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Milwaukee school board approves revisions to alternative education policy to expand access and bilingual supports
Summary
The Milwaukee School District board approved revisions to Administrative Policy 7.16 to remove a placement cap, expand who may administer entrance exams, and add language to better serve English-language learners; administrators said they will explore bilingual alternative programs and Spanish GED options.
The Milwaukee School District Board of School Directors voted to approve revisions to Administrative Policy 7.16 on alternative schools and programs after the administration presented a redlined draft developed under Resolution 2526R-005.
Superintendent Brenda Cassellius told the board the administration worked with academic superintendents and the office of board governance to align the policy with the board’s intent and expectations and recommended adopting the attached redline. "In accordance with resolution 2526R-005, adopted by the board on April 23rd, 2026, the administration worked in collaboration with the academic superintendents, the office of academics and the office of board governance to revise administrative policy 7.16," Cassellius said.
Academic Superintendent Aaron Shapiro outlined specific changes the working group developed, including expanding which personnel may administer the entrance exam for alternative programs to trained school-based site staff, removing a previous 10% cap on placements, and adding language to address English-language learners and bilingual students. "We modified who is the personnel who's able to give that entrance exam for the alternative program to include school-based site staff members who are trained," Shapiro said. He added the cap "has been redacted as part of the new policy, so it's really about how many kids truly need these services."
Shapiro also said the administration will continue meeting on a bilingual alternative program and examine whether adopting a Spanish-language GED option is appropriate for some students. He told the board the next working meeting is expected near the end of July to continue developing bilingual supports.
Director Benavides moved to approve the administration's recommendation. The secretary called the roll and seven members voted aye; two directors were excused and the motion passed.
The board’s action adopts the redlined language as presented; administration will proceed with the planned follow-up work described in the presentation.
