In a recent Milwaukee School Board meeting, community leaders and parents voiced strong opposition to the potential reinstatement of school resource officers (SROs) in Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) as mandated by Act 12. The act, which has drawn criticism for its implications on public education funding, was described by speakers as an overreach by the city and state, undermining the authority of the democratically elected school board.

Kat Otto, Policy and Campaigns Director at Leaders Igniting Transformation, urged board members to reject any last-minute budget amendments that would allocate funds for armed officers in schools. She emphasized that the financial burden of such a mandate would detract from essential educational resources, reinforcing a harmful narrative that criminalizes students rather than supporting their educational needs.

Amanda Avalos, co-executive director of the same organization and a parent of an MPS student, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the detrimental impact of diverting approximately $2 million from classroom funding to support SROs. She argued that this move would contribute to a \"school-to-prison pipeline,\" further jeopardizing the safety and well-being of students.

Sandy Tena, a graduate of MPS, criticized city leaders for prioritizing funding for police over necessary educational resources, questioning the long-term consequences of such decisions on the district's financial health. She recalled a significant drop in Wisconsin's per-pupil funding over the years, urging board members to resist external pressures that could exacerbate existing challenges.

Representative Ryan Clancy, a former MPS teacher, also spoke against the enforcement of Act 12, labeling it as part of a broader political agenda that undermines Milwaukee's educational institutions. He noted that the act lacks enforceable provisions, suggesting that the school board has the power to disregard its mandates.

The meeting underscored a growing concern among community members about the future of public education in Milwaukee, with calls for the school board to prioritize student welfare over political maneuvering. As discussions continue, the board faces mounting pressure to uphold its commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.