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Ford College and Career Academy applications withdrawn; supporters and partners pledge continued engagement
Summary
The McKenzie Foundation and Boys & Girls Club withdrew charter applications for the proposed Forward College and Career Academy at MMSD and UW Madison; supporters said community engagement will continue and advocates highlighted Operation Fresh Start’s recent student successes.
Representatives from the McKenzie Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County withdrew their Forward College and Career Academy (FCCA) charter applications for both Madison Metropolitan School District and the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Office of Educational Opportunities, speakers said at the Feb. 24 board meeting.
Mike Jones, speaking for the Madison Teachers Inc. (MTI), said MTI supported the organizations’ decision to withdraw the FCCA applications. Jones said MTI disagreed with aspects of the application and the charter process because of potential negative impacts on public schools but also urged greater investment in district career and technical education programs.
Latonya Jackson, who identified herself as a FCCA board member, thanked the community and said that although the application process has halted, “our community engagement will continue. We'll continue to hear the voices. We'll continue to go to those schools and listen to our students and the parents and teachers.”
Speakers also highlighted the work of Operation Fresh Start (OFS) as an example of alternative pathways. Eric Eifler told the board that OFS helped 10 young people earn MMSD diplomas this year, and that “9 of our 10 this year went directly, from legacy program into gainful employment and or post secondary training.” He described several students who returned to school and completed diplomas with no cost to the district.
Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard and board members acknowledged the need to expand career and technical education (CTE). Gothard noted district CTE enrollments and plans to offer CTE courses at additional middle schools in fall 2025.
No charter application decisions were taken by the board during the meeting; the community representatives framed the withdrawals as a pause and an opportunity for further partnership discussions.
