SCHOOL BOARD LEADERS CALL MANSKI "Passionate for Reform"

MADISON – Today, Madison and Middleton School Board members Arlene Silveira, Marj Passman and Ellen Lindgren announced their strong endorsement of Ben Manski for Wisconsin's 77th Assembly District.

In her statement, former Board President Silveira said, "I've met with Ben and I'm confident that he will listen to Board Members, parents, educators and community members and bring our voices to the legislature.”

Ben has secured the endorsements and support of numerous prominent school advocates including:

* Arlene Silveira, Madison School Board Member and former president
* Ellen Lindgren, Middleton-Cross Plains Board of Education President
* Marjorie Passman, Madison School Board Member
* Bill Keys, former Madison School Board Member
* Shwaw Vang, former member of the Madison School Board
* Mike Lipp, Madison West chemistry teacher and president, Madison Teachers, Inc.
* Thomas J. Mertz, Edgewood College History Instructor and Education Activist
* Todd Allen Price, National Louis University Professor of Education; former candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction
* Donna Vukelich, advocate for academic success for students of color

Madison Board member and retired teacher Marj Passman was impressed with Ben's understanding of the importance of public education for individuals, communities and the state. “We need strong public schools to provide opportunities, to combat inequality, to bring people together, to give our children the tools they need to be engaged, contributing members of their communities. Ben Manski gets that."

Middleton-Cross Plains Area Board President Ellen Lindgren is supporting Manski as well. "Every year for seventeen years we've made cuts to balance our budgets. The school finance formula is broken. Ben understand this and brings intelligence, experience, and a passion for reform that is sorely needed in the legislature."

The number one item on Ben Manski's education agenda is making sure that schools have the resources they need. "My mother, Kate Manski, taught at West High School for many years. I have seen how our broken funding system is hurting both teachers and students."

Middleton-Cross Plains Board President Ellen Lindgren agrees. “We are doing great things in our schools, but every year it gets harder. For 17 years the state school finance system has made us look at what programs we can cut and do the least harm instead of concentrating on improving education for all students. Lately the drop in state aid has made things even harder.”

Manski added. "Wisconsin has a flawed school funding system, and I will make it one of my top priorities to pass real education reform. We cannot stand by while communities around the state are being forced to layoff staff, increase class sizes, cut programs, and increase their reliance on already overburdened property taxpayers."

No longer will we determine our school funding needs based on the legislature's willingness to make funds available, instead we will determine the amount of money schools need and fund them at that level.

Manski supports progressive taxation and the Penny for Kids (PFK) program to meet the crisis in funding and an adequacy model long term. Manski will build momentum towards passing a state constitutional amendment to guarantee adequate funding of the public sector.

In 2008, 60 Members of the Assembly and State Senators – including Spencer Black – signed on to a Resolution calling for an educational funding system that was “based on the actual cost of what is needed to provide children with a sound education,” provided “state resources sufficient to satisfy state and federal mandates” and “Additional resources and flexibility sufficient to meet special circumstances, including student circumstances such as non−English speaking students and students from low−income households” (AJR-35).

These are the same principles Manski will pursue. “I look forward to working with the cosponsors of AJR -35 and like-minded legislatures to make this vision a reality.”

"I'm making a commitment in my campaign for State Assembly to address school finance reform in real and substantial terms. I will work hard to ensure that no school district faces a reduction in state school aid, and use student poverty – not just property value – as a factor in a portion of state aid to schools."

"There is a reason why MTI is actively supporting Manski," MTI Executive Director John Matthews said, "Ben has a record of personal sacrifice for issues important to educators. He has been a vocal advocate for tax fairness and school funding reform; comes from a family of educators; he has walked the picket lines in support of workers; he has lived and breathed the struggle. The choice is clear for those who believe in change: Manski for students, teachers, parents, taxpayers. Manski for Wisconsin."

Ben Manski was previously endorsed by MTI VOTERS and will continue reaching out to the education community and raising awareness of the challenges of education. “I'm especially proud of the support from educators,” Manski said, “This campaign is about building a better future, and to have the support of those charged with building our children's futures says a lot."

For more information, visit the campaign website at http://VoteManski.com