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June 5][2014
Board of School DirectorsMilwaukee, WisconsinJune 5, 2014
Special meeting of the Board of School Directors called to order by President Bonds at 6:00 PM.
Present—Directors Falk, Holman, Joseph, Miller, Spence (6:05 PM), Zautke, and President Bonds—7.
Absent and excused—Directors Sain and Woodward—2.
The Board Clerk read the following call of the meeting:
Friday, May 30, 2014
Office of Board Governance
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS:
At the request of President Michael Bonds, a special meeting of the Board of School Directors will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2014, in The Auditorium of the Central Services Building, 5225 West Vliet Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the purpose of determining how the Board wishes to proceed with temporarily filling the vacancy to be created by the resignation of the current Superintendent, to be effective July 1, 2014.
The Board may retire to executive session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes, Section 19.85(1)(c), which allows a governmental body to retire to executive session for the purpose of considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility.
The Board may reconvene in open session to take action on matters considered in executive session. Otherwise, the Board will adjourn from executive session.
LYNNE A. SOBCZAK
Board Clerk
Director Holman moved that the Board retire to executive session,pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes, Section 19.85(1)(c),for the purpose of determining how the Board wishes to proceed with temporarily filling the vacancy to be created by the resignation of the current Superintendent, to be effective July 1, 2014.
The motion prevailed, the vote being as follows:
Ayes—Directors Falk, Holman, Joseph, Miller, Spence, Zautke and President Bonds—7.
Noes—None.
The Board retired to executive session at 6:06 PM.
The Board reconvened in open session at 6:18 PM.
Director Spence moved to approve the employment agreement with Dr. Darienne Driver for the Acting Superintendent position commencing on July 1, 2014.
The motion prevailed, the vote being as follows:
Ayes—Directors Falk, Holman, Joseph, Miller, Spence, Zautke and President Bonds—7.
Noes—None.
The Board adjourned at 6:19 PM.
LYNNE A. SOBCZAK
Board Clerk
June 19]1[2014
Board of School DirectorsMilwaukee, WisconsinJune 19, 2014
Regular meeting of the Board of School Directors called to order by President Bonds at 6:35 PM.
Present—Directors Falk, Holman, Joseph, Miller, Sain, Spence, Woodward, Zautke, and President Bonds—9.
Absent—None.
Awards and Commendations
Excellence in Education Award
Each month, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors recognizes an outstanding school, student, staff member, parent, or community member for a display of excellence, achievement, and innovation that may serve as an example to our school district and the entire Milwaukee community.This month, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors is pleased to present the “Excellence in Education Award” to:
Dr. Tony Evers, State Superintendent,
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Dr. Tony Evers began his career in 1976 as an educator in Tomah and has served Wisconsin students, parents, and citizens as an education leader at every level— teacher, principal, school district administrator, CESA administrator, and deputy state superintendent— before his election to the state’s highest educational post. He was elected Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction in April 2009 and re-elected in 2013.
Dr. Evers is dedicated to advancing public education in Wisconsin and has steadfastly worked to transform Wisconsin’s education system in order to realize his vision of “Every Child a Graduate, College-and Career-Ready.”
Dr. Evers has made lasting investments and reforms that will shape Wisconsin’s educational landscape for years to come, including:
•adopting new rigorous academic state standards in English language arts and mathematics that are aligned to college and workforce expectations;
•implementing reforms in the Milwaukee Public Schools to turn around struggling schools and improve student performance;
•creating a fair and robust educator-evaluation system as well as a new school-accountability process;
•piloting innovative personalized learning efforts that keep the student at the center;
•reinvigorating career and technical education and expanding dual-enrollment opportunities;
•investing in innovation that makes sense, including charter schools and changes to educator preparation and teacher licensing that provide more flexibility to school districts to hire highly qualified educators; and
•authoring a sweeping new school finance reform plan, Fair Funding for Our Future, to secure fair, sustainable, and transparent funding for Wisconsin schools.
Dr. Evers continues to be a valued partner to Milwaukee Public Schools.
The Milwaukee Board of School Directors recognize and honor Dr. Tony Evers for dedication, outstanding leadership, and commitment to excellence on behalf of the students of the Milwaukee Public Schools.
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Approval of Minutes
Due to the early date of the Board’s regular meeting of June 2014, the minutes of the Board’s special and regular meetings of May 2014, which were under development at the time of the Board’s meeting, will be submitted for the Board’s approval at its regular meeting in July 2014.
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Communications from the Superintendent
(Item A)Action on a Request for a Closed Session to Discuss Strategies Regarding the Potential Sale or Lease of the Properties Located at 2760 N. First Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (former Malcolm X)
Background
The Administration requests a closed session for the purpose of considering a negotiating strategy for the possible lease or sale of public properties located at 2760 N. First Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (former Malcolm X).
This request is made pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes, Section 19.85(1)(e), which allows a governing body to go into closed session for the purpose of deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session.
The Board may reconvene in open session to take action on matters considered in executive session and/or to continue with the remainder of its agenda; otherwise, the Board will adjourn from executive session.
Recommendation
The Administration recommends that the Board retire to closed session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes, Section 19.85(1)(e), for the purpose of discussing strategies regarding the potential sale or lease of district properties located at 2760 N. First Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (former Malcolm X).
Consideration of this item was postponed to the end of the meeting by consensus.
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(Item B)Action on a Request for Mutual Termination of the Non-Instrumentality Charter Contract for Milwaukee Excel High School and Closure of the School at the end of the 2013-2014 School Year
Background
The Milwaukee Board of School Directors voted on March 31, 2011, to approve a five-year contract with Wisconsin Community Services for Milwaukee Excel Charter School, to begin on the first regularly scheduled day of the 2011-2012 school year.
Milwaukee Excel High School is located at 4610 West State Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53208. The remainder of the current contract is for up to a maximum count of 125 full-time-equivalent students (FTEs) in grades 9 through 12 for the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 school year.
On June 10, 2014, the Office of Contracted School Services (CSS) received written notification from Milwaukee Excel High School’s representatives requesting mutual termination of the non-instrumentality charter contract, to be effective at the conclusion of the 2013-2014 school year. The notification stated that the charter school is experiencing challenges relating to attracting and retaining highly qualified staff. As a result, the charter school will not have the staffing resources to provide a high-quality educational program for students.
The Charter School Contract between the Milwaukee Board of School Directors and Milwaukee Excel High School states in Section III.C, Termination, that the contract may be terminated before expiration of its term if both parties agree in writing to the termination.
Fiscal Impact Statement
This item does not authorize expenditures.
Implementation and Assessment Plan
Upon the Board’s approval, the Milwaukee Excel High School’s non-instrumentality charter contract will expire on the last regularly scheduled day of the 2013-2014 school year.
The Offices of Contracted School Services and Family Services will work with families to ensure appropriate placement of students in other MPS schools for the Fall of 2014.
Recommendation
The Administration recommends that the Board approve the request for mutual termination of the non-instrumentality charter school contract with Milwaukee Excel High School and closure of the school at the end of the last regularly scheduled day of the 2013-2014 school year.
Director Holman moved to approve the administration’s recommendation.
The motion prevailed, the vote being as follows:
Ayes—Directors Falk, Holman, Joseph, Miller, Sain, Spence, Woodward, Zautke and President Bonds—9.
Noes—None.
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Communications from the Board Clerk
(Item A)Action on a Request for a Contingency Fund Transfer in the Amount of $250,000 for the Purpose of Conducting a Search for a New Superintendent
Background
1.A request is being made for $250,000 to be transferred from the FY14 Contingent Fund to the Office of Board Governance to allow the Board to initiate a search for a new Superintendent.
2.The Contingent Fund is set aside annually to provide money for unanticipated but necessary expenses. Appropriate uses for the Contingent Fund are primarily one-time expenses.
3.Board Rule 1.14(4), Voting Methods, dictates that a “recorded affirmative vote of two-thirds of Board members present shall be necessary for the earmarking of an amount in, or the transfer of money from, the contingent fund.”
4.This item is in accordance with Administrative Policy 3.04(7), Fund Transfer Authority— Contingent Fund.
5.As the search for a new superintendent will extend into the 2015 fiscal year, it is also being requested that the Board authorize the Administration to carry forward any unexpended FY14 funds approved for the superintendent search into FY15.
Fiscal Impact Statement
6.This item authorizes the transfer of $250,000 from account SCF-0-A-CTG-DW-ECTG0000 (School Operations— Contingent Fund) to SCF-0-A-CTG-OB-ECTS0000 (Superintendent Search— Contracted Services).
Implementation and Assessment Plan
7.Upon the Board’s approval, $250,000 will be transferred to the Office of Board Governance for the purpose of conducting a superintendent search.
Recommendation
That the Board:
1.approve the transfer of $250,000 from account SCF-0-A-CTG-DW-ECTG0000 (School Operations— Contingent Fund) to SCF-0-A-CTG-OB-ECTS0000 (Superintendent Search— Contracted Services) to fund the cost of conducting a superintendent search; and
2.authorize the Administration to carry forward any unexpended FY14 funds approved for the superintendent search into FY15.
Director Spence moved to approve the Board Clerk’s recommendations.
The motion prevailed, the vote being as follows:
Ayes—Directors Falk, Holman, Joseph, Miller, Sain, Spence, Woodward, Zautke and President Bonds—9.
Noes—None.
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(Item B)Update and Possible Action on a Recommendation of a Firm to Assist the Office of Board Governance in the Search for a New Superintendent of Schools
Background
In response to the current Superintendent’s announcement of his resignation, to be effective as of July 1, 2014, and after a review of several firms that offer such services, the Board Clerk/Director, Office of Board Governance, will present to the Board an update and possibly a recommendation regarding the hiring of a firm to assist in the search for a new superintendent.
The Board may wish to retire to executive session— pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes, Section 19.85(1)(e) which allows a governing body to go into closed session for the purpose of deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session— in order to formulate a strategy in regard to the negotiation of a contract with the recommended firm.
The Board may reconvene in open session to take action on matters considered in executive session and/or to continue with the remainder of its agenda; otherwise, it will adjourn from executive session.
Fiscal Impact Statement
This item does not have any fiscal impact.
Implementation and Assessment Plan
Should the Board direct such, the Office of Board Governance would proceed to negotiate a contract with the prospective firm. The Office of Board Governance would then bring the negotiated contract back to the Board for its approval.
Recommendation
That the Board determine how it wishes to proceed with this item.
Consideration of this item was postponed to the end of the meeting by consensus.
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Reports of the Independent Hearing Officers of the Milwaukee Board of School Directors
The Board Clerk presented 35 expulsion orders from the Independent Hearing Officers of the Milwaukee Board of School Directors.
Director Holman moved to accept the reports of the Independent Hearing Officers of May 23, 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2014, and June 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, 2014.
The motion to accept the reports prevailed, the vote being as follows:
Ayes—Directors Falk, Holman, Joseph, Miller, Sain, Spence, Zautke, and President Bonds—8.
Noes—Director Woodward—1.
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Reports of Standing Committees
Separate consideration was requested of the following items:
Student Achievement and School Innovation Committee, Item 1, Resolution 1415R-003 by Directors Joseph and Miller to Establish the Equivalent of a Region That Promotes Bilingualism;
Student Achievement and School Innovation Committee, Item 2, Action on a Request to Approve the Non-Instrumentality Charter School Contract with TranscenterFor Youth, Inc., for NOVA Tech Charter School;
Student Achievement and School Innovation Committee, Item 7, Action on Persistently Low-Performing Schools Report;
Accountability, Finance and Personnel Committee, Item 2, Action on Appointments and Reassignments of Principals and Assistant Principals and on Recommended Administrative Appointments, Promotions and Limited-Term Employment (LTE) Contracts Exceeding Sixty Days;
Accountability, Finance and Personnel Committee, Item 5, Action on the Award of Professional Services Contracts, Including Authorization to Waive a Portion of Administrative Policy 3.09;
Accountability, Finance and Personnel Committee, Item 10, Action on Non-Renewal Process for Teachers;
Accountability, Finance and Personnel Committee, Item 11, Report and Possible Action on a Request for a Closed Session to Discuss Strategies Regarding the Potential Sale or Lease of Properties Located at 921 West Meinecke Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and 5575 N. 76th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and
Accountability, Finance and Personnel Committee, Item 12, Report and Possible Action on a Request for a Closed Session for the Purpose of Considering Collective Bargaining Negotiations Strategy with Respect to Wages.
By consensus, consideration of Items 11 and 12 of the Accountability, Finance and Personnel Committee was postponed until the end of the meeting.
On the motion of Director Spence, the balance of the Reports of the Standing Committees was approved, the vote being as follows:
Ayes—Directors Falk, Holman, Joseph, Miller, Sain, Spence, Woodward, Zautke and President Bonds—9.
Noes—None.
Committee on Parent and Community Engagement
Director Zautke presented the following report for the Committee on Parent and Community Engagement:
TO THE BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS:
Your Committee on Parent and Community Engagement presents the following report:
(Item 1)Report and Possible Action on Services Provided to Students with Disabilities in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
Background
Your Committee reports having received the monthly reporton services provided to students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment (LRE) from the Administration.Although this item has been noticed for possible action, no action is required.
Fiscal Impact Statement
No fiscal impact.
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(Item 2)Report and Possible Action on Parental Dispute Resolution System (PDRS) - Special Education Data
Background
Your Committee reports having received the monthly report on the Parental Dispute Resolution System (PDRS) from the Administration.Although this item has been noticed for possible action, no action is required.
Fiscal Impact Statement
No fiscal impact.
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(Item 3)Report and Possible Action on District Parental Engagement Activities
Background
Your Committee reports having received the monthly report on the district’s parental engagement activities from the Administration.Although this item has been noticed for possible action, no action is required.
Fiscal Impact Statement
No fiscal impact.
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Committee on Student Achievement and School Innovation
Director Miller presented the following report for the Committee on Student Achievement and School Innovation:
TO THE BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS:
Your Committee on Student Achievement and School Innovation presents the following report:
(Item 1)Action on Resolution 1415R-003 by Directors Joseph and Miller to Establish the Equivalent of a Region That Promotes Bilingualism
Background
At its meeting on April 24, 2014, the Board referred Resolution 1415R-003 by Directors Joseph and Miller to the Committee on Student Achievement and School Innovation(SASI):
WHEREAS, The Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is experiencing a growing enrollment of students whose first language is not English, with these studentsnow approximating one third of the district’s enrollment, and there is substantial evidence that this trend will continue; and
WHEREAS, This reality provides both a challenge and an opportunity for all students and adults in MPS and the Milwaukee community, as we are becoming more language-diverse and multicultural in a world in which this is the norm; and
WHEREAS, The great majority of this demographic growth in MPS is among Latino students, while the Latino community is also the largest ethnic minority group in the United States and is becoming one of the largest such groups in Wisconsin; and
WHEREAS, Most research and social experts agree that, in addition to English, Spanish is and will continue to be a primary language in this country, and its use and influence are a major force in the world; and
WHEREAS, It is socially, culturally, and economically necessary that public education promotes the learning of English while equally embracing the development of Spanish and supporting the learning of other languages, when appropriate; and
WHEREAS, AS students must also be well prepared for effective participation in societies and economies connected to each other by global imperatives, governments and public school districts must find ways to invest in education and future generations; and