SWSA Goals 2009-10

The Mission of the Southeastern Wisconsin Schools Alliance is to promote world class schools through research, advocacy, and public policy for the benefit of students and the vitality of the region

Our Vision is to be recognized as the main source of reliable information in order to shape the debate among legislators, local communities, and business leaders and to advocate on issues that impact the education and well being of our children

Goal Strand 1:

Research and Legislative Advocacy for Public Education

To be led by Chris Thiel from MPS and Joe Schroeder from Muskego-Norway

  • A. Develop and sustain healthy, working relationships among school leaders, school advocacy groups and legislators
  • B. Maintain vigorous active legislative presence with timely communications on school policy matters
  • C. Provide a regional school policy forum for discussion and response
  • D. Develop and promote a legislative (public policy) agenda in support of public education
  • E. Update white papers to express Alliance beliefs in key policy areas
  • F. Collaborate with the Public Policy Forum on the Annual School Report and other school-related research and communication

Goal Strand 2:

School Finance-Research, Engagement, Advocacy

To be led by Gary Petersen from Fox Point/Bayside, Dave Ewald from South Milwaukee and Cheryl Maranto from Whitefish Bay

  • A. Host advocacy development sessions for parents, board members, superintendents and citizens
  • B. Provide orientation, support, and opportunity for superintendents and board members new to SWSA
  • C. Integrate Working Groups of members to advance the 2008-09 Goals
  • D. Add new member districts

Goal Strand 3:

Foster and Expand Partnerships

To be led by Terri Phillips from Kettle Moraine and Sara Larsen from Oak Creek

  • A. Collaborate with educational agencies such as WASB, SAA, SFN, Wisconsin Way, etc.
  • B. Develop an outreach to business leaders and regional economic advocates such as GMC, MMAC, Realtors and other representative agencies.
  • C. Utilize the SWSA website to support Alliance communication, parent/citizen outreach and participation

Goal Strand 4:

Organizational Capacity and Communications Skills

To be led by Cheryl Maranto from Whitefish Bay and Kurt Wachholz from West Allis/West Milwaukee

  • A. Host advocacy development sessions for parents, board members, superintendents and citizens
  • B. Provide orientation, support, and opportunity for superintendents and board members new to SWSA
  • C. Integrate Working Groups of members to advance the 2009-10 Goals
  • D. Add new member districts

SWSA Belief Statements

  • A strong public school system is essential for educating all students to become contributing members of society
  • A world class education is an investment in a vibrant community and a strong economy
  • A collective commitment to high quality education requires strong, proactive, courageous leadership at all levels
  • Educating and informing stakeholders creates ownership and advocacy for public education
  • Regional collaboration and healthy dialogue among school, business, government,and community groups promote effective public policy
  • Objective and accurate information, research, and data provide the foundation for sound policy