The Milwaukee Post

September 19, 2014 • Milwaukee County Post • 17 By DAVE FIDLIN Special to The Post MILWAUKEE — Armed with picket signs, bullhorns and a desire to chant, dozens of protest- ers last week demonstrated at a high-profile spot within the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee campus. They took aim at a program aimed at increasing student enrollment at charter schools through cash incentives. A number of demonstrators were affiliated with the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association, the union representing educators employed by Milwaukee Public Schools. But organizers behind a smat- tering of other grass-roots groups, including Schools and Communities United Coalition, also took part in the protest, which was held Sept. 11 at Enderis Hall, the venue hosting the UWM School of Education. Allegations have arisen of sev- eral private charter schools offer- ing cash incentives to families enrolling students by today — a pivotal date in the educational sec- tor. Schools across the state tally the number of students seated in classrooms, and the figures are used to determine how much money the state contributes to each entity. The cash incentives allegedly have ranged from $50 to $200 and could come either in the form of direct cash payouts or through gift cards. Some of the charter schools that have allegedly offered the cash incentives are associated with UWM, leading protesters to take aim at one of the state's largest public universities. "We are calling on the people of this community not to abandon the public schools, but to improve them," Bob Peterson, president of the MTEA, said during the rally. "This is pathetic. It's shameful." Several UWM students directly took part in the protest, as well. Among the participants was Oscar Hernandez, president of Youth Empowered in the Struggle (or YES), an on-campus organization dedicated to social justice. "I'm ashamed that my universi- ty is doing this," Hernandez said. "This is an act of desperation. I'm here in solidarity, in support of public education." Marva Herndon, chair of the organization Women Committed to an Informed Community, went so far as to call the charter schools behind the cash incentives "pover- ty pimps." "This is a new low for this com- munity," Herndon said. "Stop this nonsense, and shut this program down. Our children are not for sale." During the nearly hourlong demonstration, supporters of pub- lic education offered a series of chants. A frequent one was, "Shame on you." In a statement, UWM spokesman Tom Luljak said the university was not directly involved in any of the charter schools' incentive programs. "In its sponsorship of charter schools, UW-Milwaukee has always been focused on one key objective — helping students receive the very best education possible," Luljak said in the statement. He further explained that UWM is in the process of reviewing its existing policies and relationships with each of the charters. "We will evaluate whether (the charter schools) serve the best interests of students and do not detract from the quality of educa- tional programs within the schools," Luljak said. 'Shame on you' Protesters decry UWM charter school support in wake of cash incentive program Photo by Dave Fidlin/Special to The Post Protesters march on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus last week. South Milwaukee church celebrating 100 years Submitted photos Left: Congregation members and staff of Sts. Peter and Paul Polish National Catholic Church gather for a group photo. Right: The Rev. Bogumil Czaja receives a proclama- tion from South Milwaukee Mayor Erik Brooks at the city's Common Council meeting Sept. 2. Post Staff SOUTH MILWAUKEE — Sts. Peter and Paul Polish National Catholic Church, 1308 15th Ave., is celebrating 100 years. The church will mark the anniversary with an official cer- emony Saturday. Prime Bishop of the Polish National Catholic Church, the Rev. Anthony Mikovsky, and Western Diocese Bishop, the Rev. Stanley Bilinski, will celebrate Mass along with guest pastors from Indiana, Michigan and Illinois. The Mass will begin at 11 a.m. with a ceremonial ringing of the steeple bells. All are welcome and invited to attend the mile- stone event. The church held its first serv- ice on June 14, 1914, at its cur- rent location. Sts. Peter and Paul to host celebration Saturday

• Cover