Madison Reporter

The Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), which had previously opposed school choice vouchers, has announced its endorsement of Judge Susan Crawford for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This endorsement was revealed in a press release published on Urban Milwaukee on November 22, 2024.

"Educators recommend Judge Crawford because she is dedicated to Wisconsin, like we are," said Peggy Wirtz-Olsen, a teacher and WEAC President, according to the press release. The WEAC represents public school educators.

In October 2023, the Minocqua Brewing Company Super Political Action Committee (SuperPAC) filed a lawsuit challenging Wisconsin's private school voucher programs. According to a statement from WEAC, the organization supported this lawsuit, arguing that voucher programs divert significant public funds—over $500 million in 2022-23—from public schools.

According to WI Family Action, the Wisconsin Supreme Court race between Susan Crawford and Brad Schimel could determine the Court's ideological balance until 2028. School choice began in Wisconsin with the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program established in 1989. "As active members of our community, your participation in these elections will be crucial in shaping the future of school choice in Wisconsin, the birthplace of this movement," said Marv Munyon, President of WI Family Action.

Schimel, former Wisconsin Attorney General and current Waukesha County Circuit Court judge, has expressed concerns that if Crawford is elected, it could lead to the elimination of school choice in the state. According to Wisconsin Independent, Schimel's campaign website warns that "If the left wins in April they will ... eliminate school choice ... overturn Right to Work, remove voter ID."

According to its website, WEAC is a non-profit organization that advocates for Wisconsin’s public schools through policy efforts.