by Henry Tyson, Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
July 7, 2026

Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service invites community members to submit opinion pieces of 500-800 words on topics of interest to central city Milwaukee. To send a submission for consideration, please email info@milwaukeenns.org. The views expressed are solely those of the authors.

A few years ago, I had a conversation with one of our first-grade teachers that stayed with me. 

We were talking about an idea she had for improving reading instruction. She wasn’t looking for recognition. She simply saw an opportunity to help students through a project that could benefit not only her own classroom, but classrooms across our school.

Then she told me what she was doing that summer; she was taking on a side gig at a local business. Here was a brilliant educator who had more to give, yet there was no meaningful way for her to spend part of her summer strengthening her classroom or our school.

Shortly after, I had a similar conversation with one of our second-grade teachers. She had just spent the summer developing research-based spelling resources. The following school year, a new teacher used those materials consistently, and the results were clear. One student began the year unable to spell a simple word like “cat.” By the end of the year, that student was spelling words like “train” and “stream.”

Those two moments stayed with me—one showing what’s lost when ideas stall, the other what’s possible when teachers have the time to bring them to life and share with their colleagues. It reinforced a simple truth: meaningful outcomes at St. Marcus are driven by educators who invest in their students every day.

However, it also highlights the reality we are living in: the ideas don’t run out. The time does.

Creating dedicated time

During the school year, for instance, teachers are planning, grading, communicating with families, and responding to countless needs. There simply aren’t enough hours. 

That’s why creating dedicated time for this work matters so much. It’s also where partnerships with organizations like the Northwestern Mutual Foundation are helping make a difference—giving educators the opportunity to bring those ideas to life through funding that provides time, resources and support to develop and strengthen their work.

We have exceptional educators, but until recently, many haven’t had the time or support to bring those ideas forward. That’s a gap we’re beginning to close. Since 2022, the Northwestern Mutual Summer Teacher Grants have supported nearly 200 teacher-led projects, including 11 at St. Marcus, with more than $925,000 in funding—expanding what’s possible for educators across schools like ours. 

Across our school, these projects have ranged from curriculum development to hands-on STEM and student support initiatives. These efforts are shaped by school leaders and educators who identify and prioritize the needs of their students, with support from partners helping bring as many of those ideas to life as possible.

I’ve spent the past 24 years at St. Marcus, and in that time, I’ve seen our school grow from about 100 students to nearly 1,300 across three campuses—growth driven by one constant: our teachers.

Priorities

When I became superintendent in 2010, I focused on two priorities: building an exceptional school and expanding access for more students.

We serve a diverse community of students and families, and understand the educational challenges across Milwaukee, but we’ve never believed those challenges define our students. Our goal has always been clear: create a school where children thrive academically, feel safe, and grow in character while building confidence to succeed.

As a Lutheran school, we also believe that every child is created by God with immeasurable worth and potential, and that belief shapes how we invest in both our students and the educators who serve them. We also measure ourselves against the statewide average because we believe our students deserve the same opportunities and outcomes as any child in Wisconsin. Today, our eighth-grade math proficiency exceeds the statewide average, while our eighth-grade reading performance continues to narrow the gap with the state. 

Demand has steadily grown, with families seeking schools where their children are known, supported and challenged. Each time we’ve been able to welcome more students, we have done so with purpose, knowing there are more children who deserve that opportunity.

But neither priority becomes reality without outstanding teachers. That’s why I have grown increasingly convinced that one of the most underused resources in education is not a new curriculum or initiative, but the expertise our teachers already bring to the work.

Every educator I know is constantly thinking about how to improve—whether supporting a struggling student or making lessons more engaging. Years ago, before formal programs existed to support this kind of work, we began creating those opportunities at St. Marcus. If a teacher wanted to spend the summer developing a third-grade reading intervention or creating instructional materials that could be shared across classrooms, we sought out donors to help make it possible. 

The goal was never just to complete another project. It was to create a pathway for teachers to extend their impact beyond their own classroom.

As support from community partners expanded these efforts, more teachers gained the time and opportunity to develop curriculum, strengthen intervention strategies, and create resources to share across classrooms.

That shift mattered.  Strong ideas no longer stayed within a single classroom—they could be shared across grade levels and campuses, strengthening instruction and reaching hundreds of students.

The impact extends beyond individual projects. Today, St. Marcus serves nearly 1,300 students across three campuses and earned the state’s highest 5-star accountability rating. Our students consistently outperform schools serving similar populations. Investing in teachers has become one of the most important drivers of that progress.

The precious gift of time

Partners did not provide our teachers with the ideas; they already had them. They helped create the time and financial support to bring more of those ideas to life.

Take the second-grade teacher. Her initiative and dedication represent far more than spelling. Rather, it shows what is possible when teachers have the time to research, refine, and build with intention, instead of squeezing that work into evenings and weekends. When educators are given the opportunity to go above and beyond, students benefit most.

I have seen something else happen, too. Teachers feel seen and valued. Many would do this regardless because they care about their students and take pride in their profession. But it matters to say, “We see your expertise. We believe your ideas matter. We want to invest in them.” It reinforces that their leadership extends beyond the four walls of their classroom. 

As Milwaukee works to improve educational outcomes, we should continue conversations about funding, curriculum, and accountability. Those efforts matter. But we should also ask: Are we fully leveraging the talent already inside our schools? In my experience, the answer is no.

Milwaukee is filled with educators who have more to give. They have ideas worth sharing, solutions worth testing, and expertise that can strengthen instruction for hundreds of students, not just those in front of them each day. Often, they simply need the opportunity.

We have been fortunate to partner with families who believe in our mission, leaders who make thoughtful decisions and organizations that are committed to Milwaukee’s children. But it always comes back to the teachers. 

I still think about the educator who planned to spend her summer waiting tables instead of building something that could help students learn. She is not the exception—she is the rule. Milwaukee is full of educators just like her: talented, passionate, and ready to do more. If we want better outcomes for students, we cannot keep asking teachers to do this work on the margins. We need to create the time, support and trust for them to lead, share their expertise and expand their impact.

Henry Tyson is the superintendent of St. Marcus Lutheran School in Milwaukee, where he has served for more than two decades. During his tenure, he has helped grow the school into a nationally recognized leader in urban education while advocating for innovative approaches that expand opportunities for students and strengthen the teaching profession.

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• Future Urban Leaders is a nonprofit organization that started in 2015 that serves about 150 students annually.
• Future Urban Leaders provides real-world experiences and hands-on learning to supports students in Milwaukee from age four to 18.
• After celebrating the program’s tenth anniversary, staff would like to expand the program.

Maximus Bryant is a self-described gearhead, but he never knew what he wanted to do with his knack for cars and handiwork.

In the back of his mind, though, was his teacher’s voice nudging him to consider college. Ross Romenesko, a former Milwaukee Public Schools teacher, recognized Bryant’s interests and pushed him toward engineering.

Bryant graduated from the Milwaukee School of Engineering in 2025 and works for Harley-Davidson. Without Romenesko, he said he probably wouldn’t have even studied electrical engineering.

Hundreds of other Milwaukee students have also seen their life trajectories shift thanks to encouragement from Romenesko and Future Urban Leaders, the nonprofit organization he co-founded in 2015. Bryant was in the first class of 13 students.

The nonprofit’s tight-knit support system and STEM-based activities helped Bryant learn his interests and find the right pathway for him after high school.

“[Future Urban Leaders] is not just an organization, [it’s] a family,” Bryant said. “[Future Urban Leaders] is about improving you as an individual first.”

The nonprofit celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2025, and staff has been reflecting on ways to expand and continue serving Milwaukee’s youth.

Future Urban Leaders serves K4 through high school students in Milwaukee

Founded by Romenesko and local business executive Brandon Vonck, the nonprofit serves young people in Milwaukee from ages 4 to 18.

Grade K4-8 students at Milwaukee College Prep Lloyd Street Campus can participate in the nonprofit’s programming. They focus on personal, emotional and creative skills.

“[We] start that early because you’re tapping into a young mind that’s very impressionable, very moldable,” said Darnell Hamilton, the nonprofit’s executive director.

High school programming is open to students citywide. They learn leadership skills and explore post-secondary and career opportunities.

“They gave us the resources to be able to expand ourselves,” said Trinitee Turner, a Future Urban Leaders alumna and incoming sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The ultimate goal is to mold students as people and provide tools and opportunities for students to ultimately find a path in college, trades or otherwise.

“It’s our job … that before you walk across the stage that we’ve done our part in this village mindset … to be a part of you figuring out what the next destination of your pathway is,” Hamilton said.

The program requires students to apply, though every eligible student has been accepted to date. The nonprofit serves about 150 students annually.

It’s been more than 10 years. Is the program successful?

To understand the past decade of program effectiveness, staff surveyed parents and students.

About 85% of parents said the nonprofit supported their children’s leadership skills, 90% of parents were satisfied with program quality and 90% of parents were pleased with staff engagement in the development of their children.

The nonprofit also monitors student retention, academic success, high school graduation and post-secondary plans. Staff keep in touch with students even after they graduate.

During the school year, staff meet regularly with students to hear how they are doing in school, take them on college and workplace visits, prepare for events and interviews, play golf and more.

What will the future of the program look like?

Hamilton hopes to help larger classes of students in the future if staffing can also increase.

The nonprofit currently has three part-time and three full-time employees on staff.

Hamilton also hopes to improve marketing and make more people aware of the organization.

Future Urban Leaders forms lifelong connections

Students can be in the program for up to 14 years but some alumni choose to stay connected even beyond that.

Bryant said staff are still invested in his day-to-day life, including some he now calls his friends. He helped Romenesko set up a play set for his daughters in his backyard in June.

MILWAUKEE – On Tuesday, July 7, Milwaukee officials are set to release new quarterly crime numbers, following two separate incidents over the holiday weekend in two of the city’s popular entertainment districts that injured two police officers.

Holiday weekend violence

What we know:

Shortly after midnight Sunday, Milwaukee police said officers were chasing after people setting off fireworks in the Brady Street area when a firework injured an officer, a 33-year-old woman, near Cambridge and Brady Streets.

Viewer video of the fireworks

About two hours later, police said officers were running to the sound of gunshots near Water and Knapp Streets, when a car fleeing the scene hit an officer.

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In that incident, Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said the injured officer, as well as other officers, shot at the vehicle – which sped off. Norman said the car was found about 12 blocks away, near 12th and Fond du Lac, as well as the injured 18-year-old driver. He was taken to the hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds, and is expected to survive. Police said a gun was found in the suspect vehicle, as well as in the area where the man was arrested.

Milwaukee police said both officers are recovering.

Officials respond

What they’re saying:

On Monday, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson noted the hundreds – if not thousands of people – who celebrated the holiday weekend responsibly, while calling out the upbringing of people who cause chaos in the city.

“This is beyond a policing thing,” said Johnson, following a press conference in the city’s Uptown neighborhood at 55th and Wright. “I don’t want to put this at the feet of the police department. Those folks who go down there and cause problems, they make a decision to do that,” Johnson said.

The events are just the latest incidents to happen in the city’s entertainment districts. Brady Street recently implemented its pilot safety plan.

“Is there a concern these have an impact on business and drawing more people that want to be there, to enjoy a safe environment?” asked FOX6’s Bill Miston.

“I’m always taking a look, and trying to be cognizant of what these sort of events mean for businesses, for public safety, and for the city as a whole,” Johnson said.

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Milwaukee Downtown said it was disheartened by the incidents on Water and nearby Brady Streets, and wished the officers a quick and full recovery. In a statement, Milwaukee Downtown thanked police for their dedication to keeping the entertainment districts safe.

“Downtown Milwaukee welcomed tens of thousands of guests over the milestone holiday weekend. It is unfortunate that these actions overshadow the many positive experiences shared by residents and visitors,” said CEO Matt Dorner. 

Portions of this article were formatted using A.I. FOX6’s Bill Miston and an editor reviewed it for accuracy and tone prior to publishing.