Learning Community Leadership - Milwaukee Public Schools

Learning Community 1

Academic Superintendent: Dr. Laurie Fiorenza
School Operations Manager III: Maurice Turner

Learning Community 2

Academic Superintendent: Dr. Carletta Noland
School Operations Manager III: Maurice Turner

Learning Community 3

Academic Superintendent: Dr. Silvia Romero-Johnson
School Operations Manager III: Marybell Nieves-Harris

Bio: Dr. Silvia Romero-Johnson

Dr. Romero-Johnson has worked in education for almost 30 years. She served Spanish-speaking students and families as a paraprofessional, taught mathematics in bilingual programs, and was the principal for Madison’s first two-way immersion school. She most recently served as the Middleton-Cross Planes Area School District’s Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. Dr. Johnson is the co-author of Advancing Equity in Dual Language Education: A Guide for Leaders (2022) and Engraving School Districts with the Cultural Wealth and Social Justice Advocacy of Latino/a/x Leaders (2023). As a superintendent, she is passionate about supporting student learning and growth by supporting the adults who serve them most closely, and she plans to focus on inclusive instruction for all students.

Bio: Marybell Nieves-Harris

Learning Community 4

Academic Superintendent: Ebony Grice
School Operations Manager III: Marybell Nieves-Harris

Bio: Ebony Grice

Ms. Grice has served Wisconsin students and families for more than 20 years. Her career includes mentoring new teachers, providing instructional leadership, and executing a school district’s vision. Ms. Grice is an advocate for access and opportunity for all students, and she specializes in leading teams, cultivating positive learning environments, and building strong relational capacity for all stakeholders.

Bio: Marybell Nieves-Harris

Learning Community 5

Academic Superintendent: Dr. Jennifer M. Hernandez
School Operations Manager III: Demetri Beekman

Schools

Bio: Dr. Jennifer M. Hernandez

Dr. Hernandez has more than 20 years of experience in education. Prior to her current role, she served as Executive Director of Urban School Transformation through a partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and CESA #1, and she also held faculty leadership roles at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Quinnipiac University. Dr. Hernandez is a co-founder of DREAM (Dismantling Racism through Education, Advocacy, and Mobilization) and a co-producer of the Blacktivism in the Academy podcast. She brings a deep commitment to advancing academic excellence and social justice across diverse school communities.

Bio: Demetri Beekman

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Mr. Beekman is a proud graduate of Rufus King International High School. With more than 25 years of experience in education, he has served in a variety of leadership roles, including as the Executive Director for Equity and Inclusion for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). He is committed to supporting today's students, fostering positive school cultures, and improving educational equity. Mr. Beekman manages Learning Communities 5 and 6.

Learning Community 6

Academic Superintendent: Dr. Kurt Schneider
School Operations Manager III: Demetri Beekman

Bio: Dr. Kurt Schneider

Bio: Demetri Beekman

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Mr. Beekman is a proud graduate of Rufus King International High School. With more than 25 years of experience in education, he has served in a variety of leadership roles, including as the Executive Director for Equity and Inclusion for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). He is committed to supporting today's students, fostering positive school cultures, and improving educational equity. Mr. Beekman manages Learning Communities 5 and 6.

Learning Community 7

Academic Superintendent: Aaron Shapiro
School Operations Manager III: Gregory Ogunbowale

Schools

Bio: Aaron Shapiro

Mr. Shapiro has served MPS for more than 20 years. His career has spanned key leadership positions in school support, instructional strategy, and school administration, and his most recent position was Principal and Executive Director of the Bradley Tech Commission. Mr. Shapiro holds multiple Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) licenses and is certified in Educator Effectiveness, Systems Thinking, and School Threat Assessment. As a superintendent, he is focused on driving instructional excellence, improving academic outcomes, and expanding equitable opportunities across all MPS secondary schools.

Bio: Gregory Ogunbowale

Learning Community 8

Academic Superintendent: Dr. Elia Bruggeman
School Operations Manager III: Gregory Ogunbowale

Schools

Bio: Dr. Elia Bruggeman

Dr. Elia Bruggeman is a mission-driven education leader with more than 30 years of experience advancing equity, strengthening instructional systems, and aligning K–12 education with college and career success. She has served in senior leadership roles at the district and state levels, including Assistant Commissioner of Education for the Minnesota Department of Education, Deputy Education Officer for Minneapolis Public Schools, and High School Superintendent for Boston Public Schools. Dr. Bruggeman has led high school redesign, expanded career-connected learning and strategic partnerships, and improved outcomes for historically underserved students. Fluent in Spanish, she brings deep expertise in multilingual education, data-informed decision-making, and cross-sector collaboration to support strong schools and student success.

Bio: Gregory Ogunbowale

Learning Community 9

Director of Contracted Schools: Bridget Schock
Supervisor of Contracted Schools: Lisa Haar

Schools

Bio: Bridget Schock

Bio: Lisa Haar

Ms. Haar has been with MPS for more than 25 years. She began her career in education as an elementary teacher in Milwaukee and moved on to various roles that included assessment coordinator, math coach, school performance coordinator, and school support teacher. She also served as the Director of Teaching and Learning at another district. Ms. Haar manages Learning Community 9.