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Fee reduced for snow plowing license in hopes of increasing options | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ald. Cavalier Johnson
December 9, 2016
In an effort to increase options for residents in need of alley plowing services, the Milwaukee Common Council and Mayor Tom Barrett have dramatically reduced the fee to obtain a snow plowing equipment license through legislation sponsored by Alderman Cavalier Johnson.
Starting on Tuesday, December 13, the fee to obtain a license will decrease from $50 to $10. The City of Milwaukee does not plow alleys within the city, and city ordinance requires any person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of removing snow or ice from public sidewalks or public alleys to obtain a license to do so.
“Very often, the residents on a block will band together to hire a contractor who plows their alley during the winter,” Alderman Johnson said. “But what I am hearing from residents in my district is that it is increasingly difficult to find contractors to do the work. I hope that by lowering the fee to obtain a license, and by shedding some light on the need for more private plow contractors, we might generate more options for residents in need of these services.”
Currently, there are only two companies licensed to offer plowing services in public city alleys. Going forward, the city will post a list of licensed plowing contractors on the License Division web page at milwaukee.gov/license, updated daily.
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Applications for a license under the reduced fee structure will be available on the License Division web page starting on Tuesday, December 13.

created: December 9, 2016

author: Ald. Cavalier Johnson


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Victory Garden Initiative launches fifth annual orchard contest | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Victory Garden Initiative
December 10, 2016
For the fifth year in a row, Victory Garden Initiative (VGI) is giving away five community orchards through the Fruity Nutty 5 Contest. Communities in Milwaukee County are encouraged to   in the city we call home. To date, VGI has planted 23 orchards across the County. VGI’s mission is to build communities that grow their own food, creating a community-based, socially just, environmentally sustainable, nutritious food system for all.  Planting these five orchards is key to that fruitful work.
. Gather your neighbors and find the application on VictoryGardenInitiative.org/FruityNutty. : hazelnuts, cherries, peaches, pears, apples, plums and more. Winners will be announced at VGI’s Fruity Nutty Affair in February 2017, and volunteers will plant the orchards on Earth Day, April 22nd. This is one of VGI’s most inspiring events of the year, and they look forward to putting the power of growing your food back in your hands.
“,” said one 2015 Fruity Nutty 5 winner. We have gotten to know many of the neighbors and they have been very helpful in providing water for the trees.
Neighborhood orchards provide more than delicious, organic, local fruits and nuts—though they do that as well. They cultivate roots for closer communities. They supplement grocery bills. They get our neighbors outside, enjoying and preserving our environment.
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To learn more and apply, log on to VictoryGardenInitiative.org/FruityNutty or call (414) 431-0888.

source: news-milwaukeenns

created: December 10, 2016

license: Creative Commons - Attribution - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

author: Victory Garden Initiative


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unnamed | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Name *
December 9, 2016

author: Name *


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December 15th is the deadline for Obamacare coverage in January | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Enrollment Network
December 12, 2016
Enrollment experts in Milwaukee continue to report a greater interest in coverage under the Affordable Care Act, compared to last year’s open enrollment period.  To meet the demand for help in signing up, a special enrollment event is scheduled for Thursday, December 15 at Independence First, 540 South 1st Street from 9 am to 4 pm.
“The most recent federal numbers showed Wisconsin had a 15% enrollment increase in the health insurance Marketplace compared the same timeframe last year,” notes Caroline Gomez-Tom of the Milwaukee Enrollment Network.  “Because of the strong demand for help in signing up for Obamacare and Medicaid, we are encouraging consumers to dial 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment with an enrollment assister, or attend the special events scheduled at Independence First and select Milwaukee Public Libraries.”
In advance of the December 15 deadline for Marketplace coverage in January, enrollment assisters will also be available at the Center Street Library, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave. on Monday, December 12 from 4 to 7 pm, and at the Forest Home Library, 1432 W. Forest Home Ave. on Tuesday, December 13 from 4 to 7 pm.
The Milwaukee Enrollment Network reminds consumers to be prepared when signing up for healthcare coverage, and to have the following information about themselves and their household:
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§  social security numbers and document numbers for legal immigrants for every person in the home who needs coverage
§  employer and income information for the household (from pay stubs or W-2 forms)
§  policy numbers for any current health insurance plans covering members of the household
Consumers can learn more about enrollment in the Marketplace as well as Medicaid, by visiting healthcare.gov or calling the Health Insurance Marketplace national call center at 1-800-318-2596 (open 24 hours, 7 days a week).  To get connected to free, in-person enrollment assistance in Milwaukee County, consumers should dial 2-1-1.

created: December 12, 2016

author: Milwaukee Enrollment Network


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Incarceration without conviction must stop | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Mark Rice
December 12, 2016
From left: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel columnist James Causey; Clayborn Benson, executive director, Wisconsin Black Historical Society (obscured); EXPO of Milwaukee leaders Sharyl McFarland, Carl Fields and James Watkins participate at an EXPO of Milwaukee community forum at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society in June.
Mark Rice, a Wisconsin statewide EXPO organizer, writes about a new Health Impact Assessment that documents the human and financial impact of incarcerating people for violating supervision rules.
According to a groundbreaking Health Impact Assessment, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) incarcerated nearly 3,000 people on probation, parole or extended supervision in 2015 who were not convicted of crimes. The DOC sent these people back to prison solely for violating rules of supervision. It is time for Wisconsin policymakers to stop this unjust practice.
Human Impact Partners, WISDOM, and EXPO (EX-Prisoners Organizing) conducted the assessment, which examines how incarcerating people without conviction affects the health of individuals, families and communities. Findings include:
On Nov. 22, WISDOM and EXPO released a book of stories entitled “Incarcerated Without Conviction: The Abuse of Revocation in Wisconsin.” The book includes the stories of several African-American men and women and several people with mental illnesses who have been incarcerated for minor infractions that did not involve new crimes.
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Numerous stories demonstrate how incarceration without conviction can devastate black lives. The DOC forced EXPO leader Frank Davis to spend almost three years in prison for simply owning a computer and a cell phone. The DOC imprisoned EXPO of Milwaukee leader Wayne Murphy for 32 months for passing out drunk in public. Wisconsin officials incarcerated EXPO of Milwaukee leader Troy Hawkins for 18 months because he used alcohol and drugs and had sex without prior agent approval.
Wisconsin administrators sent EXPO of Milwaukee leader Ventae Parrow back to prison without conviction on three separate occasions. Parrow said, “It’s frustrating when you’re out here working a job, going to college, having a place to lay your head and helping your family out and then whenever they feel like it they snatch the rug from under your feet and they place you in prison even though you have not committed any crime.”
The DOC forced Louis Taylor to spend months in the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility (MSDF) for several unsubstantiated allegations that his ex-girlfriend made after they broke up. Taylor’s experience with the revocation process in Wisconsin prompted him to say, “Black lives will never matter in Wisconsin.”
My story demonstrates how incarceration without conviction can harm people living with mental illness. A psychiatrist diagnosed me with paranoid schizophrenia in 1999. The state of Wisconsin convicted me of several offenses that were related to this disabling mental condition.
During the summer of 2007, Milwaukee police officers arrested me for disorderly conduct while I was experiencing symptoms of my mental illness. I was still on probation for a crime I was convicted of in 2000 so the officers took me to jail.
The officers arrested me a few days before I was going to start my second year of graduate school at UW-Milwaukee. During the 2006-2007 school year, I worked as a project assistant at the university and received a full-tuition scholarship.
I went to court after spending a few days in the Milwaukee County Jail. The judge, the prosecutor, and the public defender all agreed that my behavior did not fit with the definition of disorderly conduct. The judge dismissed the case, but I did not get to go home.
My probation officer, who had no specialized training in mental health issues, decided to move forward with the revocation process. My former probation officer, a mental health specialist in Madison, thought that an alternative to revocation treatment program would have been a better option.
The DOC forced me to spend nearly six months in MSDF while I fought the revocation. An administrative law judge eventually revoked my probation. I went back in front of the sentencing judge a few weeks later. I faced a maximum of 12 years in prison but, fortunately for me, the sentencing judge decided to let me go home.
I lost my job, my scholarship and my apartment because of the revocation. I also lost my Supplemental Security Income, health insurance and FoodShare benefits. I had to re-apply for all of these benefits after I got released.
I returned to UW-Milwaukee after my release. However, I never got my job and scholarship back. I earned a master’s degree from the university in 2009.
It is time for the DOC to eliminate incarceration as a response to non-criminal violations of the rules of parole, probation and extended supervision.

author: Mark Rice


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
December 11, 2016

created: December 11, 2016

author: Adam Carr


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Conversations aim to gain feedback for development of Northside behavioral health facility | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services
December 13, 2016

created: December 13, 2016


text:
| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
December 12, 2016


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On the Block: ‘No easy way out’ | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Allison Steines
December 13, 2016
Angela Miller, 43, is a single mother who lives on the Near West SIde.
Miller grew up and graduated from high school in Bayview, but somewhere along the way she said she took a wrong turn. “I went in the wrong direction…I have been battling drugs for years,” she added.
It has been five years since she last touched drugs, and she struggles to stay clean.
She noted there are constant triggers where she lives, but that has taught her strength. Her two kids and boyfriend have been her source of happiness through tough times.
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“There is no easy way out when you are trying to stop,” said Miller. “If you want to make something good of your life, you’ll do it.”

author: Allison Steines


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Public Allies leader supports young adults working with nonprofits for justice, equity | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Lydia Slattery / Wisconsin Watch
December 13, 2016
Editor’s note: This piece is one of an occasional series on nonprofit leaders in Milwaukee. The responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Ava Hernandez is in her second year as executive director of Public Allies Milwaukee, a branch of a national nonprofit organization affiliated with AmeriCorps. Every year, Public Allies accepts 45 young adults who work at local community organizations. In 2016, the allies are partnering with 35 Milwaukee organizations, including the Girl Scouts of Southeast Wisconsin, Urban Underground, Aurora Community Health Clinic at Walker’s Point and Sixteenth Street Clinic. Allies must have a high school diploma or GED, be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency and be at least 17 years old.
Q: What are your responsibilities as executive director of Public Allies?
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A: I make sure that Public Allies continues to make its impact in the community. I oversee a team of program managers, who in turn oversee our allies, who partner with community organizations. I work to build partnerships with nonprofits that host Public Allies. I do fundraising and strategic planning. I make sure we have a strong connection to AmeriCorps.
Q: What is the most difficult part of running a nonprofit?
A: The hardest part so far is having confidence in the decisions I make. When a lot of the accountability stops at me, I have to be responsible and accountable for decisions. On a personal level, it’s creating the space for self-care. There is never a shortage of work. There is never a shortage of issues we are addressing. There are fires — big and small — we’re trying to put out. Days go by fast here, so I surround myself with people who support me. That’s really important when running a nonprofit.
Q: How would you describe the culture at Public Allies?
A: We are very collaborative. We wouldn’t exist without that collaborative spirit within our organizations. We are only as effective as our partnerships, and the way our allies work with their organizations to lead, grow and do meaningful work.
Q: What do you want to see the allies accomplish after going through this program?
A: We work to help support them as they begin to think critically about root causes of injustice in our community. We work with them to develop their social justice leadership, so I teach them to look at issues of systemic oppression. I tell them to look at what things that have been in place locally and nationally contribute to the disparities in Milwaukee. We do a lot of anti-oppression work. We want them to help dismantle racism, heterosexism, ableism, sexism and ageism. We want them to look at how these issues intersect within the communities, which shapes how our allies address these issues.
Q: How do you prepare allies to do this work?
A: We address issues and think how we can solve them in terms of the strengths of the community and not just the disparities. The allies also participate in a Milwaukee 101 program that gives a broader history of Milwaukee. It gives a history of the indigenous folks who settled here, up to who is here now. When I was a program manager, before I became executive director, I used to do training about these things.
Q: What is Public Allies doing well?
A: We do a good job cultivating leadership that respects the community, that engages with the community and is from the community. That continues to drive us. We are an inclusive organization. About 80 percent of our allies have strong roots in Milwaukee. We really develop young leaders’ capacity to lead in just ways, and they’re taking that knowledge, their experiences, their commitments and those values to their organizations to help build a larger movement for justice and equity.

author: Lydia Slattery / Wisconsin Watch


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How to avoid toy-related eye injuries | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Wisconsin Academy of Ophthalmology
December 14, 2016
Keep in mind eye safety while shopping for toys this holiday season.
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, it is important to remember certain safety guidelines when choosing the perfect gifts for little ones. Recent studies have shown that some popular toy types are commonly associated with childhood eye injuries. These include air guns and other toys that shoot projectiles, high-powered lasers and sports equipment.
Ophthalmologists – physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care – treat the eye injuries that can result from these products. The Wisconsin Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Ophthalmology are encouraging parents to follow these tips when selecting toys for children this holiday season.
Following these tips can help make sure our little loved ones have healthy vision for many holiday seasons to come.
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created: December 14, 2016

author: Wisconsin Academy of Ophthalmology


text:
| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
December 13, 2016


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Nonprofits must alter focus to become ‘force for social change,’ expert says | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Jabril Faraj
December 14, 2016
Frank Martinelli speaks to a group of nonprofit employees at the Washington Park Library. (Photo by Jabril Faraj)
In August, sometimes-violent demonstrations engulfed the Sherman Park neighborhood over two nights following the police killing of Sylville K. Smith, a 23-year-old black man.
In the wake of the events, community leaders and residents of the area pointed to unequal treatment of African-Americans and a lack of investment in low-income central city communities as underlying reasons for the disorder. Community groups and individuals have since called for an approach that addresses “the conditions of misery and want” in Milwaukee.
Recently, at the Washington Park Library, only blocks from the August demonstrations, about 25 individuals employed in the nonprofit sector took part in a workshop where some said they need to view their work and the people they serve differently to address the root causes of issues that plague Milwaukee.
“I think that we’re long overdue for a conversation in the philanthropic community around, ‘What do successful nonprofits look like?’” said Walter Bond, chief of staff at Teach for America in Milwaukee.
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The nonprofit sector has grown during the last 25 years, in overall revenue, contributions and the number of organizations, according to a 2014 analysis of nonprofits in Milwaukee by the nonpartisan Public Policy Forum (PPF). In 2011, there were 2,333 public charities in Milwaukee, almost three times the 1989 figure of 824. Revenue more than doubled during that time to $3.68 billion.
Brittany Vulich, a former Peace Corps volunteer, asks a question during the event. (Photo by Jabril Faraj)
Frank Martinelli, a nonprofit consultant with the Center for Public Skill Training who led the workshop, said despite the hard work of nonprofit organizations, the needle has not moved on issues such as poverty and segregation. In some areas, such as the employment rate for black men, the situation has gotten worse.
“Even with all of these groups hard at work, our city remains unlivable for tens of thousands of Milwaukeeans,” said Martinelli. “We have failed, as a community, to tackle underlying root causes — those economic, social and political systems that produce and sustain high levels of poverty.”
Milwaukee is the most segregated metro area in the country and also one of the most economically distressed large cities in the United States. A poverty rate of nearly 40 percent for African-Americans is the second highest among the 40 largest cities nationally; one of every eight black men in Milwaukee County is currently behind bars.
Martinelli added that the nonprofit sector needs to examine the role it plays in the community and reposition itself as “a force for social change at the underlying systems level,” a process that involves “relentlessly … repeatedly asking the question, ‘Why is this happening?’”
Martinelli suggested strategies such as rethinking programs and partnering with community organizations, increasing advocacy to change harmful policies, increasing voter registration efforts and connecting organizations to movements such as Fight for $15 or Black Lives Matter that are “tackling racism, income inequality and poverty at the root-cause level.”
Workshop attendees noted that this is easier said than done. Several said that change often is impeded by those at the highest levels, whether board members, funders or donors, who may not have the same understanding as those who are working at the grassroots level.
Rusty Borkin, a community engagement specialist at Milwaukee Jobs Work, said the idea of charity and “good works” has always been ingrained in our society to some degree.
“It’s much easier to say, ‘This person was hungry, and now they’re not hungry,’” said Bond. “There is something about the psychology of viewing somebody as in need of a service, as opposed to [viewing that person as] somebody who is a capable being in need of a different opportunity.”
Borkin added, “If you’re going down to systems, then you’re starting to change the status quo that you benefit from.”
Sharlen Moore, director of Urban Underground, said in an interview after the event that to change that mindset, individuals need to start by building genuine relationships based on recognizing the dignity of others. Urban Underground is a North Side nonprofit that trains youth in activism and advocacy.
“We have to look at [the people we serve] as individuals that have the information that [they] need in order to solve their own issues,” said Moore. “You know, a lot of times, we say, ‘Okay, we’re going to do it for you; we know what’s best for you,’ and we never ask the community, we never bring the community in on the front end of these conversations.”
She added, “We have to pull them in and know that they have the information that we need, they have the skills, they have the answers that we’re looking for.”

author: Jabril Faraj


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2016 Riverworks Holiday Bazaar | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Riverworks Development Corporation
December 15, 2016

created: December 15, 2016

author: Riverworks Development Corporation


text:
| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
December 15, 2016


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Community members commend charge in Sylville Smith case, renew calls for body cam footage | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Jabril Faraj
December 15, 2016
Sedan Smith (center), brother of Sylville Smith, speaks at a press conference at Inspired Word Ministries, 3410 W. Burleigh St., while cousin Thaddeus Ashford (right) and activist Vaun Mayes (left) look on. (Photo by Adam Carr)
In the immediate aftermath of a decision by Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm to charge former Milwaukee Police Department officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown in the August shooting death of Sylville K. Smith, community members and a family member of Smith’s are renewing calls to release body camera footage of the incident.
The charge, first-degree reckless homicide, is a Class B Felony in Wisconsin, carrying a maximum sentence of up to 60 years. The criminal complaint against Heaggan-Brown, states that he “did recklessly cause the death of Sylville Kwame Smith, another human being, under circumstances which showed utter disregard for human life.” In an unrelated incident, Heaggan-Brown was charged in October with two counts of second degree sexual assault and soliciting a prostitute. He was fired in connection with the criminal charges.
Smith’s death at the hands of a police officer set off sometimes-violent demonstrations in Sherman Park, where the shooting took place. Over that weekend Milwaukee police clashed with protesters and the National Guard was activated.
Referring to those who criticized the level of community outrage in the wake of the incident, Vaun Mayes noted, “A lot of people need to answer for this. They totally trashed the community for what happened, and the community was totally justified in every action that they [took].” Mayes heads Program the Parks, a grassroots organization in Sherman Park.
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Nate Hamilton, who co-founded the Coalition for Justice after his brother Dontre Hamilton was shot to death by a police officer in April 2014, said, “It was good to see a charge come down” in the Smith shooting. However, he noted, “We’re at the first step … and we need to make sure it goes forward. …We need to stand behind the family and the prosecutor. It’s heartbreaking to see what the city has suffered (because of this).”
A large crowd of community members gathered at West Auer Avenue on the night following Sylville Smith’s shooting by Dominique Heaggan-Brown. (Photo by Jabril Faraj)
At a news conference Thursday afternoon, Mayor Tom Barrett noted that his administration instituted the use of body cameras and emphasized the role they played in Chisholm’s decision to charge Heaggan-Brown.
“If this case had occurred 10 or 15 years ago we would not have that evidence,” Barrett said.
Barrett said that he has not seen the video, but saw a single still image captured from the recordings. He called for the footage to be released to the public, but pointed out that it is not his decision. “The release of the video is up to the district attorney and to the courts.”
“The public hopefully at some point will have an opportunity to see these critical videos and make a decision for themselves,” Barrett added.
According to the criminal complaint, body camera footage from two officers involved in the incident showed that Smith slipped and fell while running from police on the 3200 block of North 44th Street. Smith, who was armed, got back up, turned toward the officers, raised his gun and threw the weapon over a fence into a nearby yard. Heaggan-Brown discharged one shot as Smith raised the weapon and, according to the complaint, discharged a second into the chest of Smith as he was lying on the ground unarmed. The time between shots was 1.69 seconds, the complaint said.
Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn told reporters Thursday afternoon that the evidence presented in the complaint lacked clarity. “Quite honestly, looking at that document and the fact that two shots fired in 1.69 seconds and one is legal and one is not, that’s a little bit difficult to understand or explain to the rank and file,” he said.
Flynn said officers have expressed concern about being penalized for difficult split-second decisions made in the field.
“1.69 seconds is less than two full heartbeats,” he said. “Your brain’s ability to tell your finger to stop shooting … is somewhat limited by the stress of the circumstances.”
Sedan Smith, Sylville’s brother, had a different take. “Knowing that this officer was shooting at my brother while he was fleeing, puts me in a mind frame of how scared he was.” Smith commented at a news conference this evening, where he added that the media did not fairly portray his sibling.
Ald. Russell Stamper, who lives in Sherman Park, commended the District Attorney’s office for making “the right call” in charging Heaggan-Brown. “For Mr. Smith’s family especially, I hope they find some comfort in knowing that the justice system is pursuing exactly what the family has demanded since this all began—justice.”
Several community members commented that the charges against Heaggan-Brown prompted mixed feelings. “I’m very pleased that justice will be pursued for Sylville Smith and his family but I’m also deeply saddened by the abuse of power and authority by Officer Heaggan-Brown,” said Venice Williams, a lay minister and the director of Alice’s Garden. “It’s a sad day for our community that these charges have to be brought against one of us.”
Danell Cross, Building Neighborhood Capacity Program coordinator for the Metcalfe Park neighborhood, said she is not surprised that criminal charges have been brought against Heaggan-Brown. What would surprise her would be to see charges brought against white officers involved in the deaths of black citizens, she added.
“This isn’t going placate the black community because accountability needs to be enforced for white officers that commit crimes against black people and that’s not what we’re seeing,” Cross said.
Shawn Office, 25, Smith’s brother, said Heaggan-Brown should have been charged with first-degree intentional homicide, a charge that could result in life in prison.
Markasa Tucker, a community organizer and activist with UBLAC (Uplifting Black Liberation and Community), agreed with Office. “It was very clear from what the criminal complaint is saying that Sylville was unarmed and the former officer, still, in those moments decided to take his life,” she said.
Office said that Heaggan-Brown’s character and the character of others in the Milwaukee Police Department “needs to be challenged.” He added, “We need to look at the way we’re training our officers; they need to be from the community [and] not be afraid to dive in, understanding the risk you signed up for.”
Office and Tucker said the public has a right to see the body camera footage and judge for themselves. They both stressed that this situation affects the whole community.
“Why can’t we see what the DA saw?” Tucker said. “We’re as much a part of this process. We were paying this former officer’s salary — why can’t we see? He was a public servant.”
Naomi Waxman, Andrea Waxman, Clara Hatcher, Edgar Mendez and Adam Carr contributed to this story.


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North Side entrepreneurs pitch ideas at St. Ann Center business incubator | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
December 15, 2016
Ms. Clean Cleaning Service owner Nakita Deberry, seeking funding to expand her business, makes her pitch at the St. Ann Center business incubator. (Photo by Andrea Waxman)
For Yvonne Echols, being an entrepreneur is not so much about being a business owner as it is about building a legacy for her children. Having worked since age 14, most recently as a bank manager, Echols began thinking about how her years of hard work and missed time with her children weren’t adding up to something she could pass on to them.
“You can’t leave a job to your children,” Echols said, noting that, in general, African -Americans haven’t had opportunities to accumulate wealth to pass down the generations as other groups have. So, two years ago, she gave her employer notice that she was giving up her position to strike out on her own.
Echols was one of a dozen entrepreneurs who pitched business ideas to a room full of professional advisors, owners, lenders and city officials at a recent business incubator hosted by St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care at its North Side Bucyrus Campus. In addition to the opportunity to present, attendees heard from three panels of experts who responded to their presentations and offered advice on financing, marketing, branding and other basics of building successful businesses. Participants were also given time to speak with panelists one-on-one and collect information at resource tables.
Echols and her business partner Marvin Jones, a Kendall College culinary arts- trained chef and caterer, hope to purchase and redesign a building across from St. Ann Center at North Avenue and 23 Street. They plan to develop it into a professional shared kitchen center that will support mobile food businesses such as food trucks and caterers, which need such facilities for food preparation and storage to get licensed. In addition to seven kitchenettes, Echols and Jones would construct, service and provide parking for food trucks and carts, open a street-level cafe and offer food safety training, Echols said.
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Tracy Meeks, senior vice president at Seaway Bank, speaks to entrepreneurs as Kiva representative Barbara Markoff looks on. (Photo by Andrea Waxman)
The business, called Mwanga wa Kwanza (First Light Initiative in Swahili), will need substantial funding to redevelop the building and purchase state-of-the-art equipment. Echols and Jones hope that their goal of supporting other entrepreneurs in the community will help them attract financial help.
It was helpful to listen to other entrepreneurs’ ideas at the incubator, as well as to practice her pitch and learn about funding sources, Echols noted.
Like many entrepreneurs building a business from the ground up, presenter Sheneta Hamilton is employed at a full-time job. A Milwaukee native and mother of two, she recently moved to the Northwest Side but aspires to open an Afro-centric apparel and accessory store in the Bronzeville neighborhood. Hamilton started selling T-shirts with a domestic violence awareness theme three-and-a-half years ago but changed to African-inspired merchandise.
“I am African-American,” Hamilton explained. “It’s a culture thing for me.”
For about two years, Hamilton has built her business, Mahogany Expressions, out of her home, filling orders from her Facebook page and selling at local festivals.
Hamilton was particularly interested in the lending resources discussed at the incubator event and plans to look into getting a zero-interest loan from Kiva, an international nonprofit that was represented on a panel.
Barbara Markoff, a Kiva volunteer with extensive bank community development experience, explained that Kiva, an online lending platform, is “a first-rung lender.” Unlike traditional lenders, Kiva does not require a business plan, credit score or Social Security number to help entrepreneurs obtain loans. Rather, direct loans are approved through “social underwriting,” where trustworthiness is determined by friends and family lending a portion of the loan request, or by a Kiva-approved trustee vouching for the borrower.
Would-be borrowers must raise at least $25 from each of a certain number of acquaintances within two weeks. After that, Kiva makes its worldwide crowd-funding lender network available and the borrower has 30 days to raise the money to meet its goal.
“The bottom line is that lenders need to judge that the business will be in a position to repay a loan… It needs to have revenue and an account containing funds,” said Markoff, who added that some presenters appeared to be in such a position while others were just in the idea stage. Markoff commended the incubator sponsors for providing entrepreneurs with an opportunity to learn by presenting their ideas informally.
“I think there were a lot of people there who could benefit from taking their idea and talking it through with someone who knows a lot about starting a business,” Markoff said.
Panelist Tracy Meeks, senior vice president at Seaway Bank, echoed other panelists when he said he would like to see more detailed financial statements with the presentations.
“They need to carefully think through their budgets and the financial dimensions of what they are trying to accomplish so they can take advantage of available resources,” Markoff noted. “I would encourage them to look at a variety of (funding) opportunities simultaneously,” she added.
Panelist Ranell Washington, assistant vice president of commercial banking at Town Bank, agreed “there were several people with some very good ideas, who are at different stages of development.”
He advised entrepreneurs to find mentors in their industry. They should also make sure to take advantage of free resources available from the chambers of commerce, business organizations, universities, city government and banks. “They should build a book of resources. We have more resources than entrepreneurs right now. We need more entrepreneurs,” Washington said.
Markoff noted that Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) provides clients with a business coach who will see them through the start-up process and offers low- or no-cost classes.
The recent event was the second St. Ann Center has hosted this year to help businesses start up and expand in the 53205 and 53206 ZIP codes. Adopting the theme “Building from Within,” the center, Alderman Russell Stamper II and the North Avenue Marketplace Business Improvement District (BID) 32 planned the incubator. Two business incubators per year are planned at the Bucyrus Campus, 2450 W. North Ave.
“In general, all (of the entrepreneurs) were genuine and had enthusiasm in what they were presenting and in their business ideas,” said Meeks. Business owners need to believe in their business, and make others believe in it, he added.

author: Andrea Waxman


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
December 14, 2016


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Statement from ACLU of Wisconsin on Charging of Officer Heaggan | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
ACLU of Wisconsin
December 15, 2016
Today, Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm announced that his office filed first-degree reckless homicide charges against former Milwaukee police officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown, who shot and killed Mr. Sylville Smith on August 13, 2016 in Sherman Park.  In response to the announcement, the ACLU of Wisconsin issued the following statement. It is attributable to ACLU of Wisconsin Executive Director Chris Ahmuty.
“The ACLU of Wisconsin welcomes the District Attorney’s decision. It will give the Smith family the support of the State of Wisconsin in their quest for justice, as well as giving the accused, former Officer Heaggan-Brown, his day in court.
The criminal proceedings may also shed some additional light on the degree to which Milwaukee Police Department policies and practices may have contributed to Mr. Smith’s death. As we’ve seen around the nation, stop practices such as those employed by the Milwaukee Police Department can result in unwarranted civilian deaths.
Regardless of the outcome of these proceedings, the Milwaukee community needs to know that justice has been served. However, separate from the issue of former Officer Heaggan-Brown’s criminal liability, city leaders and law enforcement officials need to make sure that the Milwaukee Police Department and all its members work to protect and serve all residents in an unbiased and professional manner.”
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The ACLU of Wisconsin is a non-profit, non-partisan, private organization whose 8,460 members support its efforts to defend the civil rights and liberties of all Wisconsin residents. For more on the ACLU of Wisconsin, visit our website, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @ACLUofWisconsin and @ACLUMadison.

author: ACLU of Wisconsin


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Alverno College will hold its 154th commencement on December 16 and 17 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Kelly Fay
December 16, 2016
Alverno College will hold its 154 commencement this weekend as 148 students walk across the Pitman Theatre stage (39 St. and Morgan Ave.) to receive their undergraduate degrees.  The ceremony will be on December 17 at 2 p.m. Forty-eight master’s candidates will receive their degrees from Alverno on Friday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m.
Commencement activities for undergraduates will begin with an 11 a.m. liturgy in the Alverno College chapel, followed by a brunch for degree candidates and their families.  The undergraduate commencement introduction will be given by Kadijiha Jones, who will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication; the undergraduate invocation will be given by Pamela Moore, who will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication; and the student address, “Not What, But Who,” will be given by Megan Blankschien, who will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Management. The graduate commencement invocation will be given by Ruth Christiansen, who will receive a Master of Science degree in Nursing. A champagne reception will follow the graduate commencement ceremony.  Blankschien, Jones and Moore are Milwaukee residents, and Christiansen is from Clinton, Wis.
About Alverno College
Alverno College, a four-year independent, Catholic, liberal arts college for women, exists to promote the personal and professional development of its students. The college has earned accolades and respect internationally for its highly effective ability-based, assessment-as-learning approach to education, and has consulted with three U.S. presidential administrations on accountability and outcomes in higher education. For the last seven years, Alverno College has been ranked one of the top five schools in the Midwest doing “the best job of educating undergrads” by U.S. News & World Report. Educators from throughout the world visit Alverno to learn about its proven, student-centered teaching methods.
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Alverno offers more than 60 major areas of study, including graduate programs in education, nursing, community psychology and business that are open to women and men. For more information about Alverno, visit www.alverno.edu or call 414-382-6100.

created: December 16, 2016

author: Kelly Fay


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alvernograd12192015porter11 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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December 14, 2016


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Financial Education Program Puts Public Housing Residents On The Path To Self-Sufficiency | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Paul Williams
December 16, 2016
The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM) and the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) hosted a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 for 240 low-income individuals who have completed the “Make Your Money Talk” financial education program in 2016. The event was held at St. Marcus Lutheran School, 2215 N. Palmer Street, in Milwaukee.
Make Your Money Talk provides an intensive education in budgeting, managing credit and saving money for life-changing assets. Upon completion of the course, HACM residents with earned income qualify to open an Individual Development Account (IDA), which helps them save towards the purchase of a home, education or starting a business.  Graduates also receive ongoing financial coaching from WWBIC.
“I am standing before you to say ‘Dreams do come true,’” said Charlotte Stevenson, a former graduate and featured speaker at the event. “Today I am a proud first-time homeowner. I am the first person in my family to own a home. It took me two years to get out of debt and get ready for my home, but I’ve made it with the help of a financial coach from WWBIC.  Patience pays off.”
“Sometimes you have to make difficult decisions to move forward,” keynote speaker Ann Wilson, Manager of the Hillside Family Resource Center, told the audience. “Stay true to yourself, your family and your goals, and you will get to where you want to go.”
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Since the program’s inception, over 1,700 individuals have completed the course and over 800 have opened an IDA. Matched savings among the IDA holders total more than $2.3 million in purchasing power. To date:
“This program changes lives in dramatic ways, because it provides the education and tools people need to make those changes for themselves all throughout their lives,” said Mayor Tom Barrett.
“We find inspiration in the ways our residents achieve great things for themselves, their families and their community by combining their commitment to a personal goal with opportunities like “Make Your Money Talk” and the IDA program,” said HACM Secretary-Executive Director Tony Pérez.

author: Paul Williams


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MYMT Graduation 12-13-16-NNS | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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December 15, 2016


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Milwaukee PBS to launch over-the-air 24/7 PBS Kids channel | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee PBS
December 16, 2016
Milwaukee PBS announced that it will launch a new, 24/7 children’s channel, to air on Milwaukee PBS’ channel 10.3, and live stream on digital platforms. This is the station’s latest initiative to support early learning in its viewing area.
Milwaukee PBS will broadcast PBS KIDS shows 24 hours a day on channel 10.3, which will be called Milwaukee PBS KIDS, and also as a live stream, making it easy for children in southeastern Wisconsin to watch their favorite series during primetime and other after-school hours, when viewing among families is high. Viewers will be able to watch the Milwaukee PBS- branded live stream through pbskids.org and on the PBS KIDS Video App, which is available on a variety of mobile devices, tablets and over-the-top platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast. The live stream complements on-demand clips and full episodes, which will continue to be available for free on the PBS KIDS Video App and streaming via pbskids.org.
“Milwaukee PBS has been an integral part of the community for nearly 60 years, delivering content and services that parents trust and that move the needle in early learning,” said Bohdan Zachary, General Manager of Milwaukee PBS. “We are excited to build on the work we do every day for the families in southeastern Wisconsin by adding these new 24/7 services, ensuring that our educational content is accessible anytime and anywhere to all kids.”
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PBS stations reach more kids aged 2-5, more moms with children under 6 years old and more children from low-income families than any other kids TV network. With its new 24/7 channel and digital offerings, Milwaukee PBS will build on this reach and impact. Through this effort, Milwaukee PBS will extend its commitment to early learning by offering more families high- quality PBS KIDS content that is trusted by parents and proven to help kids learn.
In a recent survey, PBS KIDS led all networks in improving kids’ behavior, with 74% of parents saying their child exhibits more positive behavior after engaging with PBS KIDS. And years of research confirm that PBS KIDS media content helps children build critical skills that enable them to find success in school and life, while also helping parents increase their own engagement. A recent study conducted by WestEd found that PBS KIDS resources can help narrow the math achievement gap for children from low-income families and better prepare them for kindergarten. Additionally, parents’ awareness of their children’s math learning increased significantly – as did their use of strategies to support their children’s learning.
PBS KIDS 24/7 Channel Press Release Page 2
Designed to meet the needs of today’s kids, Milwaukee PBS’s new, free 24/7 services will provide learning opportunities for children whenever and wherever they access media. Nielsen data demonstrate that live TV is the dominant way children access video, accounting for 68% of the time children spend watching video content. Most kids’ TV viewing takes place on weeknights and weekend afternoons and evenings. This trend is true for all children, but especially for those in low-income families.
The PBS KIDS 24/7 channel, Milwaukee PBS KIDS, will include popular favorites such as DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD, ODD SQUAD, WILD KRATTS and DINOSAUR TRAIN; the new series NATURE CAT and READY JET GO!, which debuted February 15; and SPLASH AND BUBBLES, a series from The Jim Henson Company that premiered in November 2016. Milwaukee PBS will provide the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel in addition to its current daytime children’s program line-up on Channel 10. The schedule of children’s programming on the primary Milwaukee PBS channel will be different from the 24/7 channel, offering families a variety of options.

author: Milwaukee PBS


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United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County surpasses community campaign goals | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County
December 16, 2016
Jayne Thoma, Vice President of Volunteer Engagement for United Way, MPS Superintendent Dr. Darienne Driver, and United Way’s 2016 Campaign Co-Chairs; Larry Blanton, senior vice president & general manager of MetalTek International; Jackie Herd-Barber, community volunteer; Richard Meeusen, chairman, president & CEO of Badger Meter; and Steven SaLoutos, executive vice president of U.S. Bank stand with signs for both the campaign and volunteer goal totals.
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County announced last night that it raised a record-breaking $60,130,484 during its annual community campaign and surpassed its first ever volunteer goal, recording 21,124 volunteer hours during its annual Season of Caring.
“It’s truly a testament to the generosity of the people in our four-county region that we surpassed our aggressive goal this year,” said Gregory S. Marcus, president of The Marcus Corporation and chairman of the United Way board of directors. “Last year’s record-setting Community Campaign was part of a transformative year as we celebrated the merger between United Way of Greater Milwaukee and United Way in Waukesha County.”
Officials from United Way say the campaign total is $5,484 over the goal of $60.125 million, an increase over the 2015 campaign total of $60,066,597.
“Many organizations and individuals increased their gifts to meet our new goal, and I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to this year’s campaign. We did this together,” said Marcus.
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The annual campaign was chaired this year by four dedicated community representatives who gave their time and talent to ensure the success of the campaign. Jackie Herd-Barber, community volunteer; Larry Blanton, senior vice president & general manager of MetalTek International; Richard Meeusen, chairman, president & CEO of Badger Meter; and Steven SaLoutos, executive vice president of U.S. Bank served as the co-chairs and gave their time and talent to encourage others to be a part of the campaign.
Mary Lou Young, president & CEO of United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County recognized the nearly 1,500 organizations and companies that participated in the campaign. She stated, “Reaching this goal is a shining example of our community coming together to create life-changing moments for individuals and families in our community. We are committed to ensuring children get off to a strong start and achieve success in school, helping families build financial stability, and providing people with the ability to live healthier lives. Whether you contributed a major gift or a dollar a week, we thank you.”
United Way also announced the results of its first ever volunteer goal. At the start of the Community Campaign United Way announced its volunteerism goal of 16,750 volunteer
hours completed during the Season of Caring, which ran from August through December. The total number of hours served by community volunteers was 21,124, surpassing the original goal by 4,374 hours.
“The volunteer goal enhances the resources mobilized through donations with sweat equity; helping United Way partner agencies and initiatives fulfill their missions and offer services they may not have the capacity to do without the extra time and talent that volunteers provide.” said Dr. Darienne Driver, Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent and volunteer engagement committee chair. “We are so thankful for all of the corporate groups, community organizations, and individuals who stepped up to give their time and talent to make a difference in our community.”
Community Highlights:


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
December 16, 2016


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Washington Park Partners marks completion of five-year plan at annual gathering | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Allison Steines
December 16, 2016
For the past five years Washington Park Partners has focused on its sustainable community plan, which wrapped up this year. The plan involved implementing changes throughout the neighborhood in the areas of arts and culture, education, health and wellness, housing, businesses and jobs, parks and safety.
Approximately 40 people attended WPP’s annual gathering to celebrate the plan’s completion. The event featured a performance by 12 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee dancers and hot tamale box dinners were served.
Alderman Russell Stamper handed out several dozen awards to residents for maintaining nice lawns, supporting the community and being good neighbors.
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Milwaukee Public Schools releases results of water quality testing | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Public Schools
December 18, 2016
Milwaukee Public Schools today released the results of water quality testing of drinking fountains in all district schools and buildings. The testing is strictly a proactive measure; federal and state regulations do not require schools to test drinking water.
The sampling began in June 2016 and two independent, state-certified firms conducted the analysis. The results found that water coming from virtually all MPS drinking fountains meets Environmental Protection Agency’s standards.
“The safety of our students, staff and visitors are a top priority,” said MPS Superintendent Darienne Driver. “Nearly 12,000 samples were taken from 191 buildings. This measure helps to assure families, staff and the community of the safety of drinking water in our buildings. We are committed to ensuring we provide a safe environment for students, staff and families.”
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Highlights of the analysis included:
“The City of Milwaukee Health Department has aggressively worked to reduce children’s exposure to lead hazards, and can report that we are seeing the lowest levels on record today. As we work to drive down rates even further, we applaud MPS in taking a leadership role by conducting voluntary testing and providing the results to our community,” stated Commissioner of Health Bevan K. Baker. “The City of Milwaukee Health Department worked collaboratively with MPS to develop a testing protocol that can be used as a model by other schools and school districts everywhere.”
According to the City of Milwaukee Health Department, the primary source of lead exposure in Milwaukee is through lead-based paint hazards found in homes. Additional sources of lead exposure can be through drinking water, soil, food, toys, and other sources.
The test results can be found on the district’s website at mpsmke.com/testresults. With the exception of translating the documents into Spanish for Spanish-speaking families and grouping the results by school to make information easier to find, the results are posted as the district received them. Instructions on the website will assist users in finding the results from any building.
Additional information about lead can be found by visiting the City of Milwaukee Health Department’s website at milwaukee.gov/health – and typing “lead” in the search bar or calling the EPA hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

created: December 18, 2016

author: Milwaukee Public Schools


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Roles of peace officers and the African-American community | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Charles Robinson Sr
December 19, 2016
Charles Robinson Sr., a mediator, college professor, former administrative law judge and member of Pastors United, shares his observations about officer training at the Milwaukee Police Academy.
“The whole world is a stage, and everybody is playing a part, the stage is set, the curtain goes up, the scene is a broken heart.” (Song by the Fantastic Four)
Peace Officers must have 24 hours of training yearly, and the Milwaukee Police Academy is the site for training officers from many jurisdictions. As a non-pastor member of Pastors United, I was invited to participate in the training sessions.
Citizen participation in the training scenarios is unprecedented. There are two scenes set up in the Police Academy theater in the basement. One scene involves a suspect walking in a gangway; another scene is a person sleeping in a legally parked vehicle.
Trainees are picked to act out a script while other officers watch, together with pastors. Training officers may stop the action for teaching purposes at any time. Props are very realistic and portray typical city streets, with buildings, signage and a parked vehicle. The roles of the suspects are played by two young African-American male cadets, approximately 18-20 years old.
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Each performance is different. The young cadets use their street savvy and creatively to press officers to see each situation uniquely and to use their knowledge of the law, personal skills, personality and professional communication training to make their stops and defuse situations. Trainers may intervene in a scenario and ask for reasons why trainees acted in a particular manner at any point during an encounter with the suspect.
During the training scenarios, I have been taking notes in hopes that I might share my experience and insights. We have been participating for approximately three months, and this is what I have noticed so far:
Some officers expressed that while in uniform, they feel like they have “targets on their backs”;
Last week, members of the media came to the training and taped one of the sessions. On the same day, one of the trainers prepared a “soul-food” feast for the participating pastors. It was a total surprise, and the meal was delicious. That gesture is consistent with the warm welcome we receive by peace officers and firefighters each day we show up at the academy.
Participating in the training has reinforced, for me, that peace officers are human beings, with various personalities, just like citizens. During the sessions, I looked upon hundreds of officers’ facial expressions and eyes. I attempted to discern body language that might reveal a rogue. There were a few who refused eye contact. A small number seemed to demonstrate an attitude via body language, which might have suggested an indifference to being at the training.
The roles we play affect our perceptions of reality. Perhaps, if we find ways to share and discuss our perceptions and realities, we might be able to agree on a better future. We must find or create a way to end the loss of life.
“All the world’s a stage,” wrote Shakespeare. Let’s write the script for peace and safety for all. We’ve had enough scenes of yellow tape and broken hearts.

created: December 19, 2016

author: Charles Robinson Sr


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
December 18, 2016


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Warrant withdrawal events drew thousands, but raised questions about indigency process | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
December 19, 2016
An estimated 2,400 defendants appeared at the Milwaukee Municipal Court during Warrant Withdrawal Wednesdays. (Photo by Edgar Mendez)
It began with a Thursday night video Facebook post on Oct. 27 from Municipal Court Judge Valarie Hill announcing an innovative project in which individuals with municipal warrants could walk in to court without cash and without fearing arrest and have their warrants lifted on one of the following three Wednesdays.
Within hours, thousands had shared the post. Hill, Municipal Judges Phillip Chavez and Derek Mosley, who also appeared in the video, and Chief Judge Maxine Aldridge-White, worked behind the scenes for months to get “Warrant Withdrawal Wednesdays” off the ground, after “Safe Surrender,” a similar effort involving both state and municipal courts, failed to gain traction.
In the end, the initiative, which was loosely based on a similar project in Cleveland, Ohio, challenged the ability of the municipal court system to handle a huge influx of defendants while maintaining normal functions on those Wednesdays, Nov. 2, 9 and 16.
“It was a test to see whether we could do something so big, and whether the community would respond,” White said.
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Municipal court judges announced Warrant Withdrawal Wednesdays in a Facebook video.
And respond they did. According to municipal court data, 2,400 defendants appeared in court during Warrant Withdrawal Wednesdays, representing a total of 15,397 cases. More than 1,500 defendants had warrants withdrawn, 1,048 had driver’s license suspensions vacated and 158 had vehicle registration denials vacated. More than 500 defendants had payment installment plans approved for an estimated 4,270 cases, involving a balance of more than $584,000.
In addition, 1,078 defendants who hadn’t previously appeared in court for their cases did so.
Aliceo Benitez was among those who hadn’t shown up to court before, but stood for hours in a line that stretched more than three blocks along West State Street during the final “Warrant Withdrawal Wednesday.” Benitez set up a $20 a month payment plan for $400 in fines that resulted in a suspended license.
“Now I can get my license back and get to work,” said Benitez in November.
Timothy Robinson said he had warrants for battery and traffic violations hanging over his head for three years. He too walked out with an arrangement to pay $20 a month, but, said he was disappointed that his fees weren’t tossed out altogether, as he had assumed would happen.
Nevertheless, Robinson said, “It still works if that’s how it has to be.”
According to Hill, who spoke during a meeting of the Milwaukee Community Justice Council (CJC) Wednesday, defendants were given three options; set up a $20 a month payment plan; pay $20 every three months at the courthouse; or be referred to JusticePoint, a program that helps evaluate individuals to determine whether they qualify for indigency, mental health, or alcohol and drug treatment, among other services.
Indigency issue
Only 109 individuals, or 4.5 percent, were referred to JusticePoint, though a great deal more should be eligible to qualify for indigency, said District 3 Alderman Nik Kovac, who raised concerns at the CJC meeting that residents of low-income neighborhoods continue to bear the brunt of municipal fines. He questioned whether enough was done to identify individuals who couldn’t afford to pay their fines and qualified for alternative sentences, including community service.
“Do we have a good enough system to identify indigents?” he asked.
According to Gretchen Schuldt, executive director of the Wisconsin Justice Initiative (WJI), the lack of indigency hearings is disturbing.
“Why did only those people get referred to JusticePoint? Is community service the only alternative option being offered? What about mandating driving [classes] or other classes to work off fines?” Schuldt asked.
One of the problems with the current municipal court system is that it emphasizes fines over changing behavior, she added. The result is that poor African-American communities are disproportionately impacted by municipal debt. According to municipal court data collected by WJI, 25 percent of youth and adults living in the 53206 ZIP code owed municipal fines as of May.
According to Chavez, the indigency, community service or social service option was offered to each defendant. Those who chose that option filled out an evaluation form to see if they were likely to qualify for JusticePoint services, according to Chavez.
Even some who qualified for community service rejected the option because it was burdensome, said Hill. She pointed out that for someone to work off a $2,370 fine they’d need to perform 237 hours of community service. “People don’t have time to do community service; maybe if their situations were less complicated by everyday life [they would],” Hill said.
State Sen. Lena Taylor said the current JusticePoint model and limited options for community service are insufficient. “It’s a misguided concept based on the idea that the only way people can give back to the city is by paying money,” she said.
Taylor added that a better mechanism is needed to help facilitate alternative sentences including community service. Still, Taylor said she was thankful for the Warrant Withdrawal Wednesday program, and that it showed great promise.
Though no similar event is being planned, Mosley said it’s important for defendants to know that they can come into the courthouse any day to work out a plan to lift their warrants.
“What we need is an “at least come to court campaign,” Mosley said.
Data on whether defendants are keeping up with their payment plans should be available in 90 days, the judges said.

author: Edgar Mendez


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Key MLK Library presentations today | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ald. Milele A. Coggs
December 20, 2016
Representatives from the development teams for the three proposals for the future development of the Martin Luther King Branch Library will make presentations at 4:30 p.m. today (Tuesday, December 20) at the MLK Branch Library, 310 W. Locust St.
Representatives from the development teams will also be available to answer questions about their proposed projects, which can be viewed here http://mpl.org/about/library_development/martin_luther_king.php on the MPL website.
Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, a member of the Milwaukee Public Library Board of Trustees, will also be joined by fellow library board members to review the proposals at today’s session. “I invite neighbors to join us today to see what each development team is proposing for the MLK library site,” she said.
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“The library is a vital resource hub for members of our community, and public comment and feedback is critical for making the project one that makes a positive impact on the community for many years into the future,” Alderwoman Coggs said.

created: December 20, 2016

author: Ald. Milele A. Coggs


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MKE Plays receiving $100K gift at City Hall Dec. 22 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ald. Michael Murphy
December 20, 2016
The MKE Plays initiative will be presented with a $100,000 check from Potawatomi Hotel and Casino’s signature community charitable program, Heart of Canal Street, on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber anteroom. Media coverage is invited.
Alderman Michael J. Murphy said the donation was raised through Potawatomi Casino’s Canal Street bingo game, which ran from August 11 through December 16. The money will be used to renovate the playground at Witkowiak Park, which was last renovated in 1998 and is located at 1648 S. 4th St.
“It is especially heartwarming during this time of year – and during this frigid weather – to know that a generous gift from the Forest County Potawatomi to the community, and especially to the children of the near south side, will be bustling with laughter and fun during the warmer months for many years to come,” Alderman Murphy said. “The new and improved Witkowiak Park playground will be a valuable community and neighborhood asset for all to enjoy.”
Rodney Ferguson, Chief Operating Officer of Potawatomi, said he’s proud of charity’s success and its recent partnership with MKE Plays. “The community has embraced the Heart of Canal Street program and contributed to its success for over two decades. For that we are forever grateful,” said Ferguson. “Partnering with the City of Milwaukee’s MKE Plays initiative serves as a fantastic opportunity to impact families’ lives by creating safe places for children to play and neighbors to interact.”
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Alderman José G. Pérez said he is also grateful for the generous gift that will benefit families and children in his district and across the near south side. “On behalf of the kids and families of my district, I offer my sincere thanks to the generosity of Potawatomi, which is making this important renovation at Witkowiak Park possible,” he said. “I’m thrilled with this program’s (MKE Plays) success and wish for it more fruitful partnerships like this one for the benefit of our children.”
Joe Kaltenberg, MKE Plays Program Coordinator, said he is also extremely thankful for the generosity. “We want city parks to reflect the diverse needs, interests, and identities of the neighborhoods they serve,” Kaltenberg said. “Partnerships like this allow us to help residents create play environments that are beautiful, safe, health- enhancing, and fun!”
MKE Plays is a city-led initiative launched by Alderman Michael J. Murphy in 2015 aimed at renovating 12 of Milwaukee’s most dilapidated playgrounds in an effort to encourage children to play and exercise and to combat childhood obesity. MKE Plays was selected by Heart of Canal Street based on its focus on developing safe spaces for children and families in some of the city’s most compromised neighborhoods.
Filed Under: Posts from Community

author: Ald. Michael Murphy


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‘We Got This’ mentors serve as ‘father figures’ for black boys | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
December 20, 2016
For several hours on Saturday morning, hundreds of African-American boys and men, ranging from preschoolers to 80-somethings, walked into Northcott Neighborhood House and crossed the lobby to a line of registration tables. After checking in, they proceeded to a makeshift cloakroom to collect pre-fitted rental tuxedos and down another hall to a changing room.
Emerging transformed from casually dressed to tuxedo-clad, they made their way, one by one and in small groups, into the gym, stopping to receive boutonnières, take selfies, pose for relatives and greet friends.
Numbering 500, the black boys and men braved a snowstorm to participate in the grassroots “We Got This” organization’s third annual tuxedo event, which pairs adult men with boys for mentoring and a formal dinner. Dubbed “From Boys in the Hood to Gentleman on the Town” in its first year, when 100 boys and men attended, organizers called this year’s event “500 Black Tuxedos.” Following drum performances and a rousing welcome by Andre Lee Ellis, founder of “We Got This,” and other community leaders, attendees boarded buses to the Hilton Milwaukee City Center for a formal dinner in the Crystal Ballroom.
Ellis said the event arose out of questions neighborhood boys asked on seeing him and his wife dressed up for an evening out. “500 Black Tuxedos” shows young, black boys from the central city a world beyond “the ‘hood.” It gives them an opportunity to see themselves in the larger world, experience wearing formal dress and dining in a formal setting, according to Ellis. It also connects them with a community of black men who act as father figures and mentors. In addition to giving the young men confidence, Ellis said the event also seeks to remind men in the community of their responsibility to guide its boys.
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Adult participants agreed that young black boys in Milwaukee need mentors and said they were excited to be part of the event.
Don Bond, 19, participated last year as one of the young contingent. He was matched with mentor David Muhammad, violence prevention manager at the City of Milwaukee Health Department. A sophomore at Wisconsin Lutheran College, Bond liked last year’s event so much that he came back as an adult mentor to his younger brother Brandon Bond, 15.
Mentoring is important, Bond said, “because if you don’t steer young black men in the right direction, they will fall for anything.” They are racially profiled, so if they fit the profile, they’re just going to end up as another statistic, in jail or unemployed, Bond added.
“Focus on school and get good grades. Use your brain and stay out of trouble, … do what you’re supposed to do,” was his advice to his younger brother.
Bond said he has benefitted from his relationship with Muhammad, who he stays connected with through Facebook. “I shared my goals with him and he gave me his wisdom (about) how I can accomplish those goals,” he said.
Mentor Trevis Hardman, 24, grew up across the street from Ellis near 9th and Ring streets. A protégée of Ellis’ since Ellis moved to the neighborhood several years ago, Hardman recently moved to the Concordia neighborhood. He has built his own lawn care business, Dream Outlook Lawn Service, finding additional mentors among his clients. One of those is Robert Byrd, the former Marquette University basketball player, who owns a golf course in the city.
Hardman said his advice for the boy he mentored is to believe in and stay true to himself. “That’s pretty much what the ‘We Got This’ program is about, figuring out who you are as a young man, who you are in the community and who you are going to be in the workforce.”
Two military veterans volunteering for the first time this year both said they were fortunate to have strong mentors growing up. Electrician Willie Luckett, who lives on the Northwest Side, looked up to and emulated his older brother, who joined the Navy in 1978.
Luckett first thought he would participate by donating money but decided that contributing time and being there in person were at least as valuable. He added that by passing on the lessons that he was taught as he was growing up, he was contributing to the rebuilding of a cultural legacy that seems to have been lost.
Having traveled the world on four different Navy ships, Luckett said he would probably advise a boy to “go to the military; see the world, experience life. But if that boy wants to go to college, he should do that and be the best (he) can be,” Luckett added.
As director of peer support programs at Dryhooch, a nonprofit where veterans support veterans transitioning to civilian life, Otis Winstead understands the value of mentoring. He was attracted to the idea of mentoring young black men when he learned about 500 Black Tuxedos from his friend and associate, Northcott director MacArthur (“Mac”) Weddle.
Winstead explained that a principle of peer support is that the person being mentored should guide the relationship. It’s vital to discover what the boy is really interested in doing and “tap into his inner resources,” he said.
Contemplating the spectacle of 500 black boys and men in tuxedos filling the Northcott gym bleachers, Don Bond said, “I like how black people from all over the city come together, link arms and talk about how we’re going to make the community better.”


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Lead2Change co-founder connects young adults to potential careers | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Tara Schumal
December 21, 2016
Editor’s note: This piece is one of an occasional series on nonprofit leaders in Milwaukee. The responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Dionne Grayson has spent the last 20 years supporting young people in the Milwaukee area. She is co-founder and executive director of Lead2Change, which offers career readiness programs to “empower and inspire youth to be catalysts for change in their communities.” The programs include a youth advisory council, and weekly workshops focusing on financial planning, conflict management and teamwork. Grayson and Lead2Change recently earned a $1,500 prize in the “disruptive challenge” category at the Milwaukee Leadership Summit, for a career-training idea that encompasses digital marketing, information technology, graphic design and video production.
Q: Tell us more about the idea that won the prize.
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A: Small nonprofits and businesses do great work and often do not have the resources to hire a dedicated professional for video and film editing, information technology, graphic design and digital marketing. We propose to train and hire four teams of four to six skilled teens, who will be tasked with meeting these most pressing needs in nonprofits and small businesses. Each group will be led by an adult who is a professional in one of the fields. Students interested in these areas will participate in a training program to further develop their talent prior to working on the teams. This model will give nonprofits and small businesses an alternative option for completing critical tasks, and students will have paid work experience that is directly connected to their field of interest.
Q: What else has Lead2Change been up to lately?
A: We just finished recruitment for our Dream.Explore.Build program, which is our career-ready program, and now classes have begun. We have young people spend 11 months with us and they learn about who they are as individuals. They connect who they are to their career of choice. We just recruited 275 young people who will meet at different sites in Milwaukee and neighboring communities, and will start them on the experience.
Q: Did you ever see yourself leading a nonprofit such as Lead2Change?
A: I didn’t really know how things would evolve. When you first start out, you know what you’re passionate about. I knew I liked working with young people, but I also loved the administrative portion of it. I was really hungry, so I did a lot of volunteering and a lot of internships – and was very strategic about the instructors I picked in school, but never really knew how things would form. But I knew it would be in the nonprofit arena.
Q: Who is your mentor? Who inspires you?
A: I pull a lot of different things from a lot of different people. There are certainly family members that I pull from, and then there are people in the community that you glean certain little things from, and then young people as well.
Q: What has Lead2Change become better at over the years?
A: Identifying staff that understand that their big picture connects to the mission of the organization. We’re really intentional about the people that we hire. So understanding our staff’s big picture and then saying, “How can this be mutually beneficial for us? How can we help you get to ‘You’re there,’ and then, ‘How can you help us?’” That’s something that we have gotten really good at.
Q: What keeps you awake at night?
A: My brain is always going. I’m always thinking about ways to continuously improve things. I don’t necessarily always share that information, because I don’t want to overwhelm people, but my mind is always thinking bigger and thinking continuous improvement. (I’m) thinking about how we can be realistic in meeting real needs of the young people we serve.
Q: Is there anything else that you would like to share?
A: I think it is really important to understand your purpose, to understand your passion and to stay in your lane. If it is something innate, if it’s something on the inside of you, that thing that keeps you up at night, just stay there. I promise, it’s going to catch.

created: December 21, 2016

author: Tara Schumal


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
December 20, 2016

author: Adam Carr


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Milwaukee Public Library Martin Luther King branch redevelopment moves ahead | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Public Library
December 21, 2016
Milwaukee Public Library Board of Trustees last night selected Young Development to lead a new mixed-use project to replace the current Martin Luther King Library at 310 W. Locust Street. In his 2014 budget, Mayor Tom Barrett prioritized redevelopment of the library branch system in a multi-year building and renovation program with an investment of $21.5 million over five to seven years. The project calls for rebuilding four branches – Forest Home (which will be replaced by the new Mitchell Street branch in 2017), Mill Road, Capitol and Martin Luther King. The four branches scheduled for rebuilding will be redeveloped as part of mixed-use projects – a more affordable approach.
Young Development, responding to a Request for Proposals (RFP) in October of 2016, has put forth a mixed-use project that includes a 17,000 square foot library with 1,400 square feet of retail space and 44 market-rate apartments. Parking for 51 visitors and 45 residents is included in the proposal.
“Milwaukee’s libraries are a vital part of our community,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “I believe that an investment in libraries is an investment in economic stability in our neighborhoods – improving access, economic opportunity, education and quality of life in our neighborhoods.”
“In 2018, we will open the doors to a brand new, modern Martin Luther King branch library,” said Library Director Paula Kiely. “As with Villard Square and our East Branch libraries which have already opened, and our Mitchell Street branch opening in 2017, MLK users can expect to have a 21st century environment, rich with technology and flexible spaces for interaction and community connection.”
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More information about the project, including visual renderings of Young Development’s proposal can be viewed at: http://mpl.org/about/library_development/martin_luther_king.php

author: Milwaukee Public Library


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On the Block: Stepping up | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Jabril Faraj
December 22, 2016
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Violet Young was about 10 years old when her mother was diagnosed with cancer. She wasn’t quite sure exactly what was going on at the time, but, as the oldest of six children, she knew she had to help. And, in the process, she learned a valuable lesson.
Read more about Violet Young at milwaukeestories.org.
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created: December 22, 2016


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
December 22, 2016


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Pride Football Club gives northwest side youth ‘something to smile about’ | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Allison Steines
December 22, 2016
Boys in the Pride FC program scrimmage during soccer practice. (Photo by Allison Steines)
Robert “Biko” Baker and Tyrone Gordon, founders and coaches of the Pride Football Club soccer program, have been playing soccer all their lives. Baker played Division I soccer for Northeastern Illinois University and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and started coaching at age 21. Gordon played for the Minnesota Thunder for one season and Milwaukee Wave for two seasons.
Both men said that the sport and their close relationship with Jimmy Banks, their former Simba Lions coach, led them to establish their own soccer league on the northwest side.
Prior to starting Pride FC, Baker and Gordon were actively involved in Milwaukee Simba SC Jimmy Banks Futsal League, serving as coaches and providing transportation for players to get to and from practices.
“We would have eight kids packed in my Jeep to get all the way to Simba Lions practice. It was just too crazy,” said Baker. “I realized we needed to focus on this side of town; there was too much demand to ignore.”
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A lot of kids love to play soccer, but they either didn’t know where to go or it cost too much, said Gordon. He and Baker initiated the Pride FC soccer league in the fall. There are about 30 kids involved, with an additional two or three joining every week.
Coach Robert “Biko” Baker instructs the Pride FC boys during a soccer practice at Vincent High School. (Photo by Allison Steines)
“We are still brand new. It’s a lot of work…but it’s worth it. Watching the kids grow, watching the game grow, there is magic there,” said Baker.
“This is something good for the youth to attach to, to call home. It gives them something to smile about,” added Gordon.
Solomon Demby, a senior at Vincent High School, said that Pride FC hasn’t just been about soccer and smiles. “It has helped me learn how to communicate with people better,” he noted.
Demby grew up playing the game in Africa. His position is goal keeper, which he said allows him to be the leader and control the team.
Tyrone Gordon Jr., 10, said he has been learning the basics since age 2. Tyrone’s position is striker, and he has scored more than 54 goals in his short soccer career. “I saw my dad score this amazing goal when I was a little, little kid and I knew I wanted to be a soccer player when I grew up,” he said.
Baker and Gordon hope to involve as many city kids and their families as possible. “I hope inner city kids see another way out…besides the streets. I want to show the kids, ‘I once was you; I made it in this game. You can too,’” said Gordon.
Pride FC’s first club game took place in November. The older team started with a record of 4-0, but the younger team has been getting “a little beat up,” according to Baker.
“Yeah, we just came from a big blow out,” said Tyrone. “That’s the hardest part… Losing and giving up easy stuff,” he added.
“The hardest part is getting tired,” interjected fellow player Jamarian Cowans, out of breath from running.
The program has three age groups: 7 to 9, 10 to 11 and a high school group. Practices are held Monday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
“I was in the paper in high school for soccer,” said Baker. “But these kids, they are doing tricks I couldn’t even do.… They can do the moves they are seeing on TV, and that’s cool.”
Gordon added with a laugh, “The most rewarding part is to see the kids learning. Kids came in who couldn’t even kick a ball, and now I can’t get the ball from them.”

author: Allison Steines


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
December 21, 2016


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StartSmart now helping Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ald. Terry L. Witkowski and Ald. José G. Pérez
December 22, 2016
StartSmart, the online tool to guide Milwaukee-based entrepreneurs launching new enterprises, is now active on the City of Milwaukee’s website in both English and Spanish.
Alderman Terry L. Witkowski and Alderman José G. Pérez – members of Milwaukee’s Local Business Action Team (LBAT) – said they are very pleased to have StartSmart available to the city’s Spanish-speaking population.
“Reducing red tape and obstacles for those interested in starting new businesses in Milwaukee should benefit every sector of our population, including our Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs,” Alderman Witkowski said. “Streamlining our processes not only benefits Spanish-speaking business enterprises, but the city as a whole, too.”
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“This is a tremendously helpful tool to help engage and support our Spanish- speaking business owners, and I will be spreading the word about StartSmart’s features to businesses and constituents going forward,” Alderman Pérez said.
Mayor Tom Barrett said StartSmart will help Hispanic entrepreneurs get a quick start in the city’s bustling (primarily) Spanish speaking areas.
“In recent years, as Milwaukee’s Hispanic population grows, we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of Hispanic entrepreneurs who are establishing businesses in Milwaukee,” Mayor Barrett said. “The Spanish-language version of StartSmart will serve the needs of these start-ups, helping them to get up and running quickly.”
Please go to milwaukee.gov/StartSmart to access the English and Spanish- language versions of StartSmart.
The City of Milwaukee recently received a $50,000 award from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for winning the “Startup in a Day Competition.” This competition, which was created by the SBA and announced by President Obama in 2015, is an initiative to help U.S. cities simplify the process and paperwork required to start a business so entrepreneurs can launch and grow their businesses in less time and at a lower cost. The city’s platform that won this competition – StartSmart – was officially unveiled at a news conference on September 14.
Head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Maria Contreras-Sweet, was joined at the news conference by Mayor Tom Barrett, Deputy Commissioner for the Department of City Development, Martha Brown and Alderman Witkowski.
StartSmart will initially focus on the new business types opened most frequently in Milwaukee, but will add additional business in the coming months. The new tool is also part of the City Clerk’s Red Tape Rescue program, which was itself inspired by the LBAT. Championed by Alderman Witkowski in March, 2016, LBAT was composed of a group of city officials and local business leaders who worked to streamline the city’s permitting, licensing and inspection process to make it more user-friendly for small and locally-owned businesses. Alderman Jim Bohl also served on this team.
Under the Red Tape Rescue program the City Clerk’s Office has developed instructional videos. The videos help explain the licensing process and requirements for certain license types. The videos are also available in English and Spanish and can be found on the License Division website (http://city.milwaukee.gov/cityclerk/license) under the Clerk Notes Instructional Video Series link. The video series continues to expand to include other licensing topics and license types.
StartSmart ahora ayuda a empresarios que hablan español
StartSmart, la herramienta en línea para guiar a los empresarios con sede en Milwaukee que lanzan nuevas empresas, ahora está activa en el sitio web de la Ciudad de Milwaukee en inglés y español.
El concejal Terry L. Witkowski y el concejal José G. Pérez, miembros del Equipo Local de Acción Empresarial de Milwaukee (LBAT), dijeron que están muy contentos de tener a su disposición a la población en español.
“Reduciendo la cinta roja y los obstáculos para aquellos interesados en iniciar nuevos negocios en Milwaukee debería beneficiar a todos los sectores de nuestra populación, incluyendo a nuestros empresarios que hablan español,” dijo el concejal Witkowski. “La racionalización de nuestros procesos no sólo beneficia a las empresas que hablan español, sino también a toda la cuidad.”
“Esta es una herramienta tremendamente útil para ayudar a involucrar y apoyar a nuestros propietarios de negocios que hablan español, y voy a estar promoviendo la palabra acerca de las características de StartSmart a las empresas y los constituyentes en el futuro,” dijo Alderman Pérez.
El alcalde Tom Barrett dijo que StartSmart ayudará a los empresarios hispanos a comenzar rápidamente en las bulliciosas áreas que hablan español en la ciudad.
“En los últimos años, como la población hispana de Milwaukee crece, hemos visto un aumento significativo en el número de empresarios hispanos que están estableciendo negocios en Milwaukee,” dijo el alcalde Barrett. “La versión en español de StartSmart atenderá las necesidades de estas nuevas empresas, ayudándolas a ponerse en marcha rápidamente.”
Por favor, vaya a milwaukee.gov/StartSmart para acceder a las versiones en inglés y en español de StartSmart.
La Ciudad de Milwaukee recientemente recibió un premio de $ 50,000 de la Administración de Pequeños Negocios (SBA) por ganar el “Startup in a Day Competition.” Esta competencia, creada por la SBA y anunciada por el Presidente Obama en 2015, es una iniciativa para ayudar las ciudades de los Estados Unidos simplifican el proceso y el papeleo necesarios para iniciar un negocio para que los empresarios puedan lanzar y hacer crecer sus negocios en menos tiempo ya un costo menor. La plataforma de la ciudad que ganó esta competencia – StartSmart – fue presentada oficialmente en una conferencia de prensa el 14 de septiembre.
La directora de la Administración de Pequeños Negocios de los Estados Unidos, Maria Contreras-Sweet, se unió a la conferencia de prensa por el alcalde Tom Barrett, subcomisario del Departamento de Desarrollo de la Ciudad, Martha Brown y el concejal Witkowski.
StartSmart se centrará inicialmente en los nuevos tipos de negocios abiertos con mayor frecuencia en Milwaukee, pero agregará más negocios en los próximos meses. La nueva herramienta también es parte del programa de rescate de la banda roja del secretario municipal, que fue inspirado por el LBAT. LBAT, que fue promovido por el concejal Witkowski en marzo de 2016, estaba compuesto por un grupo de funcionarios municipales y líderes empresariales locales que trabajaron para simplificar el proceso de permisos, licencias e inspecciones de la ciudad para que sea más fácil de usar para pequeñas empresas locales. El concejal Jim Bohl también formó parte de este equipo.
Bajo el programa de Rescate Cinta Roja (Red Tape Rescue), la oficina del secretario de la ciudad ha desarrollado videos de instrucción. Los videos ayudan a explicar el proceso de licencia y los requisitos para ciertos tipos de licencia. Los videos también están disponibles en inglés y español y se pueden encontrar en el sitio web de la División de Licencias en el enlace Clerk Notes Instructional Video Series. La serie de videos continúa ampliándose para incluir otros temas de licencia y tipos de licencias.


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Milwaukee Public Schools move some schools to early start calendar in 2017 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Public Schools
December 23, 2016
The Milwaukee Board of School Directors voted unanimously to move all secondary schools, International Baccalaureate schools and year-round schools to an early start on August 14, 2017 at Thursday’s meeting.
The board also asked the administration to pursue further research on changing the K-8 elementary school calendar in the future.  Traditional elementary schools will start on Sept. 5, 2017.
The early start calendar proposal is part of the district’s plan to improve outcomes for students. While MPS schools are showing signs of growth and have moved up a grade in the state report card, there is much work to do, particularly in high schools and middle schools:
“I want to thank the Board for standing up for our young people and supporting an opportunity for students to have this extra learning time,” said MPS Superintendent Darienne Driver.
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The proposed change to the calendar allows for the addition of a “J-term”, a four-week optional credit recovery and enrichment program in June in between the end of the regular school year and traditional summer school in July. The additional learning time the J-term provides, along with the early start in mid-August, gives students more time to catch up, keep up and get ahead in school.

created: December 23, 2016