As a candidate for Madison Metropolitan School District Board Set 3 and an engineer by training, I believe in making decisions based on evidence rather than rhetoric. That’s why I’m particularly interested in how our approach to education aligns with broader questions of justice and governance in Wisconsin.
The Power of Evidence-Based Decision Making
In both education and justice, we need leaders who value facts over fear. Judge Susan Crawford’s track record demonstrates this approach – from her work as a prosecutor focused on getting cases right, to her current role as a judge ensuring fair trials based on evidence. This mirrors my commitment to using data to drive decisions in our schools.
When we look at actual evidence:
- Schools with strong mental health resources show improved attendance and academic outcomes
- Districts that invest in early intervention see reduced disciplinary issues
- Teacher autonomy correlates with better student performance
- Universal breakfast programs improve classroom focus and learning
Protecting Public Institutions
Just as I advocate for strengthening our public schools, Judge Crawford has consistently defended Wisconsin’s public institutions. Her experience, from the Department of Justice to the Dane County Circuit Court, shows a deep understanding of how our public systems serve communities.
This stands in stark contrast to approaches that rely on inflammatory rhetoric rather than facts. When candidates talk about their opponent “ending parental rights” or “eliminating school choice,” they’re not engaging with the real data about what works in education. The evidence shows that strong public schools, supported by engaged communities and empowered teachers, deliver the best outcomes for all students.
The Connection Between Education and Justice
My platform emphasizes three key principles that align with Judge Crawford’s judicial philosophy:
- Evidence-Based Decision Making
- In schools: Using data to track student outcomes and program effectiveness
- In courts: Ensuring decisions are based on facts and law, not politics
- Community Safety and Support
- In schools: Providing mental health resources and creating supportive environments
- In courts: Focusing on what actually makes communities safer
- Transparency and Accountability
- In schools: Clear metrics for measuring progress and spending
- In courts: Ensuring fair, impartial application of the law
Why This Matters for Madison
As both a parent and former teacher, I know that our schools don’t exist in isolation. The decisions made at every level of government impact our ability to serve students effectively. We need leaders who:
- Make decisions based on evidence rather than ideology
- Understand the real challenges facing our communities
- Focus on practical solutions rather than political rhetoric
- Protect and strengthen our public institutions
Looking Forward
The challenges facing our schools require thoughtful, evidence-based solutions. Fear-based messaging about “radical agendas” or inflammatory claims about bathroom policies don’t address the real issues our students and teachers face daily. Instead, we need to focus on:
- Supporting teachers as trusted professionals
- Ensuring every student has access to necessary resources
- Making decisions based on data and evidence
- Building stronger connections between schools and communities
When we look at actual evidence rather than rhetoric, the path forward becomes clear. Just as Judge Crawford’s approach to justice focuses on facts and fairness, my commitment to our schools centers on what the data shows works for students.
Together, we can build stronger public institutions that serve all Wisconsinites – from our classrooms to our courtrooms.
Bret Wagner is a candidate for Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education Seat 3. His platform focuses on evidence-based decision making, teacher empowerment, and ensuring every student gets what they need to succeed.