DPI sends a memo

Members of the Innovation and School Reform Committee last night were presented with a memo from DPI that contained some surprising information. In light of MPS now being a level three (up from level two) district in need of improvement, DPI has issued various new requirements. Some mentioned by the board members included extending instructional days by 30 days at one or two schools, mandatory summer school for all Title I SIFI schools, some kind of reading plan and various requirements in regards to teacher quality. Members discussed the possible impact this could have on the budget, using the example of how extended instruction would be more costly. Director Morales discussed the memo in terms of it being "developmentally inappropriate" for young children and "financially inappropriate" for taxpayers. The Administration talked about making the memo public by putting it up on the portal, which would be great to actually be able to read it. Hopefully, it will be available soon. The ISR Committee is planning a public hearing on these items for September 9 at 6:30 at Central Office.
Other action taken at the meeting was the approval of the contract for the Hmong American Peace Academy.
Also, remember if you are unable to give public testimony at the meeting tomorrow (August 14) if you want to tell Board members to keep cuts away from the classroom you can email them at: governance@mail.milwaukee.k12.us
or fax: 414-475-8071.