Peter Blewett

Peter Blewett is an adjunct faculty member at the university of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he teaches several sections of an introductory writing course. He also writes poetry. On the MPS school board, he represents the sixth district on Milwaukee's west side and is currently the board president. Like the other three members in this series, his term expires in April, with the campaign starting December 1.

The major theme of Blewett's first campaign--recurring often since--was the need for more money from the state. He can be counted on to appear at any rally protesting funding levels. Given the current obsession with high tax levels, it is not surprising that these efforts have been totally unsuccessful.

He and Jennifer Morales are considered the most ideological members of the board. Even those who are normally allies are discomfited by this pair's tendency to use their position on the board to promote various causes, including some with little connection to MPS.

It appears he does not have a broad vision for MPS. While strongly opposed to testing, he seems to have given up on altering the MPS assessment policy. His initiatives have largely consisted of trying to give something to various groups, including trying to mandate that all schools have librarians or involving MPS in negotiations between bus companies and their drivers. While these initiatives would further restrict schools and consume resources, they are most striking for their irrelevance to the big issue at MPS, increasing student achievement.

Blewett has been active in opposing the school choice program. When Rudolph Giuliani visited the Milwaukee voucher schools, according to an anti voucher newsletter, "Blewett organized protests in Milwaukee at every stop." Those fighting vouchers in New York then brought Blewett, Morales, and Charlene Hardin to New York for an anti-voucher forum.

A theme in Blewett's opposition to school choice is the need for "full accountability for all schools receiving public funds." It is ironic, then, that he joined in killing a proposal to explore inviting the choice and charter schools to participate in the MPS testing and data collection program. The irony deepened when he opposed terminating the contract for the failing Afro Urban Institute charter school.

As plans to invade Iraq heated up, Blewett and Morales introduced a resolution to require all MPS schools to devote at least one period to discussing the war, a proposal that was widely seen as an attempt to politicize the public schools. Eventually it was replaced by a resolution restating MPS policy that deals with controversial issues.

Blewett also created controversy within the board for his actions in the current labor negotiations. While president he met with union leadership to discuss their proposal on medical insurance. He then suggested that MPS adopt the union proposal. This action was criticized for undercutting the district's negotiators and raised concerns about a possible sell-out, especially because he is dependent on union political support.

While Blewett and Morales seem ideological soul-mates, recently there are signs of a split, at least in style. Morales, always smoother and less blustery than Blewett, seems intent on building a more moderate image. For example, she supported renewing the superintendent's contract, while Blewett voted against it.