Dennis Wiser Believes Instructional Coaches Can Help Teachers

Three incumbents and two challengers are seeking three-year terms on the board. Members are elected at-large to the nine-member School Board, which sets policy for RUSD—the state’s fourth largest school district.

Dennis Wiser, 60, of 2517 Pinehurst Ave., Racine, has a long history with the Racine Unified School District. He was a high school math teacher for 28 years, including 10 years as math department chairman, followed by six years as executive director of the Racine Education Association teachers union.

Wiser was first elected to the RUSD Board of Education in 2008. He was also elected to the Racine City Council, representing the 10th District, in 2010.

The Racine Unified School District has long struggled with an achievement gap between its white students and its students of color. What do you believe can be done to improve the learning of all RUSD students?

The best single thing we can do is to have instructional coaches for the teachers. Today, things are too complex for a teacher who’s been out of college for 20 years. We currently have a couple (of coaches) for administrators, but it would be extremely valuable for teachers. I know funding is tight, but we’re going to have to find the money.

I think we should also look at a formal program for parental engagement that builds on established best practices. Kansas City had a district wide program and doubled (student) statewide test scores. We have a few programs like this scattered through individual schools but nothing broad-based.

RUSD currently has a building maintenance backlog in excess of $80 million. What should be done to address this?

We need to put more money into the annual budget for maintenance. We can rely on referenda every three or four years. Yes, money is tight, but we can’t let our buildings crumble.

In your opinion, does the general public have a favorable or unfavorable impression of Racine’s public schools? Why?

I think they’re very frustrated with the district because it spends a large amount of money but doesn’t have the (student) achievement results that are expected.

We should be spending more time in the classroom improving instruction. By that, I mean the School Board should make it a priority for the (district) administration to concentrate on instruction. We can have the best computers, buildings and central office, but until we make instructional changes, there will be no improvement in achievement.

I make the analogy of Bret Favre. He had a personal coach every day of his career. Teaching is just as complex as being an NFL quarterback.