Committee deadlocks on revisions to weapons/suspension/expulsion policies; item sent to full board without recommendation

The Committee on Legislation, Rules and Policies could not reach committee approval on proposed revisions to Administrative Policies 8.23 (weapons and criminal offenses), 8.31 (student suspension and expulsion) and the proposed deletion of 8.32 (student expulsion). After extended discussion among members and administration, the committee voted the adoption motion down and then sent the items to the full Board without recommendation.

Administration presented the changes, which were drafted in alignment with a NEOLA template and state guidance. Matthew Boswell, senior director of the Department of Student Services, said among the material changes was language moving the district from 'shall' to 'may' in sections that previously guaranteed expelled students access to educational services: "In 8.23… section 3 b was changed to say students expelled from Milwaukee Public Schools, from shall to May, be offered educational services, which may include online academic support." Boswell and Superintendent Brenda Casellia framed the edits as legal alignment and a restoration of discretion for independent hearing officers (IHOs), who the administration trains and uses to hear expulsions.

Some committee members pushed back. Matt Jason Ollie said the change "undoes what was a long standing practice by the board… to ensure that all students did receive services," and warned about the stigma and long-term consequences of expulsion. Director O'Halloran and Director Jackson asked whether expulsions would appear on student records and whether IHOs would still recommend placements; administration responded that student records will reflect expulsions for educational purposes but are protected from public disclosure by FERPA, and that the board retains authority to review or alter IHO recommendations.

When Director Jackson moved to approve the administration recommendation, the roll call was Jackson Aye, O'Halloran No, Chair Zomber No — the motion failed. Chair Zomber then moved to advance the item to the full Board without recommendation so the larger Board could consider the gravity of delegating IHO authority. That motion passed by unanimous committee vote.

Why it matters: The change from 'shall' to 'may' affects whether educational services must be provided to expelled students in all circumstances, and it reallocates discretion between IHOs and the Board. The committee's failure to adopt the changes and the decision to forward the item without recommendation mean the full Board will receive the proposed revisions with committee-level disagreement and will have the opportunity for further deliberation.