Agenda Item
Meeting Date:
2/13/2024 - 5:30 PM  
Category:
ITEMS OF BUSINESS  
Type:
Action  
Subject:
2. Action on a Request to Approve the Contracts for Behavioral Reassignment Seats with Banner Prep, Southeastern Education Center, and Lad Lake Synergy for the 2024-2025 School Year  
Strategic Plan Compatibility Statement:
Goal 1
Academic Achievement
Goal 2
Student, Family and Community Engagement
Goal 3
Effective and Efficient Operations
 
Policy:
Admin Policy 3.06 - Fiscal Accounting and Reporting  
Attachments:
Banner Prep Redline Contract
Lad Lake Synergy Redline Contract
Southeastern Redline Contract
 
File Attachment:
Banner Prep Redline Contract.pdf
Southeastern Redline Contract.pdf
Lad Lake Redline Contract.pdf
 
Background:
Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) provides a continuum of services, including placements for students who have significant emotional, behavioral, and social needs. The behavioral reassignment (BR) schools were created to serve students who have been expelled with services or reassigned through a Central Office hearing process and have received a placement in a BR school for a specified period of time.

In March 2023, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors approved one-year contracts for educational services with the following BR schools:

Banner Prep is located at 3517A W. Courtland Avenue. The current contract specifies that Banner Prep will serve 125 BR seats in grades 9-12. Banner Prep’s mission is to provide an alternative small-school setting for students when academic and/or behavioral issues have become major barriers to their success in school.

Southeastern Education Center (Southeastern) is located at 4200 N. Holton Street. The current contract specifies services for 85 BR seats in grades 6 through 8. Southeastern’s mission is to provide students with a safe and secure environment within which they can strengthen their academic skills, develop effective work/school habits, and improve interpersonal relationships.

Lad Lake Synergy (Synergy) is located at 2820 W. Grant Street. The current contract specifies services for 110 BR seats in grades 6 through 12. Synergy’s mission is to guide growth of youth and families so they can reach their fullest potential.

MPS continues to have a need to partner with community-based agencies to serve students that have been reassigned for a designated period of time due to violations of the MPS code of conduct.

In January 2024, a team met to review the data for each of the schools. Each review was conducted at the school location and included a review of data and the implementation of the school’s identified goals with school representatives, classroom visits and student focus groups. The team was provided the opportunity to discuss the findings, to consider additional input from schools, and to provide feedback.

Based on the review of data, the outcome of the review process, and the district’s needs, the Administration recommends one-year contract renewals with Banner Prep, Southeastern, and Synergy for BR seats for the 2024-2025 school year.

The proposed recommendation is for Banner Prep to serve 125 BR seats in grades 9 through 12, Southeastern to serve 85 BR seats in grades 6 through 8, and Synergy to serve 110 BR seats in grades 6 through 12.

Representatives from the partnership schools, the Office of the City Attorney, and Administration collaborated to update the contract for BR seats. The representatives agree with the contracts' modifications for the Board’s approval, as outlined in the attachments to this item.
 
Fiscal Impact Statement:
School allocations are approved annually by the Milwaukee Board of School Directors as part of the budget process.  
Implementation and Assessment Plan:
The contract term for behavioral reassignment schools is one year and may be renewed for subsequent years, based on the outcome of the contract review, availability of funds, and district needs.

Upon the Board’s approval, the contracts will become effective for the 2024-25 school year.
 
Recommendation
The Administration recommends that the Board approve the attached contracts for behavioral reassignment seats with Banner Prep, Southeastern Education Center, and Lad Lake Synergy for the 2024-2025 school year.  
Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Lisa Haar - Partnership School Supervisor II
Signed By:  
Bridget Schock - Director I
Signed By:  
Michele Wilborn - Budget Analyst
Signed By:  
Katrice Cotton, Ed.D. - Chief School Administration Officer
Signed By:  
Keith Posley, Ed.D. - Superintendent