Review Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 3/23/2023 - 5:30 PM
Category: Report of the Committee on Student Achievement and School Innovation
Type: Action
Subject: 4. Action on a Request to Approve an Agreement with Milwaukee Area Technical College for At-Risk Students
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 MATC Redline Agreement
File Attachment:
MATC Redline Agreement.pdf
Background: In accordance with Wisconsin State Statutes, Section 118.153(1)(b), Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) has partnered with Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) to serve students who are 16 years of age or older and at risk of not graduating from high school. This statute allows students to attend a technical college in lieu of attending high school and to participate in programs leading to high school graduation. MPS has partnered with MATC since 2000.

On March 24, 2022, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors approved a one-year agreement with MATC and authorized 45 full-time-equivalent pupils for the 2022-2023 school year. In February, 2023, a team met to review the data for MATC. The review also included a presentation by school representatives and staff, parent and student focus groups. The team was provided the opportunity to discuss the findings, to consider additional input from the school, and to provide feedback. Based on the review of data for the 2022-23 school year, the Administration recommends a one-year agreement renewal with MATC for the 2023-2024 school year.

Contingent upon the Milwaukee Board of School Directors’ approval, representatives from MATC, the Office of the City Attorney, and the MPS Administration have agreed to the following as indicated in the redline agreement that is attached to this item:

a. MATC will provide a program named the MATC Emerging Scholars Program to serve a maximum of 45 full-time-equivalent (FTE) pupils as set forth in the attached agreement;
b. MATC will serve at-risk students who are 16 years of age or older seeking high school diplomas through the credit-earning system;
c. MATC will serve students who are 17 years of age or older seeking high school equivalency diplomas;
d. In addition to high school courses to meet high school graduation requirements, MATC will provide dual enrollment opportunities for students to earn both high school and college credits in an occupational or technical course work;
e. students completing the program will receive an MPS diploma; and
f. technical revisions made throughout the agreement to reflect current practices.
Fiscal Impact Statement: MPS will be charged an hourly per-pupil rate for the 2023-2024 school year. This rate is charged to the local school district by the Wisconsin Technical College System as required by Wis. Stat. Sec. 118.15. MPS will be charged a tuition rate for students enrolled in dual credit opportunities in occupational or technical courses. Funding for the agreement will be included as part of the FY24 budget process.
Implementation and Assessment Plan Upon the Board's approval, the attached agreement will become effective for the 2023-2024 school year.
Recommendation: Your Committee recommends that the Board approve the attached agreement with Milwaukee Area Technical College for At-Risk Students, as defined in Wisconsin Statutes, Section 118.15, for the 2023-2024 school year.
Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Jacqueline M. Mann, Ph.D. - Board Clerk/Chief Officer