April 13, 2007

FOND DU LAC -- Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI) held a listening session with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Elizabeth Burmaster and district superintendents and teachers on Wednesday, April 11 to discuss ideas in anticipation of the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act, governing federal elementary and secondary education programs.

The event was coordinated in conjunction with the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) and offered local education leaders an opportunity to discuss what has and hasn't worked well with the federal law, which was passed with bipartisan support in 2001. Originally intended to be a meeting in Petri's Fond du Lac office, the list of attendees grew large enough to require space at a nearby Holiday Inn.

Speakers included Burmaster (via conference telephone), Fond du Lac School District Superintendent Greg Maass, WEAC Educational Consultant Russ Allen, NEA Board Member Becky Pringle, Prentice School District Superintendent Greg Krause, Wautoma Teacher Pat Schmidt, Columbus School District Administrator Mark Jansen, Wautoma School District Superintendent Jeff Kosuboski, and Sheboygan Teacher Deb Streblow. Also in attendance from WEAC were Bob Fulmer, Gail Gonzales, Bob Burke, and Jack O'Meara. Written comments were also provided by Berlin Teacher Margaret Guertler.

Superintendent Maass remarked, "This kind of meeting with the Congressman puts a human face to the issue. We are very appreciative that he spent time with us here today. It's really a hands-on approach."

Wautoma teacher Patricia Schmidt said, "We are glad that he took this time to listen to us because all of us have a different story to tell, and all of these stories are going to come together and make a difference for kids. And that's the bottom line: that our kids get a fair shot and a fair shake."

"I appreciate the efforts of each of these education professionals to share their expertise and thoughtful advice with me as Congress begins to consider the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind," said Petri. "I will work to ensure that the spirit of the law, including high standards, accountability, and professionalism, is maintained while also seeking ways to ensure that educators have the flexibility and resources they need to help our children succeed."

The listening session was the latest in a series of meetings with a wide range of education professionals and associations in the lead-up to the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind.