Board committee approves La Escuela Fratney expansion to K–8; unanimous committee vote

The Committee on Student Achievement and School Innovation of the Milwaukee Public Schools Board voted unanimously to approve a proposal to expand La Escuela Fratney from a K–5 to a K–8 school, adding one grade per year starting with sixth grade in fall 2025.

The proposal, presented by Sarah Cruz, principal of La Escuela Fratney, emphasized academic continuity in the district’s two‑way bilingual program. "I want to emphasize that increasing academic achievement is at the forefront of our proposal," Cruz told the committee, citing district data she said show higher long‑term proficiency when language learners remain in bilingual programming through eighth grade.

Why it matters: La Escuela Fratney is the only remaining two‑way bilingual elementary school on Milwaukee’s north side and, according to Cruz, the school’s data and family surveys show community demand for the middle grades. The school reported a steady enrollment increase to 524 students and a family survey return rate much higher than the district average; Cruz said 82% of responding families supported the expansion and 92% of staff said they would remain if the expansion were implemented.

Discussion and details: Miguel Sanchez, the East Region superintendent (presenting with the principal), and interim superintendent Eduardo Galvan joined the presentation. The committee heard that the expansion team visited K–8 schools, prepared a rubric and informational sessions, and that La Escuela Fratney’s School Engagement Council had voted unanimously (11‑0) to forward the proposal for district approval. Parents, teachers and community members spoke in favor of the expansion at the meeting; several cited the school’s bilingual model and support for newly arrived students as reasons to extend the program through middle school.

Committee members pressed on implementation details. Cruz said the school will monitor class sizes and placement decisions and that students may be admitted to the program only after passing the school’s Spanish proficiency assessment. Director Leonard asked about class‑size growth and placement; Cruz replied that the school surveyed fifth‑grade families and expects a degree of continued family choice, and that leaders will plan to accommodate all families who choose to stay.

Vote and next steps: Director Gokul Gandhi moved approval. The roll call recorded Director Ferguson — Aye; Director Gokul Gandhi — Aye; Director Leonard — Aye; Chair Simpson — Aye. The motion passed 4–0 at the committee level. The committee’s approved action forwards the proposal for consideration by the full board per normal process. School leaders said they will follow up with staff and families about implementation timelines and enrollment procedures.

The committee discussion also emphasized the school’s facilities capacity (administration said there are several empty classrooms the school intends to use) and the district will work with the school on scheduling, staffing and any required contract or program adjustments. The administration indicated it will monitor enrollments and class sizes as the grade additions proceed.

Supporting documents and provenance: The committee heard the presentation and public testimony during the item noticed as Item 7 on the agenda; the item was presented by district staff and followed by public comments and the committee motion and roll call.

Ending: With committee approval, La Escuela Fratney may begin admitting sixth graders in fall 2025 under the phased plan; the school and district will provide implementation updates as they finalize schedules, staffing and family communications.