Burmaster champions regional PK-16 Leadership Councils

At an October 11 meeting of the PK-16 Leadership Council in Madison, State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster outlined her 2007-09 budget request for funding to strengthen the existing system of regional PK-16 efforts that was started in 2001. The councils would work to improve coordination between PK-16 institutions, leverage resources and expertise, and raise student achievement.

“A new focus on expanded PK-16 efforts is needed to assure that all members of the state’s education system are working together on a regional basis,” said Burmaster. “Effective collaboration is critical to raising student achievement, closing the achievement gap, and increasing graduation rates, thereby ensuring a highly skilled 21st century workforce.”

The statewide PK-16 Leadership Council works with leaders in business, industry, and government to create and expand educational opportunities for Wisconsin students. Burmaster hopes to expand the impact of the statewide program to other areas through regionalized efforts.

At the meeting, representatives of the Milwaukee Partnership Academy (MPA) discussed their work in the state’s largest urban school district, and exchanged ideas about how their efforts might serve as a model for future regional PK-16 councils. The MPA was represented by leaders from Milwaukee Area Technical College, the Private Industry Council, Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association, Milwaukee Public Schools and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The group has raised $60 million through private foundations to improve educational opportunities in Milwaukee. “MPA is a successful example of what future regional PK-16 leadership councils can become,” said Burmaster.

The council also heard a report on recommendations for economic development that supports quality PK-16 education from Mark Cullen, Chairman of J.P. Cullen & Sons Construction, Inc., of Janesville, and President of Competitive Wisconsin, Inc., a statewide group of major business leaders.

Last updated on 10/16/2006