Rather than just asking which buildings we should close, let’s ask, “How can we improve education in this community given our limited resources?” This question cries out for a different type of process. But let us be clear, the probability of closing some buildings is real.
 
Beginning in March, representatives from Bay View’s public schools will come together for the purpose of improving schools in this community. Each school will be represented by its principal, a staff member, and two parent/community members. Hired facilitators will chair the meetings, and MPS staff members will supply necessary information and support.

This process was used by the Milwaukee Catholic Archdiocese in its creation of St. Thomas Aquinas Academy in Bay View.

At each meeting, school representatives will meet to plan for the future. Subcommittees are likely to be formed around curriculum, facilities, transportation, and other related areas. The public will be invited to watch the proceedings and may contact the committee members to give additional input. Representatives will be encouraged to go back to their individual school communities to share information and receive feedback. This process must be as transparent as possible.

While final decisions rest with the Milwaukee School Board, board members will be hard pressed to go against the will of a cluster committee that represents the collective view of the Bay View community.

Meetings will move from one school building to another in the Bay View area so that the committee members can get a feel for the advantages and disadvantage of each building.

The schedule of meetings must be fairly compact for any changes to take place for next school year. But most major changes will have to wait until the following year.

At the end of this process, we hope that the public will have only one dilemma – There are so many good schools in Bay View that parents will have difficulty in choosing from among our excellent schools. We can make it happen.

Meetings are open to the public. Each meeting will begin with a tour of the school building at 5:45 with the general meeting at 6:30. The first meetings are as follows: Bay View HS, March 19th; Dover ES, April 2nd; Fritsche MS, April 9th; Humboldt Park, April 16; and Riley ES, April 23rd.

A version of this article appeared in the Bay View Compass newspaper.