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Meeting Date:
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1/27/2022 - 5:30 PM
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Category:
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Report of the Committee on Student Achievement and School Innovation
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Type:
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Action
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Subject:
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2. Action on a Recommendation for Renewal of the Non-Instrumentality Charter School Contract with Milwaukee Teacher Education Center, Inc. for Milwaukee Environmental Sciences Academy (MESA)
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Strategic Plan Compatibility Statement:
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Goal 1 Academic Achievement Goal 2 Student, Family and Community Engagement Goal 3 Effective and Efficient Operations
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Attachments
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1. MESA Application for Renewal
2. MESA Performance Summary
3. MESA Recommendation
4. MESA Contract
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File Attachment:
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Background:
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Milwaukee Environmental Sciences Academy (MESA) was established as a non-instrumentality charter school beginning with the 2013-2014 school year. The current contract is for up to a maximum of 500 full-time-equivalent (FTE) pupils in grades K4 through 8. MESA is located at 6600 West Melvina Street.
MESA is dedicated to the intellectual, physical, social and emotional growth of all students with an emphasis placed on engaging students in thinking, problem solving, and decision-making allowing students to function in a global society. The goal of MESA is to provide instruction to students through the implementation of expeditionary learning.
In July 2021, the Department of Contracted School Services initiated the Charter School Contract Review Process. On August 16, 2021, representatives from MESA submitted the Charter Renewal Intent Cover Sheet and, on August 24, 2021, MESA submitted its Charter Renewal Application to seek renewal of its charter school contract.
On November 16, 2021, the Charter School Contract Review Team (Team) conducted a full-day site visit at MESA. The Team examined the school’s academic, financial and organizational performance and met with school representatives to discuss the data relative to contract compliance and renewal. The Team reviewed additional responses and information provided by the school. The Team also heard testimony of parents, students and staff, and participated in classroom observations.
Based on a thorough review of the evidence provided, the Charter School Review Team recommends a three-year renewal of the non-instrumentality charter school contract with MESA. This recommendation is based on MESA’s commitment to implementing the feedback from its previous contract renewal, the purposeful social emotional support for students and staff, a focus on data analysis, and the implementation of continuous improvement. The Superintendent has reviewed the performance summary and concurs with the recommendation for contract renewal.
The charter school renewal application, performance summary data, and Team's recommendation reviewed by the Superintendent are attached to this item.
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Fiscal Impact Statement:
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Adoption of this item alone does not authorize expenditures. Pending contract approval, the funds for the 2022-2023 charter school contract will be authorized as a part of the FY23 budget process.
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Implementation and Assessment Plan
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Upon the Board’s approval, negotiations will begin between the Superintendent’s designee and representatives of Milwaukee Teacher Education Center, Inc. and MESA in consultation with the Board’s designee and the Office of the City Attorney in anticipation of developing a renewed charter contract to be presented to the Board.
The Administration recommends that the Board:
1. approve the renewal of a three-year non-instrumentality charter school contract with Milwaukee Teacher Education Center, Inc. for Milwaukee Environmental Sciences Academy (MESA); and
2. authorize the Superintendent’s designee, in consultation with the Board's designee and the Office of the City Attorney, to enter into negotiations with representatives of Milwaukee Environmental Sciences Academy (MESA) and to draft a renewed non-instrumentality charter school contract to begin with the start of 2022-2023 school year and to end with the last regularly scheduled day of the 2024-2025 school year.
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Recommendation:
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Your Committee recommends approval of the Administration's recommendation.
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Approvals:
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Recommended By:
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Signed By:
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Jacqueline M. Mann, Ph.D. - Board Clerk/Chief Officer
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