Can our school system adequately prepare our children for the "hot, flat, and crowded" future?
Recently the Madison School Board faced the daunting task of cutting $30 million from the school system budget. Wisconsin, including Madison, has applied for federal "Race to the Top" funds that may make up a significant portion of this shortfall. What does this mean to the future of our community? Why should business care? How can business support the schools to assure that we have a highly educated community?
The panel discussion was held on July 26th at Edgewood College.
Moderator: Martha Vukelich-Austin, President, Foundation for Madison's Public Schools
Panelists:
Jim Bradley , President and CEO, Home Savings Bank
Jim Bradley is a life-long resident of Madison, Wisconsin. Jim is active in the community in the areas of affordable housing, strengthening downtown Madison and the local economy, and environmental sustainability. He currently serves on the board of the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau, Madison Community Foundation, Sustain Dane, Center for Resilient Cities, Dane Buy Local, and the National W Club.
Kaleem Caire, President and CEO, Urban League of Greater Madison
Kaleem Caire was appointed President & CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison in March 2010. Prior to the Urban League, Kaleem was co-founder and CEO of Next Generation Education Foundation, a Maryland-based nonprofit. Kaleem has also held executive leadership positions with Target Corporation, Fight For Children of Washington, DC, and the Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO). He has also served as project director with the Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth (WCATY), and as an educational consultant with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and Madison Metropolitan School District.
Joe Gothard, Principal, LaFollette High School
Joe Gothard has been the Principal at La Follette for three years. His prior roles in the MMSD include Toki Middle School Principal, Dean of Students/Biology Teacher/Coach all at La Follette High School. Mr. Gothard is involved in many community organizations focused on Youth. He received his Bachelors Degree in Biology and Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Edgewood College. This summer Mr. Gothard begins his Doctoral Program in K-12 Administration at the College.
Mary Gulbrandsen, Executive Director, Fund for Wisconsin Scholars
A pediatric nurse practitioner and highly skilled administrator, Mary has dedicated her career to benefitting children by combining her interest and expertise in medicine and education. Mary joined the Madison Metropolitan School District nearly 30 years ago to implement and run the program that placed health-services staff in all Madison public schools. Mary went on to serve in a variety of leadership roles in the school district, including as chief of staff to the superintendent of schools.