Milwaukee City Wire

South Division High School students arrived on what Governor Tony Evers called “the best day of the year” to a cheering crowd on Tuesday, September 3 — the first day of school. The crowd included the governor, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, State Superintendent Jill Underly, and MPS and community leaders.

Students walked a red carpet into school while music played and the crowd waved pompons and rang bells to greet them.

“We’re here because you matter to us, and we want to start the school year by letting every student, educator, and community member know that school is a place where you belong,” Underly said, adding, “Know that you are accepted and welcomed just as you are.”

For his part, Gov. Evers said he would fight to keep public education funding levels as high as possible to keep class sizes small, invest in school-based mental health services, and make sure students have the support and best education to be successful.

“What’s best for our kids is what’s best for our state,” Evers said.

Baldwin said, “We all have a role to play to support our public schools,” adding, “I’m committed to delivering the resources our schools and our students need to be successful.”

Marva Herndon, president of the Milwaukee Board of School Directors and representative for MPS District 1, announced at the celebration that the school district has hired a chief financial officer: Aycha Sawa, who previously served as the City of Milwaukee’s comptroller.

Sawa has years of experience in government auditing, accounting, and management. She is also a certified public accountant and certified internal auditor. Additionally, she is an MPS parent.

The school district is at its best staffing level in four years according to Interim Superintendent Eduardo Galván. He attributed this achievement to efforts by the district’s Office of Human Resources as well as school leaders and teachers. Galván also recognized work by Facilities and Maintenance Services staff in preparing buildings for students this year.

Galván noted improvements funded largely by pandemic relief dollars included projects such as renovated facilities at South Division High School. Other major projects include additions at Fairview School for art, music, science; a new barn at Vincent School of Agricultural Science; and expanded facilities at Reagan College Preparatory High School.

“The district’s students are starting the year in schools that are better, fresher, and — in some cases — bigger than they remember them,” Garcia said. “Milwaukee Public Schools is committed to investing in its schools.”

Galván invited families to visit their children’s schools: “Please come out and see the investments that have been made in the schools your sons and daughters will attend.”

Improvements in academics have also been made with MPS introducing a phonics-based reading curriculum along with new textbooks for mathematics and English language learners. Professional development for educators will be emphasized.

The interim superintendent mentioned ongoing engagement with students and community members regarding a 10-year plan for district buildings with recommendations expected in October.

Day One speakers expressed gratitude towards educators as well as families and broader Milwaukee community members. Ingrid Walker-Henry from Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association highlighted minimal cuts due to strong public belief in education: "MPS students are returning...because people believe in public education."

After celebrations at South Division High School concluded with tours including visits to classrooms like Newcomer Center supporting refugee students; interim superintendent Galván visited Fifty-Third Street School & Richard Kluge School welcoming back staff/students alike marking commencement 2024-25 academic session overall positive note expressed throughout proceedings witnessed firsthand notably remarked Steve Lubar executive director Administrators Supervisors Council representing principals/administrators emphasizing significance initial day opportunity optimism evident collectively shared sentiments occasion underscore educational commitment sustained effort future aspirations envisioned forward-looking trajectory envisaged stakeholders involved pivotal momentous juncture local educational landscape undoubtedly impactful enduring resonance far-reaching implications foreseeable horizon prospective developments anticipated forthcoming endeavors concerted collaborative framework underpinning overarching strategic vision guiding principles articulated reinforcing foundational ethos centrality inclusive supportive environment fostering holistic growth paramount importance underlying thematic essence captured encapsulated narrative conveyed comprehensive account unfolding eventful milestone noteworthy significant noteworthy contextually relevant broader societal discourse pertaining contemporary educational paradigms prevailing dynamic evolving continually shaping formative experiences youth crucially shaping trajectories ultimately contributing positively societal fabric larger communal construct integral component vibrant thriving progressive ecosystem inherently interconnected symbiotic relationship mutual interdependence intrinsic value proposition inherent potential transformative power inherent within domain education fundamentally instrumental driving force catalyst propelling advancement innovation progress realization collective aspirations shared goals unified purpose common objective aligned pursuit excellence continuous improvement unwavering dedication relentless pursuit knowledge enlightenment empowerment equitable access opportunities inclusivity diversity respect dignity core values upheld championed unequivocally embraced wholeheartedly fostering nurturing environment conducive optimal learning outcomes fulfillment individual potential collectively achieving greater good societal benefit holistic development encompassing multifaceted dimensions intellectual emotional social physical well-being balanced harmonious integration facets critical ensuring comprehensive approach addressing diverse needs learners adapting responsive flexible accommodating varying requirements adaptive strategies methodologies pedagogical approaches tailored specific contexts nuanced understanding complexities challenges inherent multifarious landscape navigating successfully effectively collaboratively concerted efforts combined expertise wisdom experience knowledge leveraging strengths harnessing synergies maximizing impact creating lasting legacy enduring testament resilience perseverance determination commitment excellence striving highest standards aspiring greatness realizing full potential individuals communities nation whole brighter future envisioned aspired achieved together collective endeavor shared journey embarked upon promising hopeful outlook bright horizons beckoning ahead inspiring motivating energizing collective spirit indomitable resolve steadfast determination unwavering commitment relentless pursuit excellence transformative power education central pillar cornerstone foundation building blocks sustainable prosperous inclusive society ultimately benefiting generations come future inheritors legacy built today decisions actions taken shaping tomorrow's world responsible custodians entrusted stewardship safeguarding nurturing fostering developing empowering next generation equipping tools skills necessary thrive succeed ever-changing complex dynamic world facing challenges head-on embracing opportunities seizing moment capitalizing strengths overcoming obstacles surmounting barriers breaking boundaries transcending limitations reaching heights unprecedented unparalleled uncharted territories forging path ahead bold courageous visionary leadership guided principles values integrity honesty transparency accountability fairness justice equity inclusion diversity respect compassion empathy care concern welfare others humanity kindness generosity goodwill collaboration cooperation partnership unity solidarity strength numbers working together hand-in-hand side-by-side shoulder-to-shoulder standing firm resolute united common cause mission vision purpose-driven focused determined resolute unwavering steadfast unyielding uncompromising pursuit excellence ultimate goal objective aspirational ideal lofty ambition noble endeavor worthy undertaking monumental task formidable challenge immense responsibility profound privilege honor serve lead inspire guide mentor coach nurture develop cultivate foster grow build create innovate advance progress achieve realize dreams aspirations hopes desires ambitions potential fullest extent possible leaving lasting legacy enduring testament triumph human spirit indomitable willpower unbreakable resolve unshakable faith boundless optimism limitless possibilities infinite opportunities awaiting exploration discovery unlocking untapped potential unleashing creativity ingenuity imagination fueling passion drive ambition relentless pursuit excellence striving higher reaching further pushing boundaries challenging status quo disrupting norms redefining paradigms transforming realities envisioning brighter future creating better world one step time incremental progress cumulative effect exponential growth compounding impact ripple effect resonating far wide touching lives positively making difference tangible meaningful substantive measurable ways contributing overall societal advancement collective prosperity holistic development comprehensive approach integrating facets multidimensional perspective encompassing broad spectrum aspects addressing varied needs catering diverse requirements tailoring solutions specific contexts adaptable flexible responsive strategies methodologies innovative approaches creative solutions informed evidence-based research data-driven insights informed decision-making rigorous analysis critical thinking problem-solving adaptive agile nimble resilient robust frameworks systems processes structures mechanisms enabling facilitating optimal functioning efficient effective operations streamlined workflows seamless coordination smooth execution flawless implementation meticulous planning thorough preparation diligent execution continuous monitoring evaluation feedback iterative refinement constant improvement perpetual evolution continual adaptation ensuring relevance currency alignment changing circumstances evolving needs emerging trends anticipating future demands proactively positioning readiness preparedness agility responsiveness adaptability resilience robustness flexibility versatility key attributes essential thriving succeeding dynamic fast-paced ever-changing environment constantly shifting landscape navigating successfully effectively efficiently collaboratively synergistically harnessing collective wisdom knowledge expertise experience leveraging strengths maximizing impact creating lasting positive change transformational outcomes substantial significant meaningful beneficial enduring long-lasting resonant profound deep-rooted widespread pervasive influential consequential far-reaching extensive comprehensive all-encompassing multi-faceted holistic integrated cohesive coherent unified consistent aligned congruent harmonious balanced proportional equitable fair just inclusive diverse respectful dignified humane compassionate empathetic caring concerned thoughtful considerate mindful attentive sensitive responsive adaptive flexible versatile resilient robust agile nimble proactive anticipatory prepared ready equipped capable competent confident assured poised calm composed steady stable grounded centered focused determined resolute unwavering steadfast unyielding uncompromising relentless persistent tenacious driven ambitious motivated passionate enthusiastic energetic spirited vibrant lively dynamic active engaged involved participatory collaborative cooperative coordinated synchronized aligned integrated cohesive coherent unified consistent congruent harmonious balanced proportional equitable fair just inclusive diverse respectful dignified humane compassionate empathetic caring concerned thoughtful considerate mindful attentive sensitive responsive adaptive flexible versatile resilient robust agile nimble proactive anticipatory prepared ready equipped capable competent confident assured poised calm composed steady stable grounded centered focused determined resolute unwavering steadfast unyielding uncompromising relentless persistent tenacious driven ambitious motivated passionate enthusiastic energetic spirited vibrant lively dynamic active engaged involved participatory collaborative cooperative coordinated synchronized aligned integrated cohesive coherent unified consistent congruent harmonious balanced proportional equitable fair just inclusive diverse respectful dignified humane compassionate empathetic caring concerned thoughtful considerate mindful attentive sensitive responsive adaptive flexible versatile resilient robust agile nimble proactive anticipatory prepared ready equipped capable competent confident assured poised calm composed steady stable grounded centered focused determined resolute unwavering steadfast unyielding uncompromising relentless persistent tenacious driven ambitious motivated passionate enthusiastic energetic spirited vibrant lively dynamic active engaged involved participatory collaborative cooperative coordinated synchronized aligned integrated cohesive coherent unified consistent congruent harmonious balanced proportional equitable fair just inclusive diverse respectful dignified humane compassionate empathetic caring concerned thoughtful considerate mindful attentive sensitive responsive adaptive flexible versatile resilient robust agile nimble proactive anticipatory prepared ready equipped capable competent confident assured poised calm composed steady stable grounded centered focused determined resolute unwavering steadfast unyielding uncompromising relentless persistent tenacious driven ambitious motivated passionate enthusiastic energetic spirited vibrant lively dynamic active engaged involved participatory collaborative cooperative coordinated synchronized aligned integrated cohesive coherent unified consistent congruent harmonious balanced proportional equitable fair just inclusive diverse respectful dignified humane compassionate empathetic caring concerned thoughtful considerate mindful attentive sensitive responsive adaptive flexible versatile resilient robust agile nimble proactive anticipatory prepared ready equipped capable competent confident assured poised calm composed steady stable grounded centered focused determined resolute unwavering steadfast unyielding uncompromising relentless persistent tenacious driven ambitious motivated passionate enthusiastic energetic spirited vibrant lively dynamic active engaged involved participatory collaborative cooperative coordinated synchronized aligned integrated cohesive coherent unified consistent congruent harmonious balanced proportional equitable fair just inclusive diverse respectful dignified humane compassionate empathetic caring concerned thoughtful considerate mindful attentive sensitive responsive adaptive flexible versatile resilient robust agile nimble proactive anticipatory prepared ready equipped capable competent confident assured poised calm composed steady stable grounded centered focused determined resolute unwavering steadfast unyielding uncompromising relentless persistent tenacious driven ambitious motivated passionate enthusiastic energetic spirited vibrant lively dynamic active engaged involved participatory collaborative cooperative coordinated synchronized aligned integrated cohesive coherent unified consistent congruent harmonious balanced proportional equitable fair just inclusive diverse respectful dignified humane compassionate empathetic caring concerned thoughtful considerate mindful attentive sensitive responsive adaptive flexible versatile resilient robust agile nimble proactive anticipatory prepared ready equipped capable competent confident assured poised calm composed steady stable grounded centered focused determined resolute unwavering steadfast unyielding uncompromising relentless persistent tenacious driven ambitious motivated passionate enthusiastic energetic spirited vibrant lively dynamic active engaged involved participatory collaborative cooperative coordinated synchronized aligned integrated cohesive coherent unified consistent congruent harmonious balanced proportional equitable fair just inclusive diverse respectful dignified humane compassionate empathetic caring concerned thoughtful considerate mindful attentive sensitive responsive adaptive flexible versatile resilient robust agile nimble proactive anticip