Click the policy box to enter the policy manual page. Click the policy box again to open up a list of each section of the policy book. If you are unsure of what to look for, use the search bar at the top of the page to search by keyword. You may also call the Office of Board Governance at 414-475-8284 for assistance.

LEGAL STATUS OF THE MILWAUKEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SYSTEM

Legally, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors (Board) is an agent of the state, created by the legislature and selected by the electors of the local school district to represent and act for the state in providing the district with educational programs and facilities.

Organized formally in 1846, the Milwaukee Public School System operates in accordance with Chapter 119 of the Wisconsin Statutes and other applicable state statutes governing cities of the first class.

Milwaukee School System encompasses the area within the corporate limits of the City of Milwaukee, but is a separate legal entity and subdivision of the state.

The Milwaukee Board of School Directors is the policy making body for the school system, serving within the framework provided by law, the will of the people of Milwaukee, and the ethics of the education profession.

As established by law, the Board consists of nine members: one member elected at large and eight members elected from numbered districts as determined by the Board. The regular term of each Board member is four years and until their successors have been elected and qualified.

Legal Reference: United States Constitution, Tenth Amendment; Wisconsin Constitution, Article X; Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 119

ESTABLISHMENT OF POLICY

In accordance with Chapter 119 of the Wisconsin Statutes and other applicable law, the Board is empowered to establish rules for its own governance. These rules are found in Section 0000, Bylaws.

Sections 1000 through 9000 codify the administrative policies, which address specific issues and general guidelines to be considered in the achievement of the strategic direction set by the Board.

The creation or revision of administrative policies is a mutual effort by the Board and its Executive Officers. In the development of administrative policies, the Superintendent, the Chief Officer of Board Governance, and the Chief of Accountability and Efficiency are provided the opportunity to initiate and make recommendations on policy to the Board. Only the Board may adopt new administrative policies or revise existing policies, but Executive Officers are authorized to develop procedures to implement administrative policies without Board approval, unless the Board has specifically directed that a particular procedure or regulation be given prior Board approval.