By Joe Bachman

“Support our Schools.”

The message sent loud and clear from a group of concerned residents regarding the future of public education. Wednesday marked the first meeting of the group with the same name, which included 15 community members, all with backgrounds in education.

“We believe that public education is at the heart of our community, and the foundation of our democracy,” said former Nekoosa School counselor and former 72nd District Candidate David Gorski. “What I, and others feel is that public education is under attack by a movement that wants to privatize education.”

“They want to cash in on our kids.”

The meeting touched up on how to stay active and involved in public education advocacy, how a decline in public education affects the community, and even how a voucher program would affect their property taxes.

“What we need to do is make sure that we have the most qualified teachers in the classroom, and good facilities with diverse opportunities,” said Gorski. “If we keep extracting money from public schools into these private schools, we’re going to lose the ability to provide the programs these students need.”

The group will also demand that elected representatives advocate for the strengthening of public schools, and to hold them responsible for actions that could hurt public education.

“I don’t have a problem with charter schools, but I have a problem giving money to private school investors that hope to make money off of our kids.”

To become involved in the group, or for more information, please contact David Gorski at [email protected]