On the Road

On May 8, State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster attended a meeting of her Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) Advisory Council in Madison. Burmaster thanked the council for their work, discussed current AODA concerns, and reported on action regarding the president’s proposal to eliminate federal funding for the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Program. The State Superintendent distributed a letter opposing the elimination of the program and advocating a restoration to the level of funding prior to a recent 21 percent reduction. The letter and examples of program results, and impacts from schools in their districts, are being used in her work with the Wisconsin congressional delegation.

Later that day, Burmaster received an award from the School Nutrition Association of Wisconsin for her outstanding support of child nutrition programs. The presentation was made by Doreen Treuden, President, and Sharon Boos, Legislative Chair of the organization.

On May 9, Burmaster attended a meeting of the Milwaukee Boarding School Foundation.

Later that day, Burmaster traveled to Wausau to keynote a regional meeting on educational issues called Our Schools--Heartbeat of Community: An Education Solutions-oriented forum. The audience included members of the Wausau and Wisconsin Rapids branches of the American Association of University Women, the Wisconsin Women Equal Prosperity, Central Wisconsin Regional Solutions Network, UW-Marathon County faculty and staff, and others.

“We all know the struggles to fund education in our school districts,” Burmaster told the group. “Our school leaders can tell you the harmful cuts that have been made, the difficult decisions, and the continuing threat to our quality education system. We must continue our tireless grassroots activism for our state’s investment in education and in our futures. Now, more than ever, closing the achievement gap must become our number-one priority, the economic engine for ensuring long-term security for our state and for our citizens.”

Following her address and a discussion with the audience, local district administrators held a panel discussion on their education concerns and solutions. Panelists were: Dean Ryerson, Superintendent, Wisconsin Rapids School District; Jerry Rosso, Superintendent, Mosinee School District; Kristine Gilmore, Superintendent, D.C. Everest Area School District; and Stephen Murley, Superintendent, Wausau School District.

On May 13, Burmaster welcomed graduates and their families and friends to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Spring Commencement ceremonies in her role as a member of the UW Board of Regents. “The history of this fine state has been written in the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of the students who have received degrees from Madison and from throughout the University of Wisconsin System. Our state’s progressive tradition reflects a commitment to quality education and to using that education in service to others,” said Burmaster. “As graduates of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, one of the world’s leading institutions of higher learning, I challenge you to join our history of public service and shared responsibility. Embrace the Wisconsin Idea to use your university education to reach out to others throughout our state, nation, and the world.”

Last updated on 5/15/2006