Were working on a story for Saturdays edition that looks at the immediate path ahead for the virtual schools debate in Madison.
Right now, there are two competing bills. One in the Senate introduced by Sen. Jon Lehman, D-Racine, would cut funding for virtual schools. The other in the Assembly, co-authored by 80th District Assemblyman Brett Davis, R-Oregon, would preserve current funding levels and solidfy virtual schools standing as a legitimate public school option.
The Times strongly believes Davis bill is better for virtual schools, which we see as a wave of the future in education that have the potential to save taxpayer dollars down the road. But for Davis bill to pass, some Senate Democrats must be convinced to break with the party line.
One would think Sen. Jon Erpenbach wouldnt need much convincing. The 27th Senate District Democrat from Middleton appears in the Monroe Virtual Schools promotional video it can be seen at the districts Web site. In the video, Erpenbach says a diploma through the Monroe Virtual School is of equal value to the diploma Monroe High School students receive.
Hes right.
But those who oppose virtual schools, including the states largest teachers union, dont think the education online students receive is equal to that provided in bricks-and-mortar schools.
So we thought itd be interesting to find out if Erpenbach would be one of those Democrats who would support Davis bill?
Well ... Erpenbach thinks there should be a compromise in the Legislature a meeting somewhere in the middle between the two bills. If theres a funding compromise at all between the two versions, the Monroe Virtual School and others would receive less in state aid per student.
Sounds to me like Erpenbach is trying to satisfy both his support for virtual schools and his political party. Would rather see him stand with virtual schools on this one.
What do you think?
Right now, there are two competing bills. One in the Senate introduced by Sen. Jon Lehman, D-Racine, would cut funding for virtual schools. The other in the Assembly, co-authored by 80th District Assemblyman Brett Davis, R-Oregon, would preserve current funding levels and solidfy virtual schools standing as a legitimate public school option.
The Times strongly believes Davis bill is better for virtual schools, which we see as a wave of the future in education that have the potential to save taxpayer dollars down the road. But for Davis bill to pass, some Senate Democrats must be convinced to break with the party line.
One would think Sen. Jon Erpenbach wouldnt need much convincing. The 27th Senate District Democrat from Middleton appears in the Monroe Virtual Schools promotional video it can be seen at the districts Web site. In the video, Erpenbach says a diploma through the Monroe Virtual School is of equal value to the diploma Monroe High School students receive.
Hes right.
But those who oppose virtual schools, including the states largest teachers union, dont think the education online students receive is equal to that provided in bricks-and-mortar schools.
So we thought itd be interesting to find out if Erpenbach would be one of those Democrats who would support Davis bill?
Well ... Erpenbach thinks there should be a compromise in the Legislature a meeting somewhere in the middle between the two bills. If theres a funding compromise at all between the two versions, the Monroe Virtual School and others would receive less in state aid per student.
Sounds to me like Erpenbach is trying to satisfy both his support for virtual schools and his political party. Would rather see him stand with virtual schools on this one.
What do you think?
