The Milwaukee Board of School Directors voted to approve the administration's recommendation to renew a non‑instrumentality charter contract with Carmen High School of Science and Technology Inc. for one year and to authorize administration to enter into contract negotiations on the terms presented.

Superintendent Brenda Kacelius told the board the district initially recommended a three‑year renewal but that a shorter, student‑centered approach better reflected board concerns. "I am asking you to approve a 1 year contract with Carmen for the 2026–2027 school year to expire 06/30/2027," she said, outlining a condition that Carmen Northwest provide evidence of an application to a new authorizer no later than 03/01/2026 and that the district lease with Carmen will end without an option to purchase or extend.

Board members questioned whether one year would give Carmen Northwest enough time to secure a new authorizer and relocate an entire school community. Administration replied that the one‑year term would extend the current arrangement through roughly 20 months, which the superintendent and staff said is preferable to an immediate termination at the end of the current school year. Administration also said the contract will include the conditions discussed, including lease and facility timelines.

Director O'Halloran moved to accept the administration's recommendation and to authorize administration to enter into negotiations under the stated terms. The roll call produced six ayes and two no votes; the motion passed and the board authorized staff to proceed with contract negotiations.

The action is procedural and authorizes negotiation and contracting under the one‑year terms; the board did not adopt any additional waivers or lease extensions. Next steps for the district include drafting the one‑year contract with the stated conditions, and staff said they expect to monitor Carmen's application progress toward securing a new authorizer by March 1, 2026.