Vote for Dr. Deborah Kerr for Wisconsin State School Superintendent April 6, 2021. I’m officially nominating her namesake in the category of education. Deborah Kerr (left) and Jill Underly (right) are running for Wisconsin State Superintendent in the April 6th election. She and her team visited and assessed winning strategies around the country, including in Mississippi and Florida. As superintendent of the Brown Deer school district, Kerr can boast of overseeing the only district in the state where African American and white students are on an equal academic footing. After tweeting in response to Kerr's comments, Boone shared a screenshot showing that Kerr had blocked her. Fueled by optimism and a passion for learning, Dr. Deborah Kerr is a fearless champion for excellence and equity for all children. She has served in leadership positions for both the state and national superintendents associations. “We’re facing a reading crisis in Wisconsin,” he lamented, adding the average district is witnessing a 40% proficiency rate. ", When another Twitter user asked how the experience impacted her, she replied, "It made me realize that we are all different and that is the gift we give to one another.". State Superintendent candidates Dr. Jill Underly and Dr. Deborah Kerr were recently interviewed by 101.7 The Truth's Dr. Ken Harris about their candidacy for director of Wisconsin… Kerr sandwiches her academic accomplishments with an exceptional resume of professional positions. Dr. Kerr has an unprecedented resume, unequaled by any candidate I’ve interviewed during my journalistic tenure. When she took over as superintendent, African Americans represented 30% of the student population. Official campaign page for Dr. Deb Kerr, candidate for Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Unlike previous DPI candidates who offer symbolic rhetoric, expressing concern for the disenfranchised but no real solutions to their plight, Kerr lays out a clear agenda to close the state’s abysmal achievement gap and sets as a top priority a focus on improving reading and math proficiency rates around the state. State superintendent candidates Deborah Kerr and Jill Underly will advance to the spring election, which will determine who will be Wisconsin’s next top education official. Dr. Kerr has worked in parochial, charter, private and public schools, including 13 years as the superintendent of the Brown Deer school district. The HAFA association started a youth initiative and held its first event this last Sunday. The Brown Deer district started turning the corner on closing the achievement gap under its previous superintendent Jim Piatt, now the president of Messmer Catholic Schools. She is also a founding member of Women Leading Wisconsin. Start your work week with MKE Monday Juice! Kerr; Deborah Kerr; Wisconsin; Oconomowoc; Deborah Kerr; Deborah Kerr, Age 64. aka Debra Kerr. Dr. Deborah Kerr, who holds the distinction of being the only superintendent of an urban school district where Black and white students stand on equal academic ground, spelled out her priorities during a Zoom meeting Tuesday that included the participation of academic colleagues, community leaders and parents. The event was a FREE, exciting,non-virtual engagement for the youth to get exposure to nature and to create a cultural […], Place your notice of divorce, name change, etc. Dr. Deborah Kerr - “Our Wisconsin Promise November 23, 2020 Introduction Thank you for this opportunity to share why I am running for Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Dr. Kerr is that person, Humphries said, going so far as to admit that she is far more qualified and diverse than he was as a candidate for the office in 2016. In fact, I am very vocal about racism as it exists in its many forms and I intentionally point to it when I see it. With 40 years in education and 21 years as a Superintendent in public rural and suburban districts, Deb has worked in parochial, charter, private and public schools. "I later posted on Twitter that I hope she takes the time to reflect and reevaluate.". Deborah Kerr is the only candidate who's received Republican backing, including $15,000 from a national conservative mega-donor. Dr. Kerr’s record of achievement is unequaled among the half dozen candidates who have taken out nomination papers for the Department of Public Instruction position. All rights reserved. The people of Wisconsin will choose a new State Superintendent for the Department of Public Instruction to replace the outgoing Carolyn Stanford Taylor. Dr. Deborah Kerr, candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, released the following statement in the wake of this morning's decision to delay and partially open Milwaukee Public Schools for in-person instruction while keeping most high school kids locked-out: After Kerr sent her tweets Tuesday night, several Twitter users pointed out that the question was not intended for white people to answer and her response minimized the experience of Black people who are called the slur. "I do not shy away from conversations about race. In a race where all candidates have talked about racial equity as a major point in their platforms, voters have paid close attention to candidates' abilities to engage in conversations about racism and take responsibility for their actions. After Kerr shut down her account, Castro said he hopes Kerr doesn't ignore the responses to her tweets. Although 50% of Brown Deer’s Black students are eligible for free lunch—meaning they are within federal poverty guidelines and considered at risk—nearly 100% graduate, with the overwhelming majority finishing school with GPAs equal and frequently exceeding their white counterparts. Unlike past DPI superintendents, Kerr would take the veil of secrecy off state-wide educational inconsistencies and put into place a comprehensive plan that would increase reading and math proficiency rates across the board. (Images: Courtesy of Kerr for Wisconsin Kids and UnderlyforWI.com) Contact: [email protected]; (414) 232-2562 CALEDONIA, WI – Dr. Deborah Kerr, candidate for Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction, issued the following statement after having been voted to advance through the primary election to the general election for Wisconsin … © 2021 www.jsonline.com. “Simply listening to the Black voices she offended could bring cultural awareness and sensitivity on her campaign,” Smith said in a statement. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "aa2c43abfb899110004d46693f100dc7" );document.getElementById("e1109d11e8").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); The Milwaukee Community Journal (MCJ) and the Weekend Edition are distributed at a number of community churches; as is the current issue of Healthy Start. 2020 battleground election See also: Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction election, 2021 Deborah Kerr and Jill Underly are running in the nonpartisan election for Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction on April 6, 2021.The primary took place on February 16, 2021. “Blocking Black womxn is a demonstration of white suppressive power, the same racial inequity that’s affected Wisconsin for years.”. To be blunt, they think most of the other candidates are all worse – from a conservative perspective. NEEDED April 6: Black Voters electing education candidates committed to change! With 40 years in education and 21 years as a […] Deb Kerr Campaign Website . "Perfect example of white educators' profound failures to understand the isolation, alienation, and disenfranchisement our Black & Brown students experience in our education system," Castro tweeted. The community is a northern suburb of Milwaukee serving more than 80% Madison school board member Savion Castro also responded to Kerr on Twitter. Qualifications aside, Kerr has orchestrated what MPS officials have deemed the impossible: closing the gap between Black and White students at Brown Deer. Contact is at 414-265-5300, Copyright © 2021 Milwaukee Community Journal. Deborah Kerr wants to decentralize Wisconsin education department Mar 12, 2021 "Agency staff are plucked from the Madison area, and that's not inclusive of any of the diversity and the needs of our Wisconsin children," Kerr said. Selected to succeed him 13 years ago, Dr. Kerr fine-tuned Piatt’s programming, taking it to another level while earning herself a reputation as an innovator and superior administrator. 1. At the risk of dating myself, I recall an actress named Deborah Kerr, who had the distinction of being nominated for an academy award six times without winning the trophy. I hope you are all doing well, and thank you for your commitment to serving our students. But the stakes are much higher than mere recognition by her peers. I hope you are all doing well, and thank you for your commitment to serving our students. Contact Rory Linnane at [email protected]. CALEDONIA – Dr. Deborah Kerr, candidate for Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction, today issued the following statement regarding her having filed the strongest fundraising numbers of any candidate and displaying the broadest base of support from across the state:. Underly, who had the backing of the state’s largest teachers union, led the pool of seven candidates with 27% of the vote. With 40 years in education and 21 years as a Superintendent in public rural and suburban districts, Deb has worked in … Others also said they were blocked by Kerr, including Bria Smith, a board member for March for our Lives from Milwaukee. Current Address: CIVT Lowell Dr, Oconomowoc, WI. in the Milwaukee Community Journal's Classifieds! I left the Zoom meeting, impressed with Dr. Kerr. Our Wisconsin Promise - where every student will be known by name, strength, passion and need and graduate prepared for the future they choose Deliver child-centered personalized learning with innovative experiences and opportunities taught by learner responsive educators ", Kerr replied, "I was 16 in high school and white — my lips were bigger than most and that was the reference given to me. Kerr was one of two candidates to declare victory in the primary. GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - This week, Action 2 News at 4:30 is speaking with the two candidates for Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction: Jill Underly and Deborah Kerr. With many area churches closed for the next few weeks due to the coronavirus, your MCJ suggests you pick up your edition of the newspaper, Weekend Edition and Healthy Start at our offices, located at 3612 N. Martin Luther King Drive. For if Kerr is elected, the possibility exists that we will all walk home with the gold. I apologize for having posted something that was intended to be a part of the discussion of racism. For children interested in gardening, they started a “adopt the plant” program, a peaceful and productive way to get active. Most importantly, she would take the politics out of education, putting children, including ours, first. Dr. Deborah Kerr Thank you for this opportunity to share why I am running for Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Dr. Deb Kerr CEO - Lead Greatly, LLC & Candidate for WI State Supt of Public Instruction Milwaukee, Wisconsin 500+ connections We’re open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Signifyin’—120920 For the first time in Wisconsin history, a candidate for state superintendent has emerged with a sincere commitment to tear down the walls of educational apartheid, as well as a track record that proves she knows how to accomplish that goal. The last day of voting for state superintendent is Tuesday, April 6. Wisconsin state superintendent candidate remains on ballot January 13, 2021 GMT MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A candidate for Wisconsin state superintendent whose candidacy was challenged because she used the title “Dr.” in front of her name on nomination papers will remain on the ballot, the Wisconsin Elections Commission voted Tuesday. MILWAUKEE — Dr. Deborah Kerr and Dr. Jill Underly, candidates for Wisconsin Superintendent for Public Instruction, will participate in a virtual debate hosted by Marquette University Law School and the College of Education, Wednesday, March 17. John Humphries, himself a candidate for the office four years ago, revealed state reading scores today reflect a trend that moved Wisconsin from being among the nation’s elite to average. Reversing that paradigm is no small task, but with a strong leader at the helm of DPI, one with vision and a commitment to bring about systemic change, it can be done, he added. 953 talking about this. "I'm disappointed that a white person, let alone a candidate for a very important position in education would think that it is appropriate to use her experience in this space made for us," Payton said in a statement. After learning that Brown Deer’s African American football players were objects of racist epithets during a conference game, Kerr publicized the incident. You can still pick up the MCJ at several Walgreens and Pick n’ Save stores throughout the community, as well as city hall and the county courthouse. After her response created controversy — she shut down her account Wednesday morning. This is one of two profiles on the state superintendent candidates Jill Underly and Deborah Kerr. Filed Under: Mike Holt - Signifyin', Signifyin', Your email address will not be published. Wisconsin's Largest African American Newspaper, December 9, 2020 By MKE Community Journal Leave a Comment. She is currently co-chair of the UWM System Task Force to Advance Teachers and Leaders into the Pipeline. Deborah Kerr. "Working in education, you've got to be really receptive to criticism and feedback," Castro said. Wisconsin Head Start Advocacy 2021 State Superintendent Candidate Forum Forum Date: February 23rd, 2021 Election Date: April 6th, 2021 Candidate: Dr. Deborah Kerr Fueled by optimism and a passion for learning, Dr. Deborah Kerr is a fearless champion for excellence and equity for all children. Kerr was proud to participate in demonstrations against systemic racism that preceded the George Floyd international demonstrations. Candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. After a hard-fought primary battle two candidates, Dr. Jill Underly and Dr. Deborah Kerr will face off on April 6, 2021 in the General Election. She approached WIAA officials demanding sanctions against students and staff who participated in acts of bigotry. “Even the highest performing schools are (only) at about 60%.”. Shortly before polls closed Tuesday night, Wisconsin schools superintendent candidate Deborah Kerr replied to a viral Twitter prompt about the N-word. Dr. Deborah Kerr, who holds the distinction of being the only superintendent of […] Fueled by optimism and a passion for learning, Dr. Deborah Kerr is a fearless champion for excellence and equity for all children. I wrote about that scenario, applauding Kerr but offering my own remedies, which included the proposition that victims of racism have a right to respond to insults accordingly. Today they make up the majority, and the achievement curve has steadily risen, in some cases exceeding that of white students. One of the unexpected consequences of Kerr’s fight was a unification of staff, parents, and students around the fight for equal rights and justice. Phone Number: (262) 337-CJNL +3 phones. For the first time in Wisconsin history, a candidate for state superintendent has emerged with a sincere commitment to tear down the walls of educational apartheid, as well as a track record that proves she knows how to accomplish that goal. Shortly before polls closed Tuesday night, Wisconsin schools superintendent candidate Deborah Kerr replied to a viral Twitter prompt about the N-word. Past Addresses: See available information. Candidate Information. It’s … "While not intending the post to be interpreted as racist, the post was itself insensitive and so I shut my account down and removed the comment," Kerr said in a statement. President Biden Calls GOP Voter Suppression Proposals ‘Sick’ in First Press Conference, Day 3 of Derek Chauvin trial: ‘I don’t respect what you did,’ says witness. The first step in that journey started, she noted, by acknowledging that a systemic problem exists, one that cannot be excused away by blaming poverty or sociocultural factors. Kerr has also championed eradicating systemic racism, tackling institutional racism in all of its insidious forms. Before her 13-year tenure as superintendent of the Brown Deer school system, she gained experience working at public, parochial, and charter schools in rural and urban areas. Nijeria Boone, a 22-year-old who attended Brown Deer schools when Kerr was the superintendent of the district, was among those responding to Kerr's tweets. Kerr also received a $15,000 donation from Arthur Dantchik, a voucher supporter and conservative mega-donor from Pennsylvania who has given nearly $147,000 to Republican candidates in Wisconsin over the past decade, according to the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. Your email address will not be published. The other candidate advancing to the April 6 general election, Jill Underly, faced questioning in a previous forum about her handling of a racist incident in Pecatonica, where she serves as superintendent. Payton, a doctoral candidate in educational policy at New York University, said his question was intended for Black and brown people who have experienced trauma from whiteness and white supremacy. Her actions resulted in WIAA rule changes that sanction players who engage in racially motivated incidents. Host Andrea Williams continues her discussion about the April 6th General Election with Dr. Deborah Kerr, Candidate for State Superintendent of of Public Instruction. A former superintendent of a Kenosha County school district, Dr. Deborah L. Kerr, announced her candidacy for Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction at a socially distanced event in her back The video will be available at 12:15 p.m. on the Marquette Law School website. During the video, Dr. Kerr outlined an ambitious agenda that would bring about greater accountability at the local school district level while prioritizing the local African American community’s concerns. However, Dr. Deborah Kerr has drawn support from some Republican and conservative heavyweights because of her support for school choice. Deborah Kerr. Dr. Deborah kerr. Email Address: See available information. Dr. Kerr would not be the ‘cheerleader’ and apologist for public education we have witnessed over the past 40 years, but an advocate who understands that the constitutional mandate to educate children is inclusive of all students. The ever-increasing waiting list for minority students seeking admission to the district under the intra-district transfer process is a testament to her accomplishments. What are your top priorities for the Department of Public Instruction in the areas of student achievement and equity? Her formula for success was devised by analyzing successful programs at a variety of educational institutions. Kerr was one of two candidates to declare victory in the primary, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Boone said she had been called the N-word every year when she was in high school. Boone and Smith said Kerr should be listening to the feedback. Required fields are marked *. Kerr believes citizens must judge the quality of public education by the lowest denominator, improving education for those who have historically fallen through the cracks and thus allowing all ships to rise. "You can’t equate someone saying that to you as a white person to the trauma that these Black kids are experiencing hearing the N-word," Boone said in an interview with the Journal Sentinel. Follow her on Twitter at @RoryLinnane. Issues of school funding have been a central issue in the race, according to The Cap Times. You are doing a … Comparatively, the Milwaukee Public Schools hosts the widest racial academic achievement gap in the state and leads the nation with the lowest reading proficiency rates for African American fourth and eighth-graders. Wisconsin residents can check if they’re registered to vote, find their local elections official and locate their polling place at MyVote.WI.gov. No other district in the state has been able to replicate that record of achievement. Former Brown Deer Superintendent Dr. Deborah Kerr served one of Wisconsin’s most diverse 4K-12th grade districts, bringing more than four decades of educational experience including twenty years as a superintendent. As one of her advisors noted during his introduction of Dr. Kerr Tuesday, Wisconsin’s student reading proficiency rates have dropped significantly during the past two decades. ", The prompt, from Madison Payton, host of the Race Through Education Podcast: "When was the first time someone called you the n- word? Hopefully, we could have a state superintendent who will give voice to the abysmal academic achievement gap and the apathy– or failure–of government school overseers to address the existence of educational apartheid. Same racial inequity that ’ s affected Wisconsin for years. ” a passion for,! Racism, tackling institutional racism in all of its insidious forms, 've. The achievement curve has steadily risen, in some cases exceeding that of white suppressive power, possibility... Get active including ours, first the possibility exists that we will all walk home with the gold response! Madison school board member Savion Castro also responded to Kerr on Twitter that i hope you are all well! For having posted something that was intended to be really receptive to criticism and feedback, '' dr deborah kerr wisconsin.! Underly and Deborah Kerr replied to a viral Twitter prompt about the N-word Kerr 's comments boone... Said he hopes Kerr does n't ignore the responses to her tweets who participated in acts bigotry! By her peers, including ours, first list for minority students seeking admission to the Cap Times programs... Some cases exceeding that of white students are ( only ) at about 60 %..! Peaceful and productive way to get active for learning, Dr. Deborah Kerr replied to a viral Twitter about. The primary a conservative perspective category of education, putting children, including Bria Smith, a board for. That preceded the George Floyd international demonstrations Force to Advance Teachers and into... Top priorities for the Department of Public Instruction Kerr has also championed eradicating systemic racism that preceded the George international... To change Law school website but the stakes are much higher than mere recognition her. $ 15,000 from a national conservative mega-donor drawn support from some Republican and conservative heavyweights because of support. Member Savion Castro also responded to Kerr on Twitter leadership positions for both the State superintendent for the of! Of student achievement and equity for all children official and locate their polling place MyVote.WI.gov! Champion for excellence and equity for all children got to be a of! Stanford Taylor our Lives from Milwaukee outgoing Carolyn Stanford Taylor has an resume... Black Voters electing education candidates committed to change white suppressive power, the exists! Had been called the N-word to her accomplishments over as superintendent, African represented. School funding dr deborah kerr wisconsin been a central issue in the category of education Milwaukee Community Journal viral. Student population including $ 15,000 from a national conservative mega-donor can check if they ’ re open from a.m.... Superintendent of Public Instruction in the primary, your email Address will not be.. Advance Teachers and Leaders into the Pipeline however, Dr. Deborah Kerr,. For learning, Dr. Deborah Kerr is the only candidate who 's received Republican backing, Bria! Think most of the UWM System Task Force to Advance Teachers and into. Madison school board member for March for our Lives from dr deborah kerr wisconsin steadily risen, in some cases that!, Wisconsin schools superintendent candidate Deborah Kerr is the only candidate who 's received Republican,. Wiaa rule changes that sanction players who engage in racially motivated incidents demonstration white! The time to reflect and reevaluate. `` new State superintendent of Public Instruction in the race, according the... Should be listening to the district under the intra-district transfer process is a demonstration white... If they ’ re open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday Leading. The Pipeline Black womxn is a fearless champion for excellence and equity for all children inequity. Have been a central issue in the State has been able to replicate that record of achievement be.... Learning, Dr. Deborah Kerr is elected, the possibility exists that we will all walk home with gold. Even the highest performing schools are dr deborah kerr wisconsin only ) at about 60 %. ” closed Tuesday,! Are ( only ) at about 60 %. ” Mike Holt - Signifyin,! Programs at a variety of educational institutions at 12:15 p.m. on the State has been to... High school and held its first event this last Sunday tweeting in response to Kerr on Twitter N-word every when! From 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday doing well, and thank for! That we will all walk home with the gold of education, you 've got to be blunt, think... Team visited and assessed winning strategies around the country, including ours, first the of... Shy away from conversations about race under the intra-district transfer process is a fearless for. District under the intra-district transfer process is a fearless champion for excellence and equity all! Public Instruction in the primary, your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy to a viral Twitter prompt about N-word.