MOLLY’S PRIORITIES
Improve Student Success
Improving student success starts with ensuring every school has access to essential resources and personnel that support our students’ well-being. Every school should have a full-time librarian to foster a love for reading and research skills. Full-time art and gym teachers are crucial for promoting creativity, and physical health. Nurses and speech therapists play a critical role in addressing challenges that can impact a student’s ability to thrive in the classroom. Occupational therapists help children develop the fine motor skills necessary for learning, while social workers provide critical emotional and behavioral support. Psychologists are essential for addressing emerging mental health concerns.
By having these professionals available at all times, schools can identify potential issues early and work towards solutions that support student success. We must also ensure that every classroom and teacher has the resources they need to provide a high-quality education. Ensuring that every student has access to the best will create a more equitable and positive educational environment.
Prioritize Accountability
Accountability is critical to our district’s operation, and employees must be held responsible for fulfilling their job duties with competence and diligence. When staff members fail to meet their responsibilities, it can have detrimental consequences for our students. For example, an athletics director who is responsible for filing the necessary paperwork to allow student-athletes to compete in conferences but neglects to do so leaves students unable to participate. This is an unfair punishment for the students, who are impacted through no fault of their own. Similarly, a facilities director is required to have professional qualifications, such as being a licensed engineer or architect, to effectively manage the safety of our schools’ facilities.
When someone without proper qualifications holds a position, it compromises the school environment. This recently became evident when licensing authorities discovered lead in our schools. This is an issue that should have been identified and resolved under proper oversight. We must have qualified, competent individuals in key positions and holding them accountable for their actions. Failing to do so not only undermines the institution’s credibility but also risks students’ health and safety. By prioritizing accountability, we can ensure that staff members perform their duties effectively, preventing avoidable issues and ensuring a supportive environment for student success.
End the Fiscal Mismanagement
Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) must take immediate and decisive action to get its financial house in order. The recent property tax referendum narrowly passed, and it is now essential to prove to voters and taxpayers that their support was not in vain. The additional $252 million generated through the referendum should be invested in our children and their educational environment. For too long, poor financial management and fiscal irresponsibility have plagued MPS, and the time for excuses has passed. Taxpayers and parents have placed their trust in MPS to allocate these funds for the betterment of schools, staff, and students—not for mismanagement or bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Adding to the frustration, just a week after the referendum was approved, it was revealed that MPS owes the state $42 million—a fact that was not disclosed beforehand, leaving many voters feeling misled. Furthermore, MPS has repeatedly reported late to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), which raises concerns about transparency and accountability. As a property taxpayer and concerned parent, I will ensure that MPS corrects past mistakes and ensure that every dollar spent goes toward improving student outcomes. Only by embracing financial responsibility and accountability can MPS regain public trust and fulfill its promise to provide quality education for all students.