“Don’t Close Our Schools. Fund Them.” – Rep. Angelito Tenorio
MADISON — Today, Assembly Republicans advanced a package of bills that would consolidate school districts and close public schools. Rep. Angelito Tenorio (D-West Allis) released the following statement:
“For more than a decade, Republicans have systematically defunded our public schools. They have forced districts into impossible choices like cutting staff, ending programs, and going to referendum to maintain basic services. Now, after years of deliberate neglect, Republicans are pushing to close and consolidate public schools. They want to accelerate the very crisis they helped create.
“Public schools are the backbone of our communities. They are where kids learn, families gather, and local identity and pride is built. When you close a school, you hollow out an entire community. This causes irreparable harm to our kids and our future.
“The harm my colleagues have caused by their constant attacks on our schools and teachers is abundantly evident. As a paraeducator and substitute teacher, I’ve seen how much our schools are suffering. I’ve worked alongside teachers who are doing everything they can with less. I’ve seen what students need: smaller class sizes, mental health support, updated materials, and stable staff.
“This does not happen when you defund public education and then tell districts their only option is to merge or shut down. And yet, this is exactly what my colleagues across the aisle are doing.
“Our teachers, kids, and communities deserve real support, not cheap Republican gimmicks. Don’t close our public schools. Fund them.”
