#schoolreuse

The Vacant School Buildings That Made Milwaukee Infamous

The city would rather spend $1 million a year on upkeep than let charters buy the abandoned structures.

The following excerpt is upsetting:

"The monopoly mind-set behind this policy was eloquently expressed by Milwaukee Public Schools Board President Michael Bonds. When asked by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about a proposal to compel Milwaukee Public Schools to sell their unused buildings to choice schools, he proclaimed that it would be "like asking the Coca-Cola KO -3.08%Company to turn over its facilities to Pepsi so Pepsi can expand and compete with the Coca-Cola Company."

This metaphor makes sense, but comparing customers to students does not. Choice of temporary thirst quencher (a privilege) versus the right to choose the source of a permanent education--this particular school board is not balancing the best interests of their students, their constituents.