Dispute Resolution

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is committed to helping families find solutions when there are disagreements or misunderstandings about their child’s education or learning environment.

This process is called “dispute resolution.” By working in partnership with your child’s school, parents/guardians and school staff can quickly find solutions. All MPS staff working on a complaint are required to keep information confidential.

Complaints or Disagreements with Schools

Please follow the steps below to initiate a complaint.

• Step 1: All school-based concerns must begin with an initial verbal or written complaint filed with the school’s principal or school leader. The administrator will then work with you to find a quick resolution to your concerns. School leaders try their best to investigate and respond to complaints within five business days.

• Step 2: If you feel that your concerns were not adequately resolved after you filed a complaint with the principal or school leader, you may make a formal, district-level complaint by completing the online complaint form below. Our Welcome Center staff members can assist you with completing the form in person, or you can speak with them before you complete it by calling (414) 475-8204. Once filed, your complaint will be directed to a designated MPS employee who will work with school leadership to address your concern. The district will investigate and respond to your complaint within two school days.

Examples of complaints include:

• I am concerned with the health curriculum because the teacher is presenting information on hygiene to my child in the fourth grade.
• I am concerned with after-school program quality or discipline.
• I didn’t get a letter telling me which school my child would attend.
• School administrative staff is unwilling to meet with me to discuss my concerns.
• My child came home “suspended” and I did not receive a phone call notification.
• I am concerned about the classroom supports/accommodations for my child’s disability.
   

Support from MPS Family Advocate 

MPS has a Family Advocate you may contact for additional support and assistance while going through the disciplinary process. It is not necessary for you to utilize this service, but you may elect to meet with our advocate prior to your hearing to gain a better understanding of what to expect. 

Kimberly Wood, Family Advocacy Coordinator
Email: woodkj2@milwaukee.k12.wi.us 
Phone: (414) 475-8318

Future Steps

Step 3: If you received a resolution at Step 1 or 2 of the complaint process but you still feel your concerns were not adequately resolved, you may follow up. Please contact the Welcome Center to discuss additional options or next steps. The district Welcome Center is located inside MPS Central Services (5225 W. Vliet Street, Milwaukee, WI 53208).