Targeting failing schools: Controversy swirls around what is best for students, what change will look like

MILWAUKEE -- One Milwaukee Public School is getting closer to being overseen by a commissioner, after a law passed last summer that targets failing schools. Now, stakeholders have many questions and many positions.

The tension started Monday night, May 9th at an advisory council meeting for the Opportunity Schools Partnership Program (OSPP).

Differing viewpoints spilled over into Tuesday -- when the president of the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association announced he is resigning from the advisory council.

"A council that is designed to rubber stamp policies that serve an unjust law that will hurt the children and families of Milwaukee Public Schools," said Kim Schroeder.

This all stems from a law passed last summer that created the OSPP which involves a commissioner who will oversee some failing MPS schools.

Chris Abele

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will oversee the program. He appointed Dr. Demond Means as commissioner.

Abele sent out a news release on Tuesday saying he wants to work with MPS and not take any schools or money from it. If MPS refuses, then the failing school or schools would be taken from the district, along with millions of dollars.

"I think that to be fair, if someone was to say partner with us or else -- it kind of makes the word 'partner' a little bit suspicious," said Dr. Darienne Driver, MPS Superintendent.

Dr. Darienne Driver

According to Abele, the OSPP plan will utilize a community schools model that focuses on academic achievement as well as a wrap-around concept for family needs.

But Driver says more details are needed.

"Face value still leaves us with more questions than answers," Driver said.

The school board is in special session to discuss the OSPP plan. The board has until June 23rd to decide whether it is on board with the plan.