MacIver News Service – [Madison, Wisc…] State Superintendent Tony Evers will not follow through on his threat to withhold any federal funding from Milwaukee’s public schools.

Evers and Milwaukee Board of School Directors President Michael Bonds issued a joint statement Monday regarding an agreement concerning federal funds. Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) board leadership agreed that the state superintendent is legally authorized to withhold federal funds but the state superintendent agreed to not withhold federal Title I funds at this time.

“Over the last several months, MPS has made effortsto resolve compliance issues around the state’s corrective action requirements,” said Evers. “It is important right now to support incoming superintendent, Dr. Gregory Thornton, on addressing needed reforms and community building to increase achievement for MPS students.”

As well as backing down on this threat, Evers also agreed to a one-year grace period to not withhold federal Title I funds, which he says will help ensure a successful change in district administration.

Thorton takes over as MPS superintendent on July 1.