Review Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 2/13/2024 - 5:30 PM
Category: ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Type: Action
Subject: 1. Action on a Request to Approve the Contracts for At-Risk Seats with Assata, Grandview, NOVA, and Shalom
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 Assata Redline Contract
Assata Appendices
Grandview Redline Contract
Grandview Appendices
NOVA Redline Contract
NOVA Appendices
Shalom Redline Contract
Shalom Appendices
File Attachment:
Assata Redline Contract.pdf
Assata Appendices.pdf
Grandview Redline Contract.pdf
Grandview Appendices.pdf
NOVA Redline Contract.pdf
NOVA Appendices.pdf
Shalom Redline Contract.pdf
Shalom Appendices.pdf
Background: Since 1986, in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes, Sec. 118.153, MPS has been offering alternative school options to students considered at-risk of not graduating high school.

Administration has determined that there is a continued educational programming need for schools that provide services for students that are at risk of not graduating that may not be addressed within a traditional school setting. It is necessary to contract with non-traditional schools and community-based agencies to ensure that the district offers a continuum of services that meets the changing needs of the families and students in the district.

In November and December 2023, the Partnership Review Team (Team) conducted a full-day review for each of the schools. Each review included a presentation by school representatives, classroom visits, and parent, staff, 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 a thorough review of the school application, data, presentation, and site visit, the Team has recommended a three-year renewal of the partnership school contracts with the following programs:

Assata High School, located at 3517 W. Courtland Avenue, established in 1992. The proposed contract is to serve up to a maximum of 120 FTE seats in grades 9 through 12. Assata’s educational component is designed to integrate historic contributions and experiences of African-Americans into the daily curriculum as a means to expand both subject and content knowledge needed to overcome credit deficiencies.

Grandview High School, located at 2745 S. 13th St., established in 1988. The proposed contract is to serve up to a maximum of 240 FTE seats in grades 9 through 12. Grandview’s mission is to help young adults become academically, emotionally, and socially prepared for productive participation in the 21st Century.

NOVA High School, located at 2320 W. Burleigh St., established in 1993. The proposed contract is to serve up to a maximum of 110 FTE seats in grades 9 through 12. NOVA’s mission is to graduate proficient, confident, and respectful young scholars with the educational and social skills necessary to compete in our ever-changing world.

Shalom High School, located at 1749 N. 16th St., established in 1986. The proposed contract is to serve up to a maximum of 100 FTE seats in grades 9 through 12. Shalom’s mission is to partner with students to re-envision their obstacles as stepping stones toward their future.

Representatives from the partnership schools, the Office of the City Attorney, and Administration collaborated to update the contract for students at-risk of not graduating from high school. The representatives agree with the contract 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 At-Risk schools is three years and may be renewed based on the outcome of the contract review, availability of funds, and needs of MPS.

Upon Board’s approval, the contracts will become effective beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and ending on the last regularly scheduled day of the 2026-2027 school year.
Recommendation: The Administration recommends that the Board approve the attached contracts for at-risk seats with Assata, Grandview, NOVA, and Shalom beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and ending with the last regularly scheduled day of the 2026-2027 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