Colleston
@colleston.bsky.social
proud #girldad x2, always a Civics teacher, Executive Director of City Forward Collective, and fierce advocate for the boundless brilliance & limitless potential of every child.
cheesehead who knows what it means, INTJ (heavy on the I)
cheesehead who knows what it means, INTJ (heavy on the I)
In today's special Thursday edition of the Corner, we shared our take at @cfc_mke on the recent School & District Report Card release. Progress in MKE's public charters and private schools, ongoing challenges at MPS - and a continuing mess from DPI.
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/school-and...
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/school-and...
School & District Report Cards Are Out—But They're Still Broken
Report cards are supposed to be a mirror and a measuring stick, helping families, educators, and communities see clearly where our schools stand.
mkeedunews.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:25 PM
In today's special Thursday edition of the Corner, we shared our take at @cfc_mke on the recent School & District Report Card release. Progress in MKE's public charters and private schools, ongoing challenges at MPS - and a continuing mess from DPI.
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/school-and...
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/school-and...
It's the 3rd Fri in Sept - WI's enrollment count date for publicly-funded students. Unfortunately, its also a day when misinformation abounds. Read CFC's Fact Check to get schooled:
Fact Check: How Wisconsin students are counted and schools are paid
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/fact-check...
Fact Check: How Wisconsin students are counted and schools are paid
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/fact-check...
Fact Check: How Wisconsin students are counted and schools are paid
The Fact: If a publicly-funded student leaves ANY school – district, public charter, or private – during the middle of the year (e.g., after the 3rd Friday count), that school does not receive the ful...
mkeedunews.substack.com
September 19, 2025 at 1:03 PM
It's the 3rd Fri in Sept - WI's enrollment count date for publicly-funded students. Unfortunately, its also a day when misinformation abounds. Read CFC's Fact Check to get schooled:
Fact Check: How Wisconsin students are counted and schools are paid
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/fact-check...
Fact Check: How Wisconsin students are counted and schools are paid
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/fact-check...
@the74.bsky.social with a great, thought-provoking piece about the failures of local school boards, and how they echo broader challenges to (small-d) democratic governance. Its an issue here in MKE, but also across the country - & one we must reckon with.
www.the74million.org/article/how-...
www.the74million.org/article/how-...
August 25, 2025 at 5:41 PM
@the74.bsky.social with a great, thought-provoking piece about the failures of local school boards, and how they echo broader challenges to (small-d) democratic governance. Its an issue here in MKE, but also across the country - & one we must reckon with.
www.the74million.org/article/how-...
www.the74million.org/article/how-...
In today's Corner, I shared our take on the recent state Report Card revamp:
"The bottom line: Families, educators, and the public deserve a report card that's honest, accurate, and trustworthy - and right now, WI's Report Cards are failing to measure up."
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/school-and...
"The bottom line: Families, educators, and the public deserve a report card that's honest, accurate, and trustworthy - and right now, WI's Report Cards are failing to measure up."
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/school-and...
School & District Report Card Revamp
Better Process, But Unfinished Work
mkeedunews.substack.com
August 19, 2025 at 4:10 PM
In today's Corner, I shared our take on the recent state Report Card revamp:
"The bottom line: Families, educators, and the public deserve a report card that's honest, accurate, and trustworthy - and right now, WI's Report Cards are failing to measure up."
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/school-and...
"The bottom line: Families, educators, and the public deserve a report card that's honest, accurate, and trustworthy - and right now, WI's Report Cards are failing to measure up."
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/school-and...
Reposted by Colleston
July 11, 2025 at 10:23 AM
In today's Corner, I shared @cfc_mke's take on the state budget, the real wins it delivered for ALL our kids and schools, & why cross-partisan compromise required courage - not cowardice - from @govevers, @repvos, @senatordevin, & @senhesselbein
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/kid-first-...
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/kid-first-...
Kid-First Leadership From The Courageous Center: CFC’s Assessment of the 2025-27 State Budget
Too often, fringe activists on both ends of the political spectrum hijack the policy process, preferring ideological purity over pragmatic progress.
mkeedunews.substack.com
July 8, 2025 at 2:16 PM
In today's Corner, I shared @cfc_mke's take on the state budget, the real wins it delivered for ALL our kids and schools, & why cross-partisan compromise required courage - not cowardice - from @govevers, @repvos, @senatordevin, & @senhesselbein
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/kid-first-...
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/kid-first-...
Had a chance to share CFC’s perspective on @govevers.wisconsin.gov academic audit of @milwaukeemps.bsky.social on @wuwmradio.bsky.social.
“This is not a resource-poor district anymore. And that’s a different place than we’ve been in over the decades.”
www.wuwm.com/education/20...
“This is not a resource-poor district anymore. And that’s a different place than we’ve been in over the decades.”
www.wuwm.com/education/20...
Just 27% of MPS fourth graders read at a basic level. A second state audit demands change
A second state-ordered audit of Milwaukee Public Schools focuses on how the district teaches its students. It found glaring issues with literacy and teacher training.
www.wuwm.com
July 7, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Had a chance to share CFC’s perspective on @govevers.wisconsin.gov academic audit of @milwaukeemps.bsky.social on @wuwmradio.bsky.social.
“This is not a resource-poor district anymore. And that’s a different place than we’ve been in over the decades.”
www.wuwm.com/education/20...
“This is not a resource-poor district anymore. And that’s a different place than we’ve been in over the decades.”
www.wuwm.com/education/20...
LOTS of sniping from special interests & their lege allies making perfect the enemy of progress, but at City Forward Collective, we see gains for all kids in the budget deal.
@govevers.wisconsin.gov, Sen Hesselbein @senatedemswi.bsky.social, and GOP leaders all deserve credit for a 💪🏿 compromise.
@govevers.wisconsin.gov, Sen Hesselbein @senatedemswi.bsky.social, and GOP leaders all deserve credit for a 💪🏿 compromise.
July 2, 2025 at 6:42 PM
LOTS of sniping from special interests & their lege allies making perfect the enemy of progress, but at City Forward Collective, we see gains for all kids in the budget deal.
@govevers.wisconsin.gov, Sen Hesselbein @senatedemswi.bsky.social, and GOP leaders all deserve credit for a 💪🏿 compromise.
@govevers.wisconsin.gov, Sen Hesselbein @senatedemswi.bsky.social, and GOP leaders all deserve credit for a 💪🏿 compromise.
👏🏿 We know this formula works:
“Close low-performing, underenrolled schools. Expand high-performing, in-demand schools… As parents clamor for more choices, policymakers should focus on providing a high-quality portfolio of options to choose from.”
www.the74million.org/article/big-...
“Close low-performing, underenrolled schools. Expand high-performing, in-demand schools… As parents clamor for more choices, policymakers should focus on providing a high-quality portfolio of options to choose from.”
www.the74million.org/article/big-...
Big Improvements Require Big Changes: Close Bad Schools and Expand Good Ones
Aldeman: New Orleans, Denver & Florida show how implementing a portfolio model of school choice can lead to dramatic academic gains.
www.the74million.org
June 30, 2025 at 2:04 PM
👏🏿 We know this formula works:
“Close low-performing, underenrolled schools. Expand high-performing, in-demand schools… As parents clamor for more choices, policymakers should focus on providing a high-quality portfolio of options to choose from.”
www.the74million.org/article/big-...
“Close low-performing, underenrolled schools. Expand high-performing, in-demand schools… As parents clamor for more choices, policymakers should focus on providing a high-quality portfolio of options to choose from.”
www.the74million.org/article/big-...
Disappointing to see MKE-area supes use misleading talking points, pitting students & schools against each other.
We all agree, WI should increase special education funding - don't demagogue families' choices to make the case.
www.jsonline.com/story/opinio...
We all agree, WI should increase special education funding - don't demagogue families' choices to make the case.
www.jsonline.com/story/opinio...
Lawmakers should listen to their own commission and fully fund special education | Opinion
The state has the financial capacity to support students with disabilities, to invest in all students, and, crucially, to protect property taxpayers.
www.jsonline.com
June 10, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Disappointing to see MKE-area supes use misleading talking points, pitting students & schools against each other.
We all agree, WI should increase special education funding - don't demagogue families' choices to make the case.
www.jsonline.com/story/opinio...
We all agree, WI should increase special education funding - don't demagogue families' choices to make the case.
www.jsonline.com/story/opinio...
In today's Corner, I shared CFC's assessment of the FY26 proposed MPS budget -- and some thoughts on the refreshingly direct honesty that the new Superintendent is delivering on the district's academic & financial circumstances.
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/clarity-an...
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/clarity-an...
Clarity & Candor Amidst Challenges
CFC’s Assessment of the FY2026 MPS Proposed Budget
mkeedunews.substack.com
June 10, 2025 at 3:04 PM
In today's Corner, I shared CFC's assessment of the FY26 proposed MPS budget -- and some thoughts on the refreshingly direct honesty that the new Superintendent is delivering on the district's academic & financial circumstances.
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/clarity-an...
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/clarity-an...
Great work by @journalsentinel, providing a straightforward and accurate summary of WI's special education funding challenges - & not falling into the trap of making misleading public/private comparisons on reimbursement rates.
www.jsonline.com/story/news/e...
www.jsonline.com/story/news/e...
Educators, parents from about 40 Wisconsin K-12 districts have urged lawmakers to increase special ed funding
The Wisconsin Legislature's Joint Committee on Finance held public hearings on the state budget in Wausau, Kaukauna, West Allis and Hayward in April.
www.jsonline.com
June 9, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Great work by @journalsentinel, providing a straightforward and accurate summary of WI's special education funding challenges - & not falling into the trap of making misleading public/private comparisons on reimbursement rates.
www.jsonline.com/story/news/e...
www.jsonline.com/story/news/e...
Great read - so much also translates into Dems’ refusal to embrace education abundance. @WisDems, esp legislators, are repeating this boasting about policy failures with attacks on high-quality school choices.
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/08/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/08/o...
June 8, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Great read - so much also translates into Dems’ refusal to embrace education abundance. @WisDems, esp legislators, are repeating this boasting about policy failures with attacks on high-quality school choices.
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/08/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/08/o...
Important news - we at City Forward Collective will be watching closely. We've been clear about our position: WI students and families deserve honesty, transparency, and accountability to high expectations - and DPI's current standards fail to meet that mark.
www.jsonline.com/story/news/e...
www.jsonline.com/story/news/e...
Wisconsin DPI plans more changes to 'cut scores,' with updates to K-12 report cards
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is updating its state report card system, which annually rates schools and districts.
www.jsonline.com
May 29, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Important news - we at City Forward Collective will be watching closely. We've been clear about our position: WI students and families deserve honesty, transparency, and accountability to high expectations - and DPI's current standards fail to meet that mark.
www.jsonline.com/story/news/e...
www.jsonline.com/story/news/e...
In today's Corner, I shared reflections on a promising, imperfect, & incomplete start for new leadership at MKE Public Schools. This time must be different, and hope is not a strategy. MPS' students deserve succes, & we can't afford to repeat past failures .
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/a-turning-...
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/a-turning-...
A Turning Point for MPS
New Leadership, Familiar Challenges—And Why This Time Must Be Different
mkeedunews.substack.com
May 20, 2025 at 5:01 PM
In today's Corner, I shared reflections on a promising, imperfect, & incomplete start for new leadership at MKE Public Schools. This time must be different, and hope is not a strategy. MPS' students deserve succes, & we can't afford to repeat past failures .
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/a-turning-...
mkeedunews.substack.com/p/a-turning-...
I shared our thoughts at City Forward Collective on the need for more kid-first, cross-partisan cooperation on K12 funding in the next state budget -- and the long-overdue need for broader reforms to end the school funding food fights every two years.
www.jsonline.com/story/opinio...
www.jsonline.com/story/opinio...
Wisconsin must follow the lead of Florida and Tennessee on how it funds schools | Opinion
We cannot continue to duct-tape our way through a school funding system that funds institutions and fuels fights while failing our kids and schools.
www.jsonline.com
May 14, 2025 at 2:01 PM
I shared our thoughts at City Forward Collective on the need for more kid-first, cross-partisan cooperation on K12 funding in the next state budget -- and the long-overdue need for broader reforms to end the school funding food fights every two years.
www.jsonline.com/story/opinio...
www.jsonline.com/story/opinio...
I shared my thoughts on why chaos & confusion in federal edu policy is hurting MKE's students and schools, esp as an AmeriCorps alum thru @teachforamerica.bsky.social.
Destabilization & destruction without direction is a distraction, and an impending disaster.
open.substack.com/pub/mkeedune...
Destabilization & destruction without direction is a distraction, and an impending disaster.
open.substack.com/pub/mkeedune...
Chaos & Confusion Is Not A Solution
The Need for Student-Centered Federal Education Policy
open.substack.com
May 7, 2025 at 7:34 PM
I shared my thoughts on why chaos & confusion in federal edu policy is hurting MKE's students and schools, esp as an AmeriCorps alum thru @teachforamerica.bsky.social.
Destabilization & destruction without direction is a distraction, and an impending disaster.
open.substack.com/pub/mkeedune...
Destabilization & destruction without direction is a distraction, and an impending disaster.
open.substack.com/pub/mkeedune...
In today's Corner, I shared CFC's recent work on WI's school funding, the need for a new approach, & our hopes that bitter partisan rancor will once again give way to kid-first, pragmatic compromise.
Finding Common Ground in Wisconsin's School Funding Debate mkeedunews.substack.com/p/finding-co...
Finding Common Ground in Wisconsin's School Funding Debate mkeedunews.substack.com/p/finding-co...
Finding Common Ground in Wisconsin's School Funding Debate
As we approach the 2025-27 biennial budget negotiations, Wisconsin stands at a crossroads in how we fund our schools.
mkeedunews.substack.com
April 15, 2025 at 2:04 PM
In today's Corner, I shared CFC's recent work on WI's school funding, the need for a new approach, & our hopes that bitter partisan rancor will once again give way to kid-first, pragmatic compromise.
Finding Common Ground in Wisconsin's School Funding Debate mkeedunews.substack.com/p/finding-co...
Finding Common Ground in Wisconsin's School Funding Debate mkeedunews.substack.com/p/finding-co...
It’s not enough to just know that one is backed by the blues and the other by the reds. Underly’s performance has been poor. The performance of our public schools is lagging. Kinser shows promise to be a change agent. And change is what we need.
yellowstripsdeadarmadillos.org/2025/03/30/m...
yellowstripsdeadarmadillos.org/2025/03/30/m...
More on My Kinser Endorsement
Some of my liberal friends have expressed their unhappiness over my endorsement of Brittany Kinser for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. So, let me expand on my reasons. When I was at the…
yellowstripsdeadarmadillos.org
April 1, 2025 at 12:09 AM
It’s not enough to just know that one is backed by the blues and the other by the reds. Underly’s performance has been poor. The performance of our public schools is lagging. Kinser shows promise to be a change agent. And change is what we need.
yellowstripsdeadarmadillos.org/2025/03/30/m...
yellowstripsdeadarmadillos.org/2025/03/30/m...
Reposted by Colleston
Brittany Kinser and Jill Underly met with Wisconsin State Journal editorial board, before it recommended a candidate to voters in the April 1 election for Department of Public Instruction
Our endorsement for Wisconsin superintendent of schools
Brittany Kinser and Jill Underly met with Wisconsin State Journal editorial board, before it recommended a candidate to voters in the April 1 election for Department of Public Instruction
madison.com
March 30, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Brittany Kinser and Jill Underly met with Wisconsin State Journal editorial board, before it recommended a candidate to voters in the April 1 election for Department of Public Instruction
Really appreciated @danshafer.bsky.social's take on the
WI State Supe race, and broader edu policy debate.
It's necessary & important that voices on the left are willing to be forthright about the problems with the K12 edu status quo, and the need for change.
open.substack.com/pub/recombob...
WI State Supe race, and broader edu policy debate.
It's necessary & important that voices on the left are willing to be forthright about the problems with the K12 edu status quo, and the need for change.
open.substack.com/pub/recombob...
Could Brittany Kinser win the race for State Superintendent?
This could be the most competitive race for the Superintendent of Public Instruction in decades.
open.substack.com
February 26, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Really appreciated @danshafer.bsky.social's take on the
WI State Supe race, and broader edu policy debate.
It's necessary & important that voices on the left are willing to be forthright about the problems with the K12 edu status quo, and the need for change.
open.substack.com/pub/recombob...
WI State Supe race, and broader edu policy debate.
It's necessary & important that voices on the left are willing to be forthright about the problems with the K12 edu status quo, and the need for change.
open.substack.com/pub/recombob...
👏🏿 💯 👏🏿 @jecausey: "If the @MilwaukeeMPS school board continues to accept the status quo in the face of these challenges, there needs to be accountability & a thorough reevaluation of their positions. This is non-negotiable...Years? Time is running out."
New MPS superintendent says fixes could take years. Kids can't wait that long. | Opinion
As a proud MPS graduate, I am deeply invested in its success. It is crucial to recognize that meaningful progress can no longer be delayed.
buff.ly
February 20, 2025 at 12:50 PM
👏🏿 💯 👏🏿 @jecausey: "If the @MilwaukeeMPS school board continues to accept the status quo in the face of these challenges, there needs to be accountability & a thorough reevaluation of their positions. This is non-negotiable...Years? Time is running out."
I shared our thoughts at CFC on another turbulent week for Milwaukee Public Schools, including a new Supe, a damning set of audit findings, and yet more operational and compliance shortcomings
This Time Must Be Different mkeedunews.substack.com/p/this-time-...
This Time Must Be Different mkeedunews.substack.com/p/this-time-...
This Time Must Be Different
Breaking the Cycle of MPS's Generational Failure Demands Real Change
mkeedunews.substack.com
February 18, 2025 at 8:34 PM
I shared our thoughts at CFC on another turbulent week for Milwaukee Public Schools, including a new Supe, a damning set of audit findings, and yet more operational and compliance shortcomings
This Time Must Be Different mkeedunews.substack.com/p/this-time-...
This Time Must Be Different mkeedunews.substack.com/p/this-time-...
As the @milwaukeeMPS school board meets to select a new MPS Superintendent, we @cfc_mke are sharing polling findings on city residents' concerns about the district's cascading academic & financial challenges.
https://bit.ly/4199Sx7
https://bit.ly/4199Sx7
New Poll: Milwaukee Voters Demand Urgent Reforms to Address MPS’ Continued Shortcomings
Voters are rejecting Superintendent Jill Underly and DPI’s excuses for failing to hold MPS accountable — and continue to support significant reforms to address the district’s academic and financ
urbanmilwaukee.com
February 11, 2025 at 1:40 PM
As the @milwaukeeMPS school board meets to select a new MPS Superintendent, we @cfc_mke are sharing polling findings on city residents' concerns about the district's cascading academic & financial challenges.
https://bit.ly/4199Sx7
https://bit.ly/4199Sx7
Thank you to @milwaukeenns for allowing me to share some thoughts & reflections on the @naep_nces results for students in MKE and WI.
https://bit.ly/4jNj1Tm
https://bit.ly/4jNj1Tm
Opinion: When will our kids become a true priority for Milwaukee?
Milwaukee’s educational crisis extends beyond MPS, threading across sectors and geographies, sagging our city’s vitality “like a heavy load.” But acknowledging the scope of the challenge cannot…
milwaukeenns.org
February 5, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Thank you to @milwaukeenns for allowing me to share some thoughts & reflections on the @naep_nces results for students in MKE and WI.
https://bit.ly/4jNj1Tm
https://bit.ly/4jNj1Tm