To the Editor-

We hope you will vote for Tony Evers for State Superintendent of Public Instruction on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

Wisconsin’s founders understood the importance of public education to the well-being of Wisconsin’s citizens, so they made this office an elected office. Supt. Evers was first elected in 2009, and he has demonstrated his commitment to our state’s 860,000 public school students. He understands the complexities of educating children of all abilities from all backgrounds.

His Fair Funding for Our Future plan makes progress towards equitably and adequately funding our public schools, and the governor’s proposed budget incorporates many of its elements.

At a time when legislators should be restoring funding to our public schools, more of our tax dollars are being diverted to privately-run schools. This year alone, our school district lost more than $500,000 to privately-run charter schools in southeast Wisconsin and more than $300,000 to religious voucher schools in our district.

Supt. Evers believes the state should adequately fund our public school system before expanding vouchers, and the state – not local school districts – should pay the full cost of the voucher program. He also believes accountability should apply equally to all publicly-funded schools, including voucher schools. He is a staunch supporter of local control by locally-elected school boards.

We have watched Supt. Evers and listened to what he has to say. He has our complete support and confidence.

Please join us on Feb. 21 in voting for Tony Evers for State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Elbert Rackow and Jeri McGinley
Stevens Point