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Meeting Date:
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1/30/2020 - 6:30 PM
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Category:
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Report of the Committee on Student Achievement and School Innovation
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Type:
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Action
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Subject:
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2. Action on a Recommendation for Renewal of the Non-Instrumentality Charter School Contract with Milwaukee Teacher Education Center, Inc. for Milwaukee Environmental Sciences Academy (MESA)
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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. MESA Renewal Application
2. MESA Performance Summary
3. MESA Review Team Recommendation
4. MESA Contract
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File Attachment:
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Background:
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Milwaukee Environmental Sciences Academy (MESA) was established as a non-instrumentality charter school beginning with the 2013-2014 school year. The current contract is for up to a maximum of 500 full-time-equivalent (FTE) pupils in grades K4 through 8. MESA is located at 6600 West Melvina Street. MESA received a two-year non-instrumentality charter school renewal after its last renewal cycle.
MESA is dedicated to the intellectual, physical, social and emotional growth of all students with an emphasis placed on engaging students in thinking, problem solving, and decision-making allowing students to function in a global society. The goal of MESA is to provide instruction to students through the implementation of expeditionary learning.
In August 2019, the Charter School Contract Review Process was initiated by the Department of Contracted School Services. On August 15, 2019, representatives from MESA submitted the Charter Renewal Intent Cover Sheet and Charter Renewal Application to seek renewal of the charter school contract.
On November 14, 2019, the Charter School Contract Review Team (Team) conducted a full-day site visit at MESA. The Team examined the school’s performance and met with school representatives to discuss the data relative to contract compliance and renewal. The Team also reviewed any additional responses and information provided by the school as well as student and parent focus groups. In addition, the Team conducted classroom observations.
Based on a thorough review of the school application and data, school presentation, and site visit, the Charter School Contract Review Team has recommended a three-year renewal of the non-instrumentality charter school contract with MESA. The recommendation was based on the school making progress towards meeting the educational goals, its focus on expeditionary learning, and consistently meeting the organizational and financial performance measures outlined in the contract. 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 Team and 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 2020-21 charter school contract will be authorized as a part of the FY21 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 and representatives of Milwaukee Teacher Education Center, Inc. and MESA in consultation with the Board’s designee and the Office of the City Attorney in anticipation of developing a renewed charter contract to be presented to the Board.
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Recommendation:
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Your Committee recommends approval of a two-year contract renewal with MESA.
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Approvals:
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Recommended By:
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Signed By:
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Jacqueline M. Mann, Ph.D. - Board Clerk/Chief Officer
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