Walker Talks School Vouchers for Green Bay

CREATED Feb. 18, 2013

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GREEN BAY, WI--Governor Walker announces a controversial plan to expand school vouchers to Green Bay. The governor stopped in Appleton on Monday night to address the Outagamie County Republican party, saying his plan will give students better opportunties for a quality education.

The governor's school voucher plan would only be allowed in districts with at least two schools getting a "D or F" grade on state report cards and they must have at least 4,000 students. In Green Bay, Governor Walker says that's 17 out of 37 schools.

"Every student in the state no matter what their background, where they live or what their parents do for a living, every student has access to a great education" said Governor Walker.

Walker says the goal is better education for all.

Governor Walker says his plan gives financial help to failing schools to put in place a corrective action plan. But if that fails, low-income students who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford private schools would be given a voucher.

Opponents call it a slap in the face to public schools. The Green Bay Area Public School District leaders say the plan puts a "blackmark" on their school system.

"With 37 schools, many of them top performers, families can choose from 21st century innovative programs for all children" said superintendent for Green Bay's public schools, Dr. Michelle Langenfeld.

If the voucher program becomes a reality, Green bay's Catholic schools would see higher enrollment numbers.

"We see this as a benefit to the families. That's where our support comes from" said director f education for the Diocese of Green Bay, Joe Bound.

The proposal will be included in Walker's budget and will be delivered to the legislature on wednesday.

Right now the Governor's proposal would allow all eligible students in the district to get a voucher, not just those attending failing schools. But the governor says he is open to suggestions on how to narrow the voucher program down to just poor performing school.