District reorganizes summer school to two K–8 sites and one high‑school site; transportation expanded and registration opens

At the March 9 board meeting the district’s teaching and learning team outlined changes to the summer school model intended to improve access and operational efficiency during ongoing construction.

Administration said the plan consolidates sites to two K–8 locations (Mitchell and West Milwaukee Intermediate) and one high‑school site at Central. That configuration, officials said, allows the district to provide transportation for all summer school students (including intermediate and high school), to house classes in air‑conditioned facilities and to maintain summer instruction while capital projects proceed.

Officials previewed course offerings designed both for credit recovery and enrichment: launch‑to‑Algebra and English 9 at the intermediate level, ACT prep and college‑application workshops at the high‑school site, attainment courses (Comprehensive Health, Personal Finance, Independent PE and Strength & Fitness), and additional workshop‑style, noncredit CTE exposures. The teaching team emphasized free tuition for the instructional program (K–12) and said wraparound care (longer day) will be provided through the recreation department for families that need extended hours.

"With this model we can provide transportation for all of our students, including our intermediate and high school students, from their home school to their summer school site," an administrator said, describing the district’s city‑route approach for pickup and drop‑off. Skyward registration opened the morning of the meeting; administration said families should register as soon as possible because registration closes May 1 to allow staffing and bus planning. Students who need wraparound care must register separately through the recreation department; administrators said wraparound care has a fee ($79 Mon–Thu, with an optional Friday add‑on) while the instructional day is free.

Staff said they will monitor participation during the summer and evaluate whether the K–8/high‑school model should continue in future years. They noted early data from past summers (approximately 300 students per elementary site; lower intermediate participation) informed the change. Officials also said site‑level leaders and facilities staff are preparing classrooms and logistics and that counselors will support course selection and, where appropriate, external early‑college credit opportunities.

Next steps: registration continues through May 1; families will receive confirmation and final schedules before the end of May. The district will continue to publicize Skyward registration, course lists and links to rec department wraparound sign‑ups.