Education and Workforce

MMAC Goal: A regional workforce powered by innovative, knowledgeable and skilled individuals who are productive lifelong learners

There is no greater determinant of a region's prosperity than the educational attainment and workforce skills of its citizens.  Our survey responses reflected a solid work ethic and good skill sets, especially in manufacturing.  Our interviews also reflected a strong concern over the region's ability to educate and develop the expertise needed for the future.

This agenda item remains the most critical factor in improving our business climate.  Among 20 peer regions across the country, metro Milwaukee ranks in the middle for adult educational attainment.  But we cannot sustain growth when more of the city's adults lack a high school degree than have a college degree.

MMAC remains a driving force behind parental school choice because we believe an array of options will best improve the delivery of education and increase the number of high-performing schools.  Milwaukee's Parental Choice Program was backed by 83% of surveyed members, and we support increased funding for this program.  We are also open to a change in the governance structure of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) to put these schools on a path toward better performance.

Getting people ready to learn is the first step, and getting them ready to work is a necessary step.  We need to implement the state's Workforce Training System locally to reduce administrative costs, increase the dollars flowing directly to workforce training, and better connect K-12 education, technical schools and employers.  Getting this part of our agenda wrong is not an option.

2007-2009 Results

• Stopped legislation to lower the enrollment cap on the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program.
• Expanded support for the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program among state legislators from the City of Milwaukee.
• Passed legislation creating more stringent standards for schools applying to the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program and requiring all publicly funded Milwaukee schools to use a uniform student achievement test.
• Produced a comprehensive study on MPS finances, which revealed unfunded health care and pension liabilities that are bankrupting the district.
• Raised more than $34,000 to help fund MPS Reading Enrichment Programs at Phillis Wheatley Elementary School and Browning Elementary School, bringing our total contribution to more than $71,000.
• Sponsored Wisconsin Charter School of the Year Award.