Budget meeting dispute: MPS school board director tells teachers' union VP to 'go to hell'

MILWAUKEE -- A Milwaukee Public Schools' budget meeting got so heated Tuesday night, April 17, it ended with Milwaukee Public Schools Board of School Directors' Michael Bonds telling teachers' union VP Amy Mizialko to "go to hell."

It stems from growing concern over the district's $30 million budget deficit for next school year. The vice president for the Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association (MTEA -- the teachers' union) had the floor -- but was suddenly interrupted when vulgar remarks were thrown her way.

"I was mortified for the families and students and educators that were sitting behind me," said Mizialko.

Before the outburst, Mizialko addressed Bonds directly.

"No one in this room will be pit against each other, Mr. Bonds," said Mizialko.

Mizialko was referring to a motion she says Bonds made that would cut teachers' raises to fund student transportation.

"The members of this union will go to hell and back for our students and we will never stop fighting until we get a budget and state funding that puts students and educators first," said Mizialko.

Bonds' reaction caused the audience to erupt in support of Mizialko -- someone shouting "check yourself." Bonds then yelled back.

"I was stunned to watch school board members sit silent last night -- and this behavior is... he is unfit," said Mizialko.

In a statement, MPS Board President Mark Sain apologized on behalf of the board:

MTEA members will be picketing outside of the MPS Administration building Tuesday evening, April 24, calling for a budget that keeps cuts away from children and educators.

Milwaukee County Supervisor Sequanna Taylor, who is the president of the Milwaukee Educational Assistants' Association Council, a division of the MTEA issued this statement: