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District and statewide partners outline supports to help families navigate special-education services
Summary
Milwaukee Public Schools staff and Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative (WISP) partners presented a district program to support families of students with IEPs, including liaison mentoring, workshops beginning 01/24/2026, and free coaching and resources; a parent testified that the support improved her ability to participate in IEP teams.
Milwaukee Public Schools and partner organizations told the committee about ongoing work to support families of students receiving special education services.
Kiana Wirtz, family support associate in Strategic Partnerships and Customer Service, described district-level events, redeveloped special-education liaisons for families mentoring, individualized family coaching, and a Families as Partners workshop series with a new session beginning 01/24/2026. "My work centers on creating inclusive environments where every child and family feel welcome, supported, and able to shine," Wirtz said.
Sherry Scylla, statewide coaching coordinator for the Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative (WISP), explained WISP's role in providing free training, one-to-one support and coaching to families and staff and noted the WISP position in MPS is funded with special education dollars administered through the Department of Public Instruction.
Parent Kanisha Bowles described her personal experience navigating IEP meetings, saying initial interactions left her feeling "completely lost." With liaison support, Bowles said she now participates confidently in IEP meetings and can advocate for her son.
Directors asked how constituents can be referred; Wirtz said families may be sent to her team for assistance. The presentation was informational; no board action was taken.
