettner, parent/teacher
"I believe the Green Bay Public Schools in particular offers a wealth of programs and different opportunities for students" said parent and teacher Amy Bahena-Ettner.
But other parents say if their child's school is failing they want options.
"I want to have a choice for my children I want to be able to pick where I send them. It's my taxpayer dollars and I want to decide where they go," said parent Jason Koschkee.
Across town at Thomas Moore, a Catholic school, Governor Walker says he's willing to compromise.
"I'm willing to work with senators if they want to find an alternative that maybe narrows it down to a particular school and not just a district maybe narrows it down on the individual student basis what I am not willing to back away from is the idea that every family should have access to a great education" said Governor Walker.
The school voucher expansion plan is part of the governor's budget. The legislature will vote on the budget in June. Green Bay would be eligible for 1.6 million dollars under Walker's plan. Some of that would go to schools exceeding expectations and the other part would help fund a corrective action plan for failing schools.








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