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Story Created: Mar 9, 2010

Story Updated: Mar 10, 2010

MPS' Alliance School To Remain Open

By Heather Shannon

MILWAUKEE - At a Tuesday night meeting of the Committee on Innovation and School Reform, the board voted unanimously to keep the Alliance School open. This after dozens of Alliance students and staff spoke out in support of their school.

The MPS Charter School Review Team recommended the Alliance School have their charter revoked. The review team said the school placed below average in many areas, had paperwork lapses, financial accounting issues, and incomplete immunizations among students.

Dozens of students testified Alliance is working for them.

"If you look at our school we are actually a family. People come to school and need help every day," Nona Bohannon said.
 
Freshman Talon Simpson said, "I think this school should be given a two to three year renewal because it has significantly reduced bullying."
 
The Alliance School opened in 2006, with a unique focus: give every student, no matter their background or sexual orientation, a safe school. One hundred percent of the school's students were habitual truants at their previous schools. Many are gay, lesbian, or transgendered.

Students say Alliance's no bullying policy keeps them in school and focused on learning. "I came from having bad grades to good grades, being able to express myself and ask for help when needed," student Shaniqua Strong said.
 
The school was just featured in People Magazine for its' unique approach to teaching. 

Head Teacher Tina Owen said the paperwork and immunization problems were fixed and the school deserves another chance. 

The committee agreed, and voted unanimously to keep it open for another two years.

 

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