Waukesha North Student Asks Legislators to Support Expansion of Choice Program

A Waukesha North High School student told lawmakers that it's not fair for students to be forced to stay in a school that's failing and should expand the state's school voucher program statewide. 

Adam Kouhel spoke out in support of the voucher program at the Joint Finance Committee hearing on the state budget held Thursday at Greendale High School.

The hearing was the first of four being held around the state to give residents the chance to have their say on Gov. Scott Walker’s 2013-15 budget. After the hearings, the committee will vote on any changes before sending their version on to the Assembly and Senate.

Instead of enjoying a nice day out during his spring break, the 17-year-old student opted to sit for seven hours to wait his turn to speak to legislators about his passionate support for the school voucher expansion.

Kouhel explained that while he attends a successful school he feels for his peers at failing schools nearby.

"Many of my friends who attend Waukesha South High School shouldn't have to stay in a failing school while I receive a better education," Kouhel said.

Gov. Scott Walker announced a plan earlier this year that would expand school vouchers to families in nine other school district, like Waukesha, who have underperforming schools.

Superintendent Todd Gray told Waukesha Patch in March the voucher expansion into Waukesha could seriously harm the district’s finances.

Last year four Waukesha schools received low grades and were categorized as "meets few expectations." 

The choice program will be open to school districts with at least two underperforming schools who meet these criteria.

This expansion will be capped at 500 students statewide for 2014 and 1,000 for 2015.  Eligibility requirements for students would be similar to current choice program eligibility requirements.

Kouhel explained that is if he was in a failing school he would like to have the option to attend a private or charter school as an alternative to a failing public education.

"It’s not fair that a student who wants to achieve a 4.0 GPA or wants to attend a college someday is deprived of an education that would prepare them for successful future," Kouhel said. "The bottom line is that zip code and income don’t matter. Every student deserves a chance to succeed."