Kim Schroeder

Kim Schroeder is running for vice president of the 8,000-member Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association.

He's trying to win votes in a rather weird way.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Kim Schroeder, a teacher at Sherman Multi-Cultural Arts School on the west side, has a five-point "MTEA vision" on his Web site (www.schroeder4vp.com). The first four points include calls for the union to flex its muscles more aggressively.

"Too often our philosophy seems to be to curl into a fetal position and say, 'Don't hurt us, we'll be nice' to the school board, the superintendent and other ill-wishers," he writes. "If I am elected vice president, I will stand beside you as we say, 'No!' to continued staff cuts, 'No!' to the yearly layoff of general aides, and 'No!' to flavor-of-the-month educational trends!"

Then there's the fifth point:

"Beer," it says in large letters. Schroeder continues:

"Just checking to see if anyone is still reading.

"Seriously, though, if elected vice president, I will make sure that there is at least beer and wine available for our monthly Leaders' Meetings. I understand that this subject might not have complete support among our members, but we must be the only union in existence, and probably since the beginning of time, not to have alcohol served at our meetings. We are all responsible adults (in theory) and should be afforded this small luxury. Plus we are a union. Plus we live in Wisconsin. Plus we live in Milwaukee.

"Anyway, if our budget permits, there will be complimentary beer and wine for our members at the Leaders' Meetings. If the budget is too tight for this to occur, I will promise that at least a cash bar will be provided.

"For those of you who have sat through any of these meetings, I am sure you will understand why I feel our members will appreciate and deserve the option of alcohol. For those who have not yet had the opportunity to come to a Leaders' Meeting, well, at least there will be beer."

Is Schroeder running for vice president of a fraternity or a teachers' union?

He says he's "not overly serious" about his beer and wine proposal.

What does that mean? Even if he's just slightly serious about it, I think it's bizarre.

Is it any wonder the Milwaukee schools are such a mess?