Milwaukee school board votes to enter closed session over pending litigation

The Milwaukee Board of School Directors voted 7-0 Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2026, to retire into a closed session to consult with legal counsel about pending litigation, the board announced at a special virtual meeting.

The meeting notice read by the secretary said the session had been called at the request of President Missy Zomber and scheduled for 5:30 p.m. The secretary said, "The purpose of this meeting is to consider a pending litigation matter," and that, as customary for special meetings of the board, public testimony would not be taken.

Board members moved and voted to close the meeting under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(g), which allows governmental bodies to confer with legal counsel about litigation. Chair Zomber entertained the motion; Director Ferguson moved and Director Herndon seconded. In the roll call that followed, Directors Ferguson, Herndon, O'Halloran, Reza, Seemson, Benoit and Chair Zomber all voted "Aye." The secretary announced, "That's 7 ayes. The motion passes."

Two board members, Directors Fonds and Jackson, had asked to be excused and were not recorded as voting. The board directed members to remain on the virtual platform for the closed session and told the viewing audience that the board might return to open session to take action on matters discussed in closed session or otherwise retire from closed session.

The meeting was held virtually and streamed on the Milwaukee Public Schools YouTube channel; the secretary noted there was no in-person access. The board asked the secretary to note the time before retiring to closed session.