Committee approves relocation of Italian immersion program to Highmount Community School

The Committee on Student Achievement and School Innovation approved moving the district's Italian immersion program from Victory K–8 and Milwaukee Italian Immersion to Highmount Community School, with implementation beginning by starting 5-year-old kindergarten in the 2027–28 school year.

Administration said the phased restart is intended to ensure instructional alignment, stable enrollment and long-term sustainability for the immersion program. The presentation explained that declining enrollment and the need to recruit a credentialed Italian immersion teacher motivated the timeline; administration will begin recruitment and outreach well in advance of the planned restart.

Board members thanked community advocates and staff for their work on the proposal. Director Ferguson moved to approve the recommendation; the roll call produced five ayes and the motion passed.

Administration said the district will begin implementation and recruitment efforts immediately, using a K–5 restart model and growth by additional grades over time. No additional budget details or a named mover for a second motion were provided during the hearing.

The committee did not provide specifics on projected enrollment or teacher hiring timelines beyond the statement that a qualified Italian immersion teacher is required before offering the program next fall; administration said they would begin staffing and recruitment work to meet the 2027 timeline.