Republicans in the Wisconsin General Assembly don’t want Gov. Tony Evers to squander the opportunity to take a closer look at the shortcomings of Milwaukee Public Schools.
Evers recently called for an audit of MPS operations and instruction.
“Today, I propose to go two steps further with two important goals: first, to audit the entirety of MPS’ programs and operations, and second, to audit the effectiveness of the instruction and teaching of children in classrooms throughout the district,” Evers said.
But the governor wants the audit to be limited to his administration and the Wisconsin Department of Education.
Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu said that was a mistake.
“I am pleased that Governor Evers has called for an audit of the Milwaukee Public Schools system. Governor Evers and DPI should work with the co-chairs of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. [Eric] Wimberger and [Robert] “Wittke will be discussing giving the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau the authority to audit MPS, DPI and other relevant stakeholders,” LeMahieu said. “The LAB is fully capable of handling this important business independently and transparently, without the use of outside contractors.”
The concern is that an audit administered by the governor’s office won’t adequately examine MPS’s deficiencies.
The call for an audit of Milwaukee Public Schools comes after the state withheld about $17 million last week, citing incomplete and delayed financial reports. One of those reports was due to the Public Instruction Department in September 2023.
Evers has asked MPS leaders to participate in the audit process but cautioned that not everyone will be invited.
“I also have to say I’ve been extremely disappointed in the political games and maneuvering we’ve seen since this situation came to light by opportunists who are seizing this moment for their own selfish ends instead of worrying about what matters most, which is our children,” Evers added.
Republican House Speaker Robin Vos took to social media to accuse the governor of playing politics.
“And who do you think you are? [Evers] “Would you suggest an audit be conducted?” Vos asked. “Was it the failed DPI bureaucrats that allowed this to happen, or his administration that tried to dismantle school choice and dump all our kids into the MPS mess? We really need to reform the current mindset that has MPS defending its bureaucracy and insisting that Gov. Evers pump hundreds of millions of dollars into this broken system.”
