Public School Advocate Emily Tseffos on Funding Accountability

Emily Tseffos is a passionate public school advocate and former teacher. The Democratic Party of Outagamie County chairwoman recently found herself at the center of controversy after sharing her personal experience with a lawmaker on social media. Tseffos joins Jane Matenaer and Greg Bach, hosts of Matenaer on Air, to share what happened with a Wisconsin state senator about her concerns around education funding.

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Listen to the entire interview here:

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Tseffos tells Matenaer and Bach she brought up the need for fully funding public schools while attending a listening session. She shared her personal experience as the parent of a special needs child. Her son has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) but has been denied admission to a private school. Instead, he attends a local public school that is able to provide the necessary support. Tseffos argued that private schools, which can refuse students with special needs, should not receive taxpayer-funded vouchers without transparency or accountability.

Right after the session, Tseffos says she was approached by one of the Wisconsin state senators who questioned her commitment to public schools. The senator pointed out her children have attended both private and public institutions. Tseffos tells Matenaer on Air she was shocked by the senator’s dismissal of the need for strong public schools, as well as her call for increased school vouchers to support private education. 

“There is disparity between public and private schools,” Tseffos explains. “Public schools are required to report test scores, including data for students who may struggle with language or special needs. But private schools are not subject to the same reporting standards which makes comparisons between the two systems unfair.”

Matenaer and Bach ask about the issue of funding. Tseffos considers it important to fully support public schools with adequate resources for teachers, special needs programs, and infrastructure. And she shares concerns that private schools, by accepting taxpayer dollars but refusing students who require additional services, are exacerbating the challenges facing public schools.

“Lawmakers need to prioritize transparency, accountability, and fair funding for all students, regardless of their educational setting,” Tseffos says.

Her comments may be a reminder that public education is not just an issue for urban areas—it also impacts rural communities, where private school options are limited. 

“The discussion over the role of vouchers and school choice has to continue,” Tseffos says. “I remain committed to advocating for a robust public education system that serves every student.”