LETTER: Glasstein will fight for public school funding in Legislature

To Ozaukee Press:

When my family struggled to get the resources my son needed in kindergarten,

I started asking why. I read policies, attended school board meetings and completed an advocacy certificate program. That program led me to State Rep. Paul Melotik’s office, where he and his assistant, Nathan, seemed eager to find solutions.

Over time, it became clear that much of the problem comes down to state funding. And funding public schools is a safety issue. When schools can’t afford enough supervision and support, medical needs go unnoticed, students are at greater risk of eloping, choking, falling, seclusion and restraint become more common.

Most Wisconsin property taxpayers don’t realize that part of their bill goes to private schools. In Grafton alone, we paid $1,108,276 for private schools in the 2025-2026 school year, according to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. That’s school choice. But for children with higher support needs, there is no real choice, because private schools can decide whom to accept. Rep. Melotik has not challenged that.

He has also failed to stand up to the Republican-led legislature on school funding in the state budget, voting as the Assembly leadership directed.

Dana Glasstein is a longtime educator who understands what students need to succeed. She’ll support funding our public schools. It’s time for a leader with a spine, a teacher. Vote for Dana Glasstein on Nov. 3.

Melissa Custer

Grafton