WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |Governor avoids recall during education speech

MILWAUKEE (WKOW) -- Governor Walker avoided any reference to a potential recall election as he spoke on education initiatives to hundreds of school board members and administrators in Milwaukee.

Walker's remarks at the state education convention represented his first public appearance in Wisconsin since more than one million signatures calling for his recall were turned into the state government accountability board.

Walker acknowledged his changes to severely limit public union collective bargaining were opposed by some in the audience, but said they've helped education.  Walker noted a previous public function where one schools superintendent cautiously offered agreement.

"As he went to sit said, almost under his breath, I can go back to the office and talk more curriculum than grievances.  I told him to stand up and repeat that."

"I can definitely I identify with that," said Ladysmith schools superintendent Kurt Lindau.  Lindau said he believes Walker deserves more time to carry out his policies and should not be removed by recall.

But Ladysmith school board member John Ziemer said collective bargaining changes have drastically affected teacher morale.

In his speech, Walker outlined support for legislative proposals to enhance teacher preparation, increase accountability by giving schools report card grades, and put more money and emphasis on early childhood reading initiatives.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesperson Graeme Zielinski said the reading initiatives are largely borrowed from previous work and duplicate existing offerings. "I give him an "A" for dishonesty."

Some of the aspects of the legislative proposals have followed bi-partisan task force work and some aspects are supported by state schools superintendent Tony Evers.

Walker did not make himself available for questions from reporters.