LeMahieu Statement on Governor’s Disappointing MPS Audit Announcement

Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu chided Governor Evers for decision to hire outside auditors to address the Milwaukee Public Schools situation:

“The failure of Milwaukee Public Schools has tremendous impact in Milwaukee and statewide. Wisconsinites deserve full transparency and accountability, not a private audit commissioned by the former DPI Superintendent who played a role in creating this disaster.

“The non-partisan Legislative Audit Bureau has a long track record of transparent work on behalf of taxpayers. Governor Evers’ decision to move forward with an outside audit is disappointing, and his administration must be careful to choose an auditor with no ulterior motives or other entanglements.”

Tony Evers spent two decades as an administrator at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, including serving as the Secretary of the Department before being elected governor six years ago. Earlier today he announced details on his long range plan to finally address problems with the state’s largest school district.

In a written statement, Governor Evers announced his “Administration will begin the process of identifying auditors with necessary expertise and experience conducting audits in classroom and educational settings to conduct two audits of MPS: an operational audit of the district’s operations, processes, and procedures, as well as an audit of instructional policies and methodologies, which may include, for example, classroom learning environments and professional development policies and practices to support educators, among other areas. The Evers Administration will begin soliciting request for services in the coming days.”