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Meeting Date:
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1/14/2021 - 5:30 PM
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Category:
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ITEMS OF BUSINESS
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Type:
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Action
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Subject:
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1. Action on a Recommendation for Renewal of the Instrumentality Charter School Contract with Whittier Elementary School
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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. Whittier Renewal Application
2. Whittier Performance Summary
3. Whittier Team Recommendation
4. Whittier Contract
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File Attachment:
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Background:
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Whittier Elementary School was established as an instrumentality charter school beginning with the 2001-2002 school year. Whittier is located at 4382 S. 3rd Street. The current contract is for up to a maximum of 225 full-time-equivalent (FTE) pupils in grades K4 through 5. Whittier has received a five-year instrumentality charter school renewal in each of their previous renewal cycles.
Whittier’s mission is to provide a safe, caring learning environment in which staff, students, parents, and community relationships merge to foster high academic achievement for students. Whittier works to take a child where he/she is functioning and move the child forward through enrichment, remediation, and acceleration opportunities so that each child will be challenged to achieve academic success.
In July 2020, the Department of Contracted School Services initiated the Charter School Contract Review Process. On August 3, 2020, representatives from Whittier submitted the Charter Letter of Intent and, on August 3, 2020, Whittier submitted its Charter Renewal Application to seek renewal of its charter school contract with the Milwaukee Board of School Directors.
On November 17, 2020, the Charter School Contract Review Team (Team) conducted a virtual, full-day, site visit at Whittier. 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 any additional responses and information provided by the school. The Team also heard testimony of parents and students, and participated in virtual classroom observations.
Based on a thorough review of the school's application and data, school presentation, and site visit, the Charter School Contract Review Team has recommended a five-year renewal of the instrumentality charter school contract with Whittier. The recommendation was based on the school consistently meeting the educational, organizational, and financial goals. 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. School allocations are approved annually by the Milwaukee Board of School Directors as part of the Superintendent's proposed budget. Pending contract approval, the funds for the 2021-2022 charter school contract will be authorized as a part of the FY22 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, in consultation with the Board’s designee and the Office of the City Attorney, and representatives of Whittier in anticipation of developing a renewed charter contract to be presented to the Board.
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Recommendation:
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The Administration recommends that the Board:
1. approve the renewal of a five-year instrumentality charter school contract with Whittier Elementary School; 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 Whittier and to draft a renewed instrumentality charter school contract to begin with the start of 2021-2022 school year and to end with the last regularly scheduled day of the 2025-2026 school year.
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Approvals:
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Recommended By:
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Signed By:
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Bridget Schock - Partnership School Supervisor I
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Signed By:
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Lynn Ruhl - Director of Financial Planning and Budget
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Signed By:
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Marla Bronaugh - Chief Communications and School Performance Officer
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Signed By:
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Keith Posley, Ed.D. - Superintendent
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