Review Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 2/29/2024 - 5:30 PM
Category: Reports and Communications from the Superintendent of Schools
Type: Info
Subject: 2. Update on and Possible Action on the Implementation of School Resource Officers (SROs) as a Result of ACT 12
Strategic Plan Compatibility Statement:
Goal 1
Academic Achievement
Goal 2
Student, Family and Community Engagement
Goal 3
Effective and Efficient Operations
Policy: Admin Policy 9.04 - Community Involvement in Decision Making
Attachments
File Attachment:
Background: On June 20, 2023, the State of Wisconsin passed Act 12 which reads, “Beginning January 1, 2024, the school board of the 1st class city school district that is located in the 1st class city shall ensure that not fewer than 25 school resource officers are present at schools within the school district during normal school hours and that school resource officers are available during before-school and after-school care, extracurricular activities, and sporting events as needed.”

In response, Milwaukee Public Schools has been in discussion with stakeholders, including student groups, the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association (MTEA), the Administrators and Supervisors Council (ASC), district staff, community members, and the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD). The goal has been to develop a plan, in partnership with MPD, that redefines the previous role of the school resource officer in MPS. 

In addition to working with local stakeholders, MPS conducted site visits at public schools in Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; Fulton County, GA; and Bibb County, GA. During these visits, district representatives observed school resource officer programs that implement a variety of practices focused on improving relationships between schools, law enforcement, youth, and the greater community. 

To date, no financial agreement has been reached between the parties responsible for implementing Act 12. The Administration will update on its progress toward the implementation of Act 12.
Fiscal Impact Statement: N/A
Implementation and Assessment Plan N/A
Recommendation: N/A
Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Paulette Chambers - Chief of Staff
Signed By:
Keith Posley, Ed.D. - Superintendent