The Passing of Herb Kohl

December 29, 2023
Contact: Christina Brey, breyc@weac.og, 608.213.3497

The Passing of Herb Kohl

Former United States Senator Herb Kohl died on Wednesday, December 27, at the age of 88. Along with President Joe Biden, National Basketball Association commissioner Adam Silver and the Milwaukee Bucks’ players and coaches, WEAC’s leaders and members mourn his passing.

Kohl served 24 years in the U.S. Senate, from 1989 to 2013. Throughout that time, there was not a more reliable advocate in Congress for increased federal investment in public education, dropout prevention, school breakfast and lunch, dual enrollment programs, and many other programs that benefited public schools, students and educators. Through his Herb Kohl Educational Foundation, he donated countless millions to public schools and educators, and his annual Kohl Teacher Fellowship program is unsurpassed when it comes to recognizing and supporting teaching excellence and innovation in Wisconsin.

WEAC President Peggy Wirtz-Olsen said, “I am saddened to hear of the passing of Herb Kohl. Senator Kohl was a true champion for public schools, students and public education employees in his philanthropy and his work in the United States Senate. Everywhere I go, I encounter WEAC members who say his Kohl Fellowships were a lifeline at a time when they really needed one, and an affirmation of their hard work and talent that is sometimes hard to find elsewhere. He will be profoundly missed.”

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