The Latino Consortium for Action (LCA) is urging the Madison community to come together to support the two Madison schools’ referenda on the Nov. 3 ballot. We represent families that make up the largest segment of students in our schools; student numbers that are predicted to grow exponentially – and we know the referenda address real needs.
It is well-publicized that Madison schools have struggled to address inequities of achievement for Black, Latinx, Native, and Southeast Asian students. It is urgent that operational changes addressing these inequities are not just maintained – they are expanded. Whether they are designed to provide mental health support to students, or implement a new evidence-based reading curriculum, we cannot risk taking steps backward instead of forward.
Covid has made this a difficult time to turn to the community for support. But just as we have come together to help one another over the past few months, we need the same commitment to collectively support our schools. We recognize that the referenda will have an impact on homeowners and renters alike. But we cannot continue to let our homes fall into disrepair. At some point, when the public health crisis is managed, we will need schools that can not only welcome students and staff back, but offer adequate facilities for teaching and learning. We have high schools that do not meet ADA compliance; buildings in need of energy efficiency upgrades; postponed repairs from years of reduced state support; and a neighborhood south of Rimrock Road that does not even have an elementary school closer than a long bus ride to a different part of the city. As a community-wide effort, we can make this better.
Details about the referenda can be found on the website of the non-profit Foundation for Madison Public Schools www.fmps.org and at the MMSD site www.madison.k12.wi.us. Each referendum addresses critical needs. Together, they create the opportunity to meet the needs of our current and incoming students. When you fill out your ballot, please vote yes for our students and our schools.
Sincerely,
Oscar Mireles, Latino Education Council
Karen Menendez Coller, Centro Hispano of Dane County
Christian Albouras, Latino Chamber of Commerce
David Aguayo, Todos Con Biden
Silvinia Arata, City of Fitchburg
Shiva Bidar, Latino Health Council
Fernando Cano-Espino, Latino Health Council
Jessica Cavasos, Latino Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Salvador Carranza, Latino Education Council
Baltazar DeAnda, Orgullo Latinx, Latino Academy of Workforce Development
Veronica Figueroa Velez, UNIDOS
Julia Arata-Fratta, Alder, City of Fitchburg
Norma Gallegos Valles, Latino Professional Association
Brenda Gonzalez, Latino Health Council
Fabiola Hamdan, Latino Children and Families Network
Dr. Armando Ibarra, Voces de la Frontera
Juan Jose Lopez, LaSup Network
Sandy Morales Michaelis, Latino Professionals Association
Luis Montoto, La Movida Radio
Lupita Montoto, La Movida Radio
Gloria Reyes, Adelante
Nicole Sandoval, Latino Professional Association
Dr. Patricia Tellez-Giron, Latino Health Council
Teresa Tellez-Giron, Community Activist
