[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6228269,"mediaKeyId","3476573-1f0754b36e76cf29a8973d81b506323c","parentId",3476573,"title","MMSD board reviews umbrella promotion policy to meet Act 20 deadline, schedules vote for June","audioSeconds",579,"startMs",121000,"endMs",700000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3476573-1f0754b36e76cf29a8973d81b506323c&start=121&end=700","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3476573-1f0754b36e76cf29a8973d81b506323c/thumbnail_121000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6228269/Wisconsin/MMSD-board-reviews-umbrella-promotion-policy-to-meet-Act-20-deadline-schedules-vote-for-June","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228269-afa6369db7e824264267143141c4aa6e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434788&Signature=nJ~NRg31lyBJJgpmA-Cb8jzpS6GcQpe3IBbGKzNbPlp9DvbsfE5Asn66mZE3-n5KR3KqdAVdvwIQ~8xQt49vwF-Vse5kvD0okzIBw9BJUyT9OZ2a0T9qGGIPADkZqxco3y1HL8aaru1JtNZAncD1jAjDjkRnVRrbnAnTTarM6SXdaQH~rRiq6NPpBVDu8r1X40URIwbZo2AvrVRosZYxFOlga5zt5zcjUJvYbWn0h63OVGMwFePS0YFf~wNiX91seqH85I7alenWaQuCrq1sueOgCGRemUfHXY9yXFyppWdWxoDUMi2QRHcd3vCDFp5AhrJv0UPzSl-Be57KIfO1Nw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Madison Metropolitan School District, WI","date","2025-05-24T00:03:00.417Z","article","Madison Metropolitan School District staff presented a consolidated promotion policy (35.37) during a May 22 special Board of Education workshop, saying the district must adopt a third‑to‑fourth grade promotion policy under Wisconsin’s Act 20 (\"Wisconsin Reads\") by July 1, 2025 and is using that deadline as an opportunity to combine several promotion-related policies into one umbrella policy.

District instructional lead Cindy (staff member) told the board, \"the first policy that we are bringing forth to the Board of Education for review and eventual approval is our policy related to promotion,\" and described changes meant to streamline promotion criteria across transition grades, update alignment to state assessments and make language gender‑inclusive.

Board member Petra (staff member) said the redrafted language \"is coming directly from DPI itself,\" noting the district used the Department of Public Instruction model policy where possible and that the umbrella policy will group on‑track‑to‑graduation, fourth‑to‑fifth and eighth‑to‑ninth grade promotion language in one document.

Why it matters: Act 20 requires districts to adopt third‑to‑fourth grade promotion criteria tied to literacy screening and supports. MMSD staff described how the district’s personalized reading plans (PRPs) and summer supports integrate with the new third‑to‑fourth grade requirements and said the policy focuses on promotion with supports rather than retention.

Key details and discussion

- Structure and scope: Cindy explained the policy was intentionally long because it consolidates previously separate policies (on‑track to graduation, fourth‑to‑fifth, eighth‑to‑ninth) into one Section 35.37 with three subsections and accompanying communication processes. \"This policy will be, what I would call an umbrella policy,\" she said.

- State alignment: Staff described changes required by state statute and testing programs (the district references the Wisconsin Forward and DPI guidance) and said parts of the draft are verbatim from the DPI model policy.

- Third‑to‑fourth grade specifics: The draft uses the Act 20/Wisconsin Reads framework. Staff said students who score below a 25% proficiency threshold on literacy screeners would be offered a summer program with supports and then be promoted with continued supports and monitoring through a PRP.

- English learners and students with IEPs: Board member Muldrow asked how the policy accounts for students who are not native English speakers or who arrive from overseas. Cindy answered that \"it is an English only policy, and they focus only on, instruction in English and assessment in English,\" but that the district will continue to value multilingualism and provide supports in bilingual contexts. Staff emphasized PRPs can be individualized and include acceleration or wraparound social‑emotional supports.

- Assessment opt‑outs and alternative evidence: Board member Martha asked how the district handles students who do not take state tests. Staff said for students excused from state exams the district will consider \"academic performance,\" teacher recommendations and other evidence; they defined academic performance as course grades (semester grades at elementary/high school, quarter grades at middle school) and noted diagnostic assessments and classroom measures also inform decisions.

- Policy vs. procedure: Multiple board members asked why the draft includes procedural steps. Staff said DPI’s model policy includes procedural elements and the legal requirements create a gray area; staff intend to keep operational details (software buttons, specific schedules) in guidance documents while putting statutory requirements and required communications in policy.

Board direction and next steps

- This was a first read. Staff said the draft will be returned for a second read at the June 2 instruction work group and the board aims to approve the policy at the June 23 regular board meeting so the district can meet the July 1, 2025 statutory requirement.

- No formal vote occurred on the policy at this meeting.

Ending

Board members asked staff to continue clarifying how PRPs document interventions and how the district will communicate supports to families. Staff said they will bring a redlined policy and a clean version back to the board and are available for follow‑up questions ahead of the June readings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5.22.25 Special Meeting in Open Session - WORKSHOP","oneSentenceSummary","Madison Metropolitan School District staff presented a consolidated promotion policy (35.37) during a May 22 special Board of Education workshop, saying the district must adopt a third‑to‑fourth grade promotion policy under Wisconsin’s Act 20 (\"Wisconsin Reads\") by July 1, 2025 and is using that deadline as an opportunity to combine several promotion-related policies into one umbrella policy.","taxTitle","Madison Metropolitan School District, School Districts, Wisconsin","taxId",14857,"location","Wisconsin","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6228260,"MMSD board holds second reads on member expectations, job description and conflict‑of‑interest policies",2637,2641000,3567,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3476573-1f0754b36e76cf29a8973d81b506323c&start=2641&end=3","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3476573-1f0754b36e76cf29a8973d81b506323c/thumbnail_2641000.jpg","/articles/6228260/Wisconsin/MMSD-board-holds-second-reads-on-member-expectations-job-description-and-conflictofinterest-policies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228260-36bc6fec95c9db6c03968089a3666179/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434788&Signature=REQFW9IHemQ98EOjxz0PIz7uDie3oFgaiep70PmFSrxxlPz0K1P8XsW679tBQDczU-08HHobNo5V1S4f-v6gZkhHFwpWtizvnd~qDxG3-FI1EGgSNfM2zQItsGNmfBxX~gSk6eQu4rfBPVABKiwAWE6B~Sg1kURTGahy5dKo~KDCKtWe0IjrJ5fkeyWGSPtvvobK~j8All2p-N-jDzg0ncquIkx77Yb1clrhCkn1vQCBoDVWmV67LoaBfOGe6-QrKfPPp~-PFtBRffdSn4k5x6wu1ZjI2mjCZ8g6Canwy10sTJMVCwdxbrOY-iuUfo7t-KbN7EZ56WFOYexPtJWcjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Madison Metropolitan School District staff presented three related governance policies — proposed revisions to Policy 1540 (expectations/ways of working), a new job description for school board members, and a new conflict‑of‑interest policy — during the May 22 special Board workshop as part of a multi‑read process leading to formal adoption.

Petra (staff member) said the prior long policy had been split into three documents to improve clarity and accessibility and that statutory citations requested at the first read were added to each policy. \"Anything that you see that was struck with the red line through it, that is captured in the other 2 policies,\" she said, explaining the reorganization.

Why it matters: The three drafts parse governance expectations, the role and job description of an elected board member, and conflict‑of‑interest rules. Staff and board members discussed how the ways‑of‑working document should reflect elected responsibilities, the relationship between the board and superintendent, and operational expectations such as email use.

Key discussion points

- Organization and statutory citations: Staff explained policy language that was removed from 1540 is present in the separate job description and conflict‑of‑interest documents; statutory references were added to the bottom of the policies per earlier board request.

- Board role and relationship to superintendent: Board member Ali asked how the policies reflect the board’s role in budget policy and its relationship to the superintendent and constituents; staff said the job description document contains more of the duties and that ways of working focuses on expectations for collaboration.

- Conflict of interest and state law: Staff said the conflict‑of‑interest draft lists relevant state statutes. Board members noted state law already governs many conflict‑of‑interest requirements but supported having a local policy for clarity.

- Practical governance questions: Board member Blair said she remains uncertain about expectations for board email accounts and asked for clearer guidance; staff offered to follow up outside the meeting.

Board direction and next steps

- These readings represent the second read for Policy 1540; staff said the documents will return to the next regular board meeting for approval if no further edits are required.

- No formal vote was taken at the May 22 meeting.

Ending

Board members welcomed the clearer organization but asked staff to provide follow‑up guidance on operational issues (for example, email usage and records processes) and to ensure the job description document and conflict policy contain the statutory references and role clarifications discussed.","Madison Metropolitan School District staff presented three related governance policies — proposed revisions to Policy 1540 (expectations/ways of working), a new job description for school board members, and a new conflict‑of‑interest policy — during the May 22 special Board workshop as part of a multi‑read process leading to formal adoption.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6228264,"MMSD updates homeless education policy to align with McKinney‑Vento; clarifies transportation and unaccompanied youth rights",1047,1657000,2704000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3476573-1f0754b36e76cf29a8973d81b506323c&start=1657&end=2704","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3476573-1f0754b36e76cf29a8973d81b506323c/thumbnail_1657000.jpg","/articles/6228264/Wisconsin/MMSD-updates-homeless-education-policy-to-align-with-McKinneyVento-clarifies-transportation-and-unaccompanied-youth-rights","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228264-a6cdc87494f3baae39787d616620448f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434788&Signature=NdtDTwcnbX6d0vPh1H55aDefATerHKV~fr2BJt4u4u7TaP4ncmlJfHCGOzNSQ6gUBHqaQkGH~XfVYcxVTbiLU6YTce~VTBmhN1RLn4YZXtZMXPa3H6BuTbwxmXSl2f8D5q~7Bwmr3ui07VAzvCax6t5DSQPG4tVSLZxQu6gf4FV8bRhLEdYnNqWOPSCfjlOgXcYooR1-~xaC5pe~5T6C5ut41FsM9UKzW3pOryHUgXyjo7V75yHNw-aJUk6IA4fPfXEtVvcwl5~2D0EyLA~2Zrr17UnnCXzBBk7-rGN6nSVc-WYNFsXDmEnc~ogwio~Elca9PnoeAh-joCsXHVg9xg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff presented a revised Homeless Education Policy (4406) at the May 22 workshop, saying the changes update the district to the 2015 McKinney‑Vento provisions, clarify definitions and expand protections for unaccompanied youth and transportation through the school year.

Cindy (staff member) told the board the policy was updated because \"the McKinney Vento law under ESSA changed in 02/2015. And so we, need to update this. We've been asked by DPI, and we need to update this to align to, the McKinney Vento act.\" She said the district worked with DPI and received review and feedback.

Why it matters: The McKinney‑Vento Act defines enrollment, transportation and dispute‑resolution rights for students experiencing homelessness. Staff said the revised policy removes outdated language (for example, references to \"awaiting foster care placement\"), strengthens the homeless liaison’s responsibilities and professional development, clarifies that students experiencing homelessness may be enrolled immediately without waiting for documentation, and preserves transportation to the school of origin through the end of the school year even after a family secures housing.

Key points and board questions

- Definitions and enrollment: Staff said the draft clarifies definitions (including unaccompanied youth), removes outdated eligibility language, and emphasizes immediate enrollment regardless of missing paperwork. Cindy: \"We wanna get the student into their educational, services right away.\"

- Liaison and training: Staff described expanded liaison responsibilities and said the district has increased training for social workers and other staff so school‑based personnel can identify and support students experiencing housing instability.

- Transportation and continuity: The draft clarifies transportation provisions and cost‑sharing; staff said if a family secures housing mid‑year, students can retain transportation to their school of origin through the end of that school year to maintain educational continuity.

- Unaccompanied youth and rights: The policy adds language permitting unaccompanied youth to self‑enroll, sign necessary documents, receive surrogate parent support for IEPs or 504 plans if needed, and be recognized as independent for higher education financial aid purposes.

- Specific board questions: Board member Blair asked whether the policy’s reference to living in trailer parks is from the revised law; staff confirmed that the language comes from McKinney‑Vento. Board member Savian asked how staff identify students who may be homeless; staff said social workers receive McKinney‑Vento training and school social workers are the primary point of contact to preserve confidentiality and support families.

Board direction and next steps

- This was presented as a first read. Staff said they will return the policy for a second read at the June 2 instruction work group and hope to place it on the June 23 regular board meeting agenda for approval so the district can implement updates before July 1.

- No formal vote was taken at the May 22 meeting.

Ending

Staff emphasized that the changes were drafted with DPI and aim to make the policy easier for families and staff to understand and to close gaps the district identified through experience resolving disputes and providing transportation and continuity services.","District staff presented a revised Homeless Education Policy (4406) at the May 22 workshop, saying the changes update the district to the 2015 McKinney‑Vento provisions, clarify definitions and expand protections for unaccompanied youth and transportation through the school year.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

MMSD board reviews umbrella promotion policy to meet Act 20 deadline, schedules vote for June

MMSD board holds second reads on member expectations, job description and conflict‑of‑interest policies

MMSD updates homeless education policy to align with McKinney‑Vento; clarifies transportation and unaccompanied youth rights