Coalition for a Public Boarding School Launched

Community effort shows broad support for public, urban residential option for at-risk kids

MILWAUKEE—Leaders representing local government, business, philanthropy and education launched the Wisconsin Coalition for a Public Boarding School at the Charles Allis Art Museum today, calling upon state legislators and the governor to make a commitment to new educational options for at-risk children in the next legislative session.

“Every student can succeed in a college-prep environment,” said Jeanette Mitchell, Community Advisor to The SEED Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit co-founded by a Milwaukee native, which is working with the Milwaukee Boarding School Foundation to bring a public, urban boarding school to Wisconsin. “The broad-based coalition here today shows the incredible range of support we have for bringing a SEED School to southeastern Wisconsin.”

Founded by local philanthropy legend Marty Stein, the Milwaukee Boarding School Foundation was created prior to his 2006 passing to realize the vision of an educational option for Milwaukee children who need environmental change to succeed. The SEED Foundation has operated the SEED School of Washington, D.C. for ten years and has seen 97% of its graduates go on to four-year colleges.

“The children in our most challenged neighborhoods need this option, and if we plan ahead, and make it a priority, we can get this done,” said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett in keynoting today’s launch.

The proposed school would be built with $30 to $40 million raised in a capital campaign from private sources, and open in 2011 with a minimal initial state contribution, which would ramp up over six years and reach full funding in 2017. The Coalition is calling upon the state legislature to eventually commit $10 million a year to support education and boarding costs for a 400-student school.

“We need fresh, solid ideas like a SEED school to help meet the challenges faced by our citizens every day,” said Milwaukee Common Council President Willie Hines, also endorsing the idea at the coalition launch today. “We all know that it’s not just what happens within the four walls of the school that makes it possible for kids to succeed. For some kids, being in a school/dorm environment might be an option that is best for them – and we need to do what’s best for the kids.”

UWM Chancellor Carlos Santiago and Alverno College President Mary Meehan added their voices to the chorus for residential education. The proposed SEED school would house students on campus from Sunday night through Friday afternoon.

“UWM is very supportive of this innovative schooling concept,” said Chancellor Santiago. “We are particularly delighted to see that it will promote a college-prep curriculum. We need more college graduates in Milwaukee and the school will be an important pipeline for all the higher education institutions in the area.

“This is an idea whose time has come and it deserves our support,” continued Dr. Santiago.

“One thing about the SEED model that is so impressive is the commitment from the day a student enters to seeing that student not only graduate from high school, but to graduate from college,” said President Meehan, referring to the SEED model of providing staff to support kids after graduation to help them succeed in college and graduate. “SEED doesn’t believe they’ve succeeded with that student until they graduate from college, and we’re proud to add our voice to the team of people calling for this wonderful, public option to be added to our educational arsenal.”

Former national school principal of the year, Janie Hatton, also endorsed the concept. Hatton, who won the prestigious national award while principal of Milwaukee Tech, currently serves as a Milwaukee Public Schools principal coach.

“The home lives of some kids in Milwaukee, and in other parts of the state would make you cry,” said Hatton. “An option where they could get into a stable environment five days a week, would make all the difference in the world.

“We should bring a SEED school to Wisconsin,” said Hatton.

Business and nonprofit leaders also joined the call for new options in urban education. Dan Bader, a well-known local philanthropist, represented the Milwaukee Boarding School Foundation at today’s event.

“The Milwaukee Boarding School Foundation is going to ensure that the private commitment to build a school is met,” said Bader. “We need the state to step up to the plate and make a public commitment as well.”

“Our community needs to get behind this,” said Cory Nettles, former Secretary of Commerce and a respected attorney and businessman. “If we focus on solutions, we can stand united for new, creative solutions.”

Twenty-five organizations and 50 well-known individuals were announced as charter members of the Coalition. A list of members of the coalition is attached. The Coalition will post a website at http://www.wisconsinboardingschool.com.

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