Rules, Policies, and Procedures
In accordance with Wisconsin Statute 119.18. the Milwaukee Board of School Directors may adopt and modify or repeal rules for its own government and for the organization, discipline, and management of the public schools which shall promote good order and public usefulness.
These rules are known as Administrative Policies and may be found in the MPS online Policy Manual.
While the Board is the policy-making body of the district, the Superintendent, the Board Clerk, and the Chief Accountability and Efficiency Officer are provided the opportunity to initiate and make recommendations on policy to the Board.
Bylaws and Administrative Policies
MPS operates in accordance with Chapter 119 of the Wisconsin Statutes and other applicable statutes governing Cities of the First Class. In accordance with these provisions, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors is empowered to establish rules for its own governance, in other words, the rules by which the Board will operate as a body. These rules are the Bylaws.
Administrative policies address specific issues and general guidelines to be followed in the achievement of Board goals. The creation or revision of administrative policies is a mutual effort by the Board and its executive officers. Executive officers may bring an item to the Board to request the creation, modification, or elimination of policies. Individual Board members may introduce a resolution on policy matters for consideration by the Board.
Although only the Board may adopt new administrative policies or revise existing policies, the executive officers are authorized to develop guidelines to implement administrative policies without Board approval, unless the Board has specifically directed that a particular guideline be given prior Board approval.
Administrative Procedures
Administrative procedures explain how administrative policy is implemented. (Note: Not all administrative policies have related procedures, while some policies may have multiple procedures.)
The Administrative Procedures may be found under the section headings below. The district is in the process of reviewing and revising these procedures (which will be referred to as “guidelines.”) During this review process, the sections, titles, numbering, and cross-references will not align to the Administrative Policies. For assistance with Administrative Procedures, please contact the Office of Board Governance.
- Procedures: Chapter 1: Foundations
- Procedures: Chapter 2: General School Administration
- Procedures: Chapter 3: Fiscal Management
- Procedures: Chapter 4: Support Services
- Procedures: Chapter 5: Facilities Development
- Procedures: Chapter 6: Personnel
- Procedures: Chapter 7: Instruction
- Procedures: Chapter 8: Students
- Procedures: Chapter 9: School Community Relations
Procedures: Chapter 1: Foundations
Procedures: Chapter 2: General School Administration
Procedures: Chapter 3: Fiscal Management
Procedures: Chapter 4: Support Services
Procedures: Chapter 5: Facilities Development
Procedures: Chapter 6: Personnel
Procedures: Chapter 7: Instruction
Procedures: Chapter 8: Students
Procedures: Chapter 9: School Community Relations
History: Bylaws and Administrative Policies Adopted 07-28-2026.
Legal Ref.: United States Constitution, Tenth Amendment; Wisconsin Constitution, Article X; Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 119
More Information
If you have any questions, please contact governance@milwaukeepublicschools.org or (414) 475-8284.
