MARK POCAN

WISCONSIN STATE ASSEMBLY

PO Box 8953 • Madison, WI 53708 • 608/266-8570 • www.markpocan.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 28, 2010

Contact: Rep. Mark Pocan or Melanie Conklin
608-266-8570

POCAN STATEMENT ON CLOSING SPECIAL SESSION

Madison -- “Today the Assembly voted to close the special session in the Assembly
called by Gov. Jim Doyle on governance of Milwaukee Public Schools. There appears
to be a lack of votes in the Assembly for the mayoral takeover bill.

“The recent news from White House Education Secretary Arne Duncan that mayoral
takeover is not necessary for Race to the Top funding and the hiring of a new
Milwaukee Schools superintendent are further indicators that for now the mayoral
takeover issue of Milwaukee Public Schools is over.

“I appreciate the intense debate, passion and focus on reforming and improving the
Milwaukee Public Schools and want to thank Mayor Tom Barrett, Gov. Doyle and my
colleagues for bringing this issue to the center of our attention in the Legislature.

”I believe this is the beginning – not the end – of discussion on educational issues in
Milwaukee and other areas with growing poverty. I look forward to taking part in finding
solutions that benefit Milwaukee, as well as districts like Madison that also face growing
challenges in educating children living in poverty.”

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