MPS school closures, mergers; the management board reviews the consultant’s findings

MILWAUKEE – The state’s largest school district could operate in a smaller space.

On Tuesday, Oct. 29, a consultant presented this option to the Milwaukee Public Schools school board. Six months in the making, the district’s long-range facility development plan outlines what significant changes could be.

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Perkins Eastman, an architecture and consulting firm, examined each school and its use before dividing it into one of four categories: construction and program investments, building additions, closure/merger, or ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

“We know that implementing any of the strategies we’re talking about takes a lot of work, time and ability if we want to do it right,” said Nate Morris of Perkins Eastman.

The lists were presented to the board on Tuesday.

“Research shows that closing neighborhoods often has a disproportionate impact on communities that are underserved, marginalized or suffering,” Morris said.

However, the consultant suggests that the 13 schools, all of which are in the northern part of the city, could be closed or merged. Their data shows that when sorted by school districts, the number of students living near these schools is the most underestimated.

Board director Henry Leonard said he hopes whatever happens will be fair.

“A lot can happen in 10 years,” Leonard said. “I hope we see a significant change, a change in the way we can do this.”

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The presentation also urged committees to decide what options are best for their region before implementing them.

The plan also calls for adding facilities to schools that are at or near capacity if there is room on site. The board has sent the plan to the committee, which is beginning the formal process of working on it.

The documents presented a list of 13 schools recommended for closure/merger:

• Brown Street Academy (primary school)
• Clarke Street Academy (K-8)
• Siefert School (primary school)
• Starms Discovery Education Center (K-8)
• Auer Avenue School (Primary School)
• Hopkins Lloyd Community School (primary school)
• Jackson Elementary School (Elementary School)
• Dr. George Washington Carver Academy (K-8)
• Oliver Wendell Holmes School (K-8)
• Andrew S. Douglas Middle School
• Keefe Avenue School (Primary School)
• Robert M. LaFollette School (K-8)
• William T. Sherman School (K-8)

If MPS decides to close or merge any schools, the process will likely take years.