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The New SAA
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | August 21, 2012
The New SAA
In the 2011-12 Legislative Session, the rise of the private school voucher advocates as a powerful adversary and the decline of WEAC as a huge campaign supporter for champions of public education has swiftly and dramatically changed the political world for Wisconsin K-12 education…perhaps forever.
In light of these powerful political developments, SAA members must answer the question, “Who will stand up and support Wisconsin public school children.” It is imperative that every SAA member answer with a collective and resounding, “I will!”
Late last session, the SAA spearheaded three major legislative victories – the passage of Senate Bill 174 (closing the voucher school expansion loophole) and the defeat of Assembly Bill 110 (special education vouchers) and Assembly Bill 318 (double dipping). Indeed, SAA members proved once again that the SAA is one of the finest grassroots lobbying organizations in the state. But, given Wisconsin’s shifting political landscape, it’s simply not enough anymore.
It is vitally important that SAA members understand the political challenge we face. They must also understand the SAA needs PAC and Conduit resources to support our political efforts on behalf of Wisconsin school children.
In my estimation, we must transform SAA membership into something with greater expectation of member political activity. Why? Too much is at stake namely, the future of public education as we know it.
I want to encourage all SAA members to attend their respective professional association’s (AWSA, WASBO, WASDA, WCASS) fall conferences or regional meetings. At each of these gatherings, I want to engage the members present in a closed-door, brutally honest discussion about the SAA’s future as a political organization. I really want the input of each and every SAA member.
Finally, for nearly 11 years, it has been my pleasure, my privilege and my honor to lobby for the “good guys.” I want to thank you for this continuing opportunity, and for all of your efforts every day on behalf of Wisconsin school children.
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