Evers says there is no 'secret plan' to order schools go online for the fall

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) – Governor Tony Evers said he is not planning on ordering schools to start the year virtually, saying individual school districts are doing a good job thus far forming plans.

“I am extremely pleased with the conversations that school districts across the state are having,” Evers told reporters during a media briefing. “Not only with their teachers and faculty members but making sure that the community’s involved.”

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R – Juneau) said he appreciated the governor affirming his position on schools but is concerned Evers may change positions.

“I’m fearful that he will cave to pressures from liberal groups and backtrack once again,” Fitzgerald said in a statement. “The fight isn’t over yet, and legislators will remain vigilant. I would urge citizens of Wisconsin who support in-person instruction to keep the pressure on the governor.”

The governor also defended his approach to let school districts decide their plans versus the need for a statewide approach to a mask mandate.

“The virus is every place in the state of Wisconsin, it’s taking a toll in every place in the state of Wisconsin. School districts have different challenges and opportunities,” Evers said.

The governor also discussed the role of the National Guard moving forward. On Monday, President Donald Trump approved an extension of federal funding for the National Guard to continue its mission to facilitate COVID-19 testing, but a reduction in that funding means the state will have to use approximately $4 million of CARES Act funding to keep the mission going.

“That was a disappointment,” Evers said about the reduction in funding.

“The success we have had in testing […] a lot of it has to do with our friends and neighbors from the national guard.”