Obama to address education at Madison visit

President Obama will have the opportunity to discuss federal stimulus incentives such as the “Race to the Top” education program during his visit to Madison next week, Gov. Jim Doyle said Thursday.

At a news conference, Doyle said the White House has been “fully briefed” on changes he has proposed to make Wisconsin more competitive for federal dollars that fund education reforms.

Earlier this week, Doyle announced his support to allow mayoral take-over of Milwaukee Public Schools. Doyle also proposed reforming teachers’ evaluations and lengthening the school year to improve Wisconsin’s chances of being awarded money from the Race to the Top program.

Doyle emphasized the importance of stimulus funding, and said education systems across the country would be in “really, really deep trouble” without extra funds.

“I hope that the president’s visit will be a chance for us to really highlight the system we do have in the state, but also the fact that we are not resting on our word and the fact that we are really ready to race to the top,” Doyle said.

The White House announced Obama will discuss “strengthening America’s education system” during his visit next Wednesday. Other details such as the location of the event have not yet been disclosed.