Review Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 3/14/2019 - 6:30 PM
Category: ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Type: Action
Subject: 2. Action on a Request to Approve the Contracts for Behavioral Reassignment and At-Risk Seats with Banner Prep, Southeastern Education Center, and Lad Lake Synergy for the 2019-2020 School Year
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 1. Banner Prep Redline Contract
2. Southeastern Redline Contract
3. Lad Lake Synergy Redline Contract
File Attachment:
Banner Prep Redline Contract.pdf
Southeastern Redline Contract.pdf
Lad Lake Synergy Redline Contract.pdf
Background: Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) provides a continuum of services, including placements for students who have significant emotional, behavioral, and social needs. The behavioral reassignment (BR) schools were created to serve students who have been expelled through a Central Office hearing process and have received a placement in BR schools for specified periods of time.

In June 2018, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors approved one-year contracts for educational services with the following BR schools:

Banner Prep, currently located at 3517 W. Courtland Ave. The current contract specifies that Banner Prep will serve 115 BR seats and an additional 10 special education comprehensive behavioral seats in grades 9 through 12, for a total of 125 seats. The mission of Banner Prep is to provide an alternative small-school setting for secondary-level students when academic and/or behavioral issues have become major barriers in their success in school.

Southeastern Education Center, located at 4200 N. Holton Street. The current contract specifies services for 85 BR seats in grades 6 through 8. The mission of Southeastern is to provide students with a safe and secure environment within which they can strengthen their academic skills, develop effective work/school habits, and improve interpersonal relationships.

Lad Lake Synergy, located at 2820 W. Grant Street. The current contract specifies services for 90 BR seats in grades 6 through 12 and 20 at-risk seats in grades 9 through 12, for a total of 110 seats. The mission of Synergy is to guide growth, to reach potential, and to live responsibly.

MPS continues to have a need to partner with community-based agencies to serve students that have been reassigned for a designated period of time due to violations of the MPS code of conduct.

In March 2019, a team met to review the data for each of the BR schools. The review included a presentation by school representatives and student and staff focus groups. The team was provided the opportunity to discuss the findings, to consider additional input from schools, and to provide feedback.

Based on the review of data, the outcome of the review process, and the needs of the district, Administration recommends one-year contract renewals with Banner Prep, Southeastern Education Center, and Lad Lake Synergy for behavioral reassignment seats and at-risk seats for the 2019-2020 school year.

The proposed recommendation is for Banner Prep to serve 125 BR seats in grades 9 through 12, Southeastern to serve 85 BR seats in grades 6 through 8, and Lad Lake Synergy to serve 90 BR seats in grades 6 through 12 and 20 at-risk seats in grades 9 through 12, for a total of 110 seats.

Representatives from the partnership schools, the Office of the City Attorney, and Administration collaborated to update the contract for BR and at-risk seats. The representatives agree with the contract modifications for the Board’s approval as outlined in the attachment to this item.
Fiscal Impact Statement: School allocations are approved annually by the Milwaukee Board of School Directors as part of the FY20 budget process.
Implementation and Assessment Plan The contract term for behavioral reassignment schools is one year and may be renewed for subsequent years, based on the outcome of the contract review, availability of funds, and the needs of MPS.

Upon the Board’s approval, the contracts will become effective for the 2019-20 school year.
Recommendation: The Administration recommends that the Board approve the attached contracts for behavioral reassignment and at-risk seats with Banner Prep, Southeastern Education Center, and Lad Lake Synergy for the 2019-2020 school year.
Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Bridget Schock - Partnership School Supervisor I
Signed By:
Lynn Ruhl - Director of Financial Planning and Budget
Signed By:
Marla Bronaugh - Chief Communications and School Performance Officer
Signed By:
Keith Posley, Ed.D. - Superintendent