We were happy to learn that MMSD is partnering with MSCR to provide 1,000 childcare spots (or learning hubs) for low-income children and children of essential workers this coming fall. But did you know that at least twice as many fee-waived students could be welcomed into these hubs if more funding were allocated to other MMSD partners (such as Wisconsin Youth Company)? Please join us in pushing our city and community to do everything in its power to ensure that low-income students and students of color can access these spots by sending two emails, one to the mayor and one to school officials. We have draft emails below to help you in completing this call-to-action: cut and paste or adapt the language as you see fit. Thank you!
EMAIL 1 - To City Officials: Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and Mary Bottari (chief of staff)
Dear Mayor Rhodes-Conway and Ms. Bottari,
I saw the Wisconsin State Journal article describing the community learning hubs that you’re working to create with MSCR and other community partners. I know San Francisco is charting a similar course and I’m glad to see Madison moving in this direction!
I’m writing because I’m eager to see the City of Madison do everything in its power to ensure that the most vulnerable families in our community are prioritized for spots in these MSCR and community partner sites. While every family is facing uncertainty in these times, low-income families, Black families, and families of color in Madison are likely facing a greater need for these services. It is critical that the City shows a strong commitment to ensuring that every low-income student who needs it can access and participate in these programs. I’m calling on the City to join this effort and allocate the funds needed to expand the number of spots available to fee-waived students.
This time of crisis is hard on all of us. But the truth is that it’s harder on some more than others because of persistent racism in this community that results in economic, health, and education disparities. Ensuring that families who are underserved by our community can enroll in these programs is one of many critical steps the City can take to embody its values of equity and anti-racism.
Thank you for your action on this.
NAME [+ Child’s School If Applicable]
EMAIL 2: To school officials Carlton Jenkins (superintendent), Mike Herting (chief of staff), Kelly Ruppel (CFO), and the MMSD school board
[Emails: cdjenkins@madison.k12.wi.us, mhertting@madison.k12.wi.us; kmruppel@madison.k12.wi.us; board@madison.k12.wi.us]
Dear Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Herting, Ms. Ruppel, and the MMSD School Board,
I saw the Wisconsin State Journal article describing the community learning hubs that you’re working to create with MSCR and other community partners. Thank you so much for all the work that has gone into putting this critical program together!
I’m writing because I’m eager to see MMSD do everything in its power to ensure that the most vulnerable families in our community are prioritized for spots in these MSCR and community partner sites. While every family is facing uncertainty in these times, low-income families, Black families, and families of color in Madison are likely facing a greater need for these services. It is critical that MMSD shows a strong commitment to ensuring that every low-income student who needs it can access and participate in these programs.
More specifically, I’m in support of CARES Act funding being used to reduce or eliminate barriers for families enrolling in these programs. If federal money isn’t a sustainable source of funding then I’d support an additional tax levy.
This time of crisis is hard on all of us. But the truth is that it’s harder on some more than others because of persistent racism in this community that results in economic, health, and education disparities. Ensuring that families who are underserved by our community can enroll in these programs is one of many critical steps MMSD could take to embody its values of equity and anti-racism.
Thank you for your action on this.
NAME [+ Child’s School If Applicable]
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