Spector named visiting professor at Marquette Law School
Goal is to lead discussions about MPS
With more than 80,000 Milwaukee Public School students heading back to the classroom, Marquette University Law School has announced that Michael J. Spector will lead a new effort devoted to addressing public-policy issues surrounding MPS. The Law School initiative will be a neutral, consensus-building approach to problem-solving regarding the governance, educational practices and other matters involving the state’s largest school district. Spector, a noted education attorney, will serve as Boden Visiting Professor of Law.
During his 36 years with Milwaukee-headquartered Quarles & Brady, Spector represented numerous Milwaukee area school districts and corporations and served as the firm's chair and managing partner. He also previously served as an Associate Deputy Attorney General of the United States and as chair of Governor Jim Doyle's Task Force on Educational Excellence. Since 2005, he has taught education law and public-sector labor relations as an adjunct professor at Marquette Law School. He is currently Vice-President of the UW System Board of Regents.
In his new role, Spector will expand upon Marquette Law School’s established track record as a place for substantive discussion on the important civic issues of the day. He will focus particularly on the future of MPS, by, among other things, convening local and national experts from academia, school administration, education unions, government and other key stakeholder groups for public events and other forums
“Over the past several years, Marquette Law School has sought to become, and in many ways already established itself, as an important place for objective, civil discussion of some of the most important challenges facing our community and our world, “ said Law School Dean Joseph D. Kearney. “Mike Spector brings with him an immense depth of knowledge in education issues, and will lead our efforts to bring to the public relevant information on an issue of central importance to the very future of Milwaukee.”
“Our goals include the advancement of the public’s participation in and understanding of the many issues facing MPS,” noted Spector. “Whether you are a parent, an educator, a business owner or a taxpayer, we all have a stake in making sure the district succeeds in preparing the next generation of well-educated citizens. We want to bring together all interested parties and, without a taking a position on any particular course of action, become a community resource that both advances the conversation and helps inform public opinion.”
Kearney said Spector would begin to work closely with Mike Gousha, distinguished fellow in law and public policy, and faculty throughout the Law School and the university to convene forums and other events. He also pointed to programs on topics ranging from public transportation and water law to the rising costs of health care as examples of Marquette Law School’s ongoing engagement on public issues.
The Boden Visiting Professorship was made possible by a bequest in memory of the late Robert F. Boden, who served as dean of the Marquette Law School from 1965 until his death in 1984.
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