Board adopts resolution to expand alternative‑education access, including bilingual students

The Milwaukee Board of School Directors voted to adopt Resolution 2526R‑005, a measure aimed at improving access and removing administrative barriers to alternative education pathways.

Director Benoit, the resolution sponsor, said the proposal grew from concerns raised by social workers, counselors and alternative‑education staff that eligible students were not getting timely access to programs. "This resolution came to me from some social workers, counselors and alternative‑education staff in our schools who were concerned that our students were not getting access to the programs quickly and efficiently," Benoit said.

Administration representatives described redlines and policy language that expand access, add flexibility for testing at home schools, and explicitly include bilingual students. The Office of Community Aid and program staff worked with Director Benoit to clarify who would administer assessments and how enrollment would be streamlined into available seats at alternative program sites.

Speakers during public comment supported the resolution. Jared Duris (read by a representative) and bilingual social worker Courtney Chavez urged removing "roadblocks" that delay student testing and enrollment; Chavez said testing at home schools would "result in more graduates and less dropouts." Former alt‑ed teachers and restorative‑practices staff described program benefits and the need to keep services in students’ home schools when possible.

Director Vannoy moved to approve the resolution as amended; Director Ferguson seconded. The board approved the resolution on roll call with eight ayes. Administration said policy revisions would return to the board in May and be aligned with upcoming NEOLA policy templates in July.

The resolution will be followed by a proposed policy update that administration will bring back to the board with specific implementation steps and timelines.