Darienne Driver

How Will School Board Hire New Superintendent?

What's the likely process and how were past decisions made?

Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Resigns After Closed-Session Meeting

School district is in jeopardy of losing millions in state and federal dollars.

MPS Seeks To Revise School Calendar

Seeking earlier start to 2024-25 school year for elementary students, creating a uniform calendar for system.

‘Traffic Gardens’ Coming to MPS Buildings

Part of Safe Routes to School program, teaching students how to bike and follow rules of the road.

MPS Still Tougher on Black Students?

Federal settlement cited disproportionate discipline. Posley says progress being made.

High Rate of Turnover for School Superintendents

Some superintendents leap frog from district to district, advancing their career or salary.

How Should MPS Use Rainy Day Fund?

Typically used for school emergencies. Union pushes to use it to hire more staff.

New MPS Superintendent Takes Over

Keith Posley has two top goals; One involves Scott Walker.

MPS Becomes Issue in Governor’s Race

Budget cuts, poor achievement, Walker’s call for state action heat up discussion.

Statement from Superintendent Dr. Darienne Driver

I love and have given my heart and soul to serving Milwaukee Public Schools and have no regrets.

Four high schools nationally recognized by U.S. News and World Report

Rufus King in the top ten high schools in the state

Why Is City’s Student Achievement So Low?

NAEP results show notable progress in Chicago, but discouraging results here.

Danceworks Mad Hot Ballroom Dance Competition at BMO Harris Bradley Center on Saturday, May 19th marks the last in a cherished partnership

Students from 50 Milwaukee area schools will show off their ballroom dancing skills.

Milwaukee Board of School Directors Selects Interim Superintendent

Veteran educator Dr. Keith P. Posley to lead district

Community Reacts to Driver’s Departure

MPS Superintendent Dr. Darienne Driver announced her last day will be July 6, 2018.

MPS Board President Mark Sain issues statement regarding Dr. Driver’s resignation

"I wish her the very best."

MPS Losing Superintendent Driver

Will become CEO of Southeastern Michigan United Way in Detroit in July.

Message from MPS Superintendent Darienne Driver

"It is with mixed emotions that I share with you my appointment today as the President and CEO of the United Way of Southeastern Michigan."

The MPS Agency Superintendents Hate

Efficiency office created in 2010 reports to board members. But is it needed?

Statement of Mark A. Sain, President of the Milwaukee Board of School Directors

"To be clear, there will be times when Dr. Driver and the Board do not agree. That is natural and to be expected."

School Board Restricts MPS Raises

Committee adopts rule requiring board approval for all raises.

$100,000 Grant for Violence Prevention Plan

Bader Philanthropies grant helps fund effort pushed by Health Commissioner Bevan Baker.

MPS shows slight improvement on latest state report card

District sees uptick in key areas

MPS Invites Family Input on School Meals

District to host nine listening sessions throughout October at various locations

Milwaukee County Office on African American Affairs Announces Confirmation of Nicole Brookshire as Director of the Office on African American Affairs

Mrs. Brookshire’s confirmation comes following a comprehensive national search, a series of public listening sessions and meetings with key social justice stakeholders.

Republicans’ out of touch budget priorities already failing Wisconsin kids

"As long as Wisconsinites are making subsidy payments to Foxconn, no school should experience cuts of any sort."

Abele Appointee to County Office on African American Affairs Wins Unanimous Support from County Board’s Economic Development Committee

OAAA Poised to Continue Important Workforce Development Work Under Director Nicole Brookshire

Milwaukee Board of School Directors Keeps Daniel Webster Secondary School Open

The Board anticipates receiving a plan from the district administration for the future of the Webster Campus by November 2017.

Webster Secondary School to Close

MPS cites declining enrollment. School board will make final decision.

MPS Expands Program Connecting Youth to Jobs

$225,000 grant will grow the program to serve 250 students, up from 50 the previous year

MPS Launches New Black & Latino Male Achievement Department, Hires Staff

District sees new department as a critical opportunity for all of Milwaukee

How Teach for America Helps MPS

70 TFA members attend summer institute to prepare for teaching.

MPS Targets Racial Achievement Gap

New Department of Black and Latino Male Achievement created.

MPS Superintendent Chosen to Lead National Coalition of Urban School Systems

Dr. Darienne Driver elected as chair of the Council of Great City Schools Board of Directors, a policymaking body of the nation's primary coalition of large urban public school systems

Record Number of MPS Schools Awarded for Behavior and Academic Excellence

Record Number of MPS Schools Awarded for Behavior and Academic Excellence

Scholarships for Class of 2017 Exceed $62 Million

Number of scholarship dollars offered to MPS students is largest ever, breaking last year's record by more than $10 million

Board Approves 2017-18 MPS Budget That Increases Support to Schools, Students

No growth in revenue, rising healthcare costs require difficult decisions

Bucks and Johnson Controls to Build $150,000 Multi-Sport Complex at MPS’ Browning Elementary School

Joint gift to include up to $600,000 in additional funding to support youth-focused programming

Hot Summer Milwaukee Returns

2nd year of program offers education, recreation and camps.

Seven MPS high schools named top in the state

The Washington Post rates most challenging schools; ranks Rufus King International School best in state

MPS proposed budget continues its alignment of resources for increased support to schools, students

No growth in revenue, rising healthcare costs require difficult decisions

MPS High School Earns Top Spot in the State

Three high schools nationally recognized by U.S. News and World Report

State honors 16 MPS schools

Schools are Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Schools of Recognition

Board designates MPS a safe haven for undocumented students

Additional actions include Early Retirement Window and school changes

Governor Walker Highlights K-12 Education Investments During Visit To Bradley Technology High School in Milwaukee

Milwaukee Public Schools is estimated to receive approximately $1.32 billion in funding from the state under Governor Walker’s biennial budget

Barrett Sells Milwaukee to GOP

City has reinvented itself, deserves greater investment from state, he argues.

My 5 Milwaukee Valentines

From rising stars to an angry sheriff, the Milwaukeeans who most deserve some love.

Milwaukee Public Schools, City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Police Department, and Milwaukee Bucks to announce the return of Midnight Basketball League

Milwaukee Public Schools will host three 10-week Midnight Leagues at Bradley Tech.

Milwaukee Public Schools move some schools to early start calendar in 2017

Secondary, IB and year round schools move to August start date

Milwaukee Public Schools releases results of water quality testing

The sampling began in June 2016 and two independent, state-certified firms conducted the analysis.

Over 3,200 Milwaukee Public Schools’ students participate in one-day volunteer project

Milwaukee Public School students at 28 schools will all participate in a large scale volunteer project with United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County

Important message from the superintendent

While our schools are showing signs of growth and have moved up a grade in the state report card, we have much work to do

Milwaukee Public Schools’ students get free books; chance to meet children’s author Sundee Frazier

My Very Own Library, Scholastic Book Fairs and United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County team-up to support literacy effort at 14 MPS schools

Nearly one third of MPS schools move up a category on the latest State Report Card

Fifty-five MPS schools Meet, Exceed or Significantly Exceed Expectations on the latest State Report Card

Do “No Excuses” Charter Schools Work?

The data is encouraging. So why are some MPS leaders resistant?

Advanced Placement Telepresence program expands students’ opportunity

Milwaukee Public Schools program provides classes via remote access

Milwaukee Board of School Directors approve $1.3 million investment in MPS C.A.R.E.S.

Initiative provides safe space for Milwaukee young people and families

Signs of Progress at MPS

More families choosing the system and more students succeeding.

Why State’s MPS Takeover Plan Died

In changing state ratings to protect choice schools, Republicans ended up killing OSPP.

Milwaukee Public Schools launches new initiative to give young people a safe place

MPS C.A.R.E.S. offers expanded evening programming, wellness activities for youth and families

Statewide data shows improvement; more work needed to prepare all students for success

District continues work to promote student achievement

MPS Sets Sights on Increased State Funding

Buoyed by victory on OSSP takeover law, union and parents call for funding equity.

Dr. Driver & MPS Deserve Due Credit for MPS Turnaround Efforts

Statement of President Ashanti Hamilton

Flood The Hood With Dreams

An event hosted by Milwaukee College Prep to celebrate our neighbors and neighborhoods

Milwaukee Public Schools No Longer Required to Participate in OSPP

District performance signals progress

MPS superintendent elected chair-elect of Council of Great City Schools Board of Directors

Dr. Darienne Driver assumes leadership position with national coalition of nation's largest urban public schools

Marquette receives $1 million NSF grant so Milwaukee teachers can earn certification to teach computer science

Marquette will administer the grant for nearly 200 MPS teachers to receive certification to teach computer science.

Women’s Fund fall luncheon to be a “Rad Women Celebration”

Features keynote on “Being Rad for Social Change” by New York Times bestselling author Kate Schatz. Thursday, October 20, 2016 at the Italian Conference Center

MPS, Bartolotta Restaurants gala event expands culinary arts education

Career-readiness program coming to four MPS high schools; gala September 28 at Discovery World

Milwaukee Public Schools announces community sessions about new dual-language Montessori school

District moves forward with enrolling students for 2017-18 school year

Milwaukee Public Schools partners with four nationally recognized artists through White House arts initiative

Turnaround Arts artists to work with students in four district schools

UW-Milwaukee, Milwaukee Public Schools partnership receives $2.4 million grant

The partnership will engage 25 teachers with master’s degrees across MPS high schools in personalized professional development and classroom-based research.

MPS Board Update: Dr. Driver’s contract extended

Board, Superintendent continue work to provide students opportunities for success

Special message from Superintendent Driver

"As I have reflected on the week and on the actions and reactions of our community, it is clear that people are hurting."

Board highlights expansion of language immersion, community support

Milwaukee Public School administrators also reported on Thursday night that the district accepted more than $218,000 in donations in July.

MPS Student Wins Gold Medal at National NAACP Competition

Milwaukee High School of the Arts students honored for music, arts

MPS Creates More Community Schools

New reform comes after school board rejects proposed state OSPP plan by Abele.

Update regarding Opportunity Schools and Partnership Plan (OSPP)

No decision was reached today.

Rep. Bowen praises MPS Superintendent for rejecting school takeover proposal

Commends Dr. Driver’s thorough, alternative proposal for OSPP

MPS Board President Mark Sain, Superintendent Dr. Darienne Driver issue statement regarding Opportunity Schools and Partnership Plan (OSPP)

We recently requested a meeting with County Executive Abele and Commissioner Means to discuss an alternative to the OSPP proposal.

$47.8 million: MPS grads set a new scholarship record

Class of 2016 shatters Class of 2015's $39.3 million record; total up more than 20%

MPS’ Pulaski High School earns International Baccalaureate candidate status

Preparing to become MPS' eighth IB school

Groundbreaking set for addition at MPS’ top-performing Maryland Avenue Montessori School

School rated 'Exceeds Expectations' on latest state report card

Board approves 2016-17 MPS budget that directs more district resources to classrooms

Commitment to funding school, student success despite overall revenue decrease

County Executive Abele, Dr. Demond Means Make Announcement on OSPP Timeline

"Even though MPS agrees with us that this law is not ideal, we are asking them to be open to a conversation with us about how we can implement the law in the most productive way possible."

First Lady Michelle Obama welcomes MPS to national Turnaround Arts program

President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities program, Turnaround Arts, infuses high-need schools with the arts as strategy to help close the achievement gap and provide equitable access to arts and music education

Why Urban School Chiefs Fail

The lessons of former MPS superintendent Gregory Thornton’s firing in Baltimore.

Mobile app created by North Division students is one of six national winners

App is aimed at supporting children battling disease with words of encouragement; now for the 2nd year in a row, an MPS student-designed app is eligible for national fan favorite award

MPS instrumental jazz group wins prestigious national award

DownBeat magazine recognizes Jazz Lab at Milwaukee High School of the Arts; 3rd straight year a group from the high school has won

Superintendent’s proposed 2016-17 MPS budget directs more district resources to classrooms

Commitment to funding school, student success despite overall revenue decrease

MPS history teacher wins state Teacher of the Year award, nominated for national award

Reagan's Margaret Holtgreive wins honor from National History Day organization

Study finds collaborative efforts among education partners improving outcomes at Carver Academy

Lessons learned can help build other successful partnerships

Two MPS Schools in State’s Top 10

U.S. News ranks Reagan and King above most suburban high schools.

MPS student wins ‘Rising Star’ award from state music industry

Jonah Roth of Milwaukee High School of the Arts

More MPS high schools make national top school lists

District again takes state's top two Washington Post spots; MPS also home two of the state's U.S. News top 10

6 MPS students win national Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Previous honorees include Ken Burns, Joyce Carol Oates, Sylvia Plath and Andy Warhol

MPS graduate earns prestigious Fulbright award

2012 Rufus King International High School alumna and Bradley University student Sojourner White

Let’s All Talk About Guns

Rep’s “American Song” offers strong one-man show on the topic followed by second act of community discussion.

2 MPS schools among state’s first to earn new AP diploma program

As more MPS students are taking AP and IB courses, 'AP Capstone' college prep program coming to Golda Meir, Milwaukee School of Languages

2016 State of the City

Hmong American Peace Academy - February 8, 2016

Big stage for eight MPS boys, girls basketball teams at The City Review

Three state top 10 teams to compete as MPS continues to expand athletic opportunities including new fields, teams

Mayor Barrett Announced Mentoring Initiative at My Brother’s Keeper Mentoring Forum with MPS & Milwaukee Bucks

White House Chair of My Brother’s Keeper Joined to Applaud Nationwide Progress

Supt. Driver, Bucks star Jabari Parker invite MPS families to summit on attendance

A resource fair, breakout listening sessions, child care, translation services and a dinner are provided.

MPS Changing How it Handles Charter Schools?

Superintendent Driver and some school board members want to clarify process.

Record number of students and colleges expected for 9th annual Fresh Coast Classic College & Resource Fair

Event at UW-Milwaukee exposes students to college and career opportunities; helps them plan for success

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Appoints MPS Graduate, Long-Time Public School Advocate Dr. Demond Means Commissioner of Opportunity Schools Program

Dr. Means is a graduate of Milwaukee’s Riverside University High School.

13th annual event offers resources for Latino families of students with special needs

Foro Latino set for Friday, November 6 at South Division High School

Vote Favoring Pulaski & Carmen Partnership Surprises

Harris changes position, school board okays it, opponents question decision.

How Schools Are Over-Testing Students

New study of big city schools, including Milwaukee, shows way too many standardized tests being given.

New this year: All MPS high schools offering early admissions

Open houses set as new enrollment period runs from October 5 through November 2

MPS’ Academy of Accelerated Learning honored as 1 of 10 Spotlight Schools in state

Only school in southeastern Wisconsin to be recognized; comes with $25,000 DPI grant

Will Pulaski and Carmen Schools Partnership Get Okay?

Supporters say it could improve Pulaski's poor results, but teachers union and some board members may resist.

Groundbreaking set for addition to MPS’ top-performing Fernwood Montessori School

Tied to MPS' Regional Development Plan, which works to grow strong academic programs

Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Over 100 Expected Guests

Headliners include actors Raven-Symoné and John Ashton; documentary subjects April Carrión and Moziah Bridges; award-winning directors Chad Gracia and Stanley Nelson

Ribbon-cuttings set for new MPS athletic fields

Rebuilt South Stadium, renovated Custer Stadium part of district effort to strengthen athletic opportunities

400 MPS Grads Eligible for $5 Million in College Scholarships from The Degree Project®

Great Lakes Set to Follow Through on Promise Made to Freshmen in 2011

MPS earns $35.6 million in competitive grants to support students, highest total in 3 years

Funds support early childhood education, improving school climates, improving achievement, before/after school programs, arts education

Jabari Parker and the Bucks Partner with Milwaukee Public Schools on New Attendance Initiative

Bucks forward will appear in multi-media campaign urging students to own their future by being in school all day, every day

Two of the state’s top high schools and a high-performing elementary school start Monday

Day One event set for MPS' Reagan H.S., which is expanding personalized learning to help all students succeed

MPS to celebrate start of year-round schools building on past achievements and focused on future successes

New year includes a focus on increasing attendance, literacy across all subjects and implementation of Regional Development Plan to create more enrollment opportunities in high-performing schools

MPS teacher named to ‘elite network of exceptional educators’

Reagan's Sarah Moore one of just 27 Milken fellows

MPS superintendent moves to replace aide who made obscene gesture

Record-breaking $36.7 million in scholarships for the MPS Class of 2015

Third consecutive record total; Class of 2015 more than doubled Class of 2012's total

‘Life-changing’ Gates scholarships for 2 Hmong American Peace Academy students

Celebration set for Thursday, June 4 at 9 a.m.

Joint statement from Pres. Bonds, Supt. Driver regarding JFC budget action

"This plan targets struggling schools rather than seeking ways to support them."

National top 5 win for mobile app created by students at MPS’ Washington HS of IT

Now Washington students need help to be voted fan favorite

2 MPS high schools among state’s 15 best in new U.S. News rankings

MPS' Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School ranked 8th and MPS' Rufus King International High School ranked 12th.

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Statement on the Opportunity Schools and Partnership Program Proposal

Providing the best K-12 education system for the community should be a priority for everyone who lives in Milwaukee

Statement from Milwaukee Board of School Directors President Michael Bonds and MPS Superintendent Darienne Driver regarding the Kooyenga/Darling proposal

Both Bonds and MPS Superintendent Darienne Driver expressed skepticism that the so-called "turnaround district" will do anything to improve outcomes for students.

MPS’ 4-year graduation rate up slightly in 2014

5- and 6-year rates continue to show some students are taking more time to graduate; key initiatives in place to accelerate growth

MPS educators win state health Teacher of the Year, Jump Rope for Heart honors

MPS celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week as MPS educators earn top honors from the state association of health and physical education teachers for three straight years

MPS student wins nation’s highest honor for graduating seniors

Reagan's Alethia Tilford just one of 141 in the U.S., 2 in Wisconsin

Marquette Law School, College of Education to host half-day conference on critical K-12 education issues

The event is part of a continuing series of conferences on K–12 education sponsored by the Law School and College of Education, and is open to the public.

Stand with Survivors: April 29th is Denim Day

April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. This month, I am proud to stand alongside my colleague Dr. Darienne Driver, Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools, in raising awareness of the misconceptions around sexual assault.

MPS student in the running for nation’s highest honor for graduating HS seniors

Reagan's Alethia Tilford is a 2015 Presidential Scholars semifinalist

MPS high schools take state’s top 2 spots on Washington Post best list

6 MPS schools in total make Post's list of schools that challenge students to achieve through college-level exams

Milwaukee Succeeds Names Danae Davis New Executive Director

Dynamic Nonprofit Executive Takes Lead Role in Community Partnership

Charter School Leaders Say Oversight Needed

Republican plan for Milwaukee would allow high-performing charter schools to replicate without any approving authority.

MPS Commitment Schools Show Improvement

Federally funded schools have raised student achievement in reading and math.

Dr. Driver statement regarding meeting with President Obama

MPS superintendent joined other urban school leaders with the Council of the Great City Schools

Program for underperforming MPS schools is paying off

Early results show that Commitment Schools initiative is improving reading and math achievement in kindergarten through 8th grade

Federal Cuts Challenge Local Food Programs

Funding reduced though number of county Food Share recipients hasn't declined.

February Board update: Dr. Driver’s contract extended, state budget resolution, Malcolm X redevelopment for King Middle

Other action includes: Clerk's contract extended, position created to explore new northwest-side middle school; Board honors Dr. King contest winners, Cass Street School teacher and outgoing chief accountability and efficiency officer

MPS notes 10 years of defibrillators in schools

The MPS HeartSafe Schools program has saved seven lives

MPS hosts listening sessions linked to strategies for improving student outcomes

Students, families, staff and community members invited to weigh in; each session is connected to one of the district's Strategic Objectives

Families encouraged to enroll by Friday for the best opportunity at their first-choice school

Last week for MPS' 'Three-Choice Enrollment' period, which ends Feb. 20

MPS fall applications double as “Three-Choice” enrollment opens

Enroll by Feb. 20 for your best opportunity for a seat at your first-choice school

January Board update: Budget and operational planning; 5 buildings declared surplus

Charter, partnership contracts also renewed, amended

Meet leaders, enroll early in 100+ neighborhood and specialty schools at MPS fair

MPS All-School Enrollment Fair is set for Saturday, January 31 at Milwaukee High School of the Arts

Hundreds of Volunteers to Join City Year Milwaukee for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

Mandela Barnes, Superintendent Driver, Julia A. Uihlein will join volunteers to beautify Milwaukee Public Schools’ Washington High School of Information Technology

Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Driver goes “On the Issues” to discuss challenges, vision for district’s future

Driver came to MPS two years ago to become the district’s first chief innovation officer.

Board OKs additions for high-performing Montessori schools, reopening building for charter school

Superintendent also presents broad conceptual plan to continue work to expand high-demand, successful programs

3,500 MPS students to connect with colleges, careers, resources at fair

Scholarships will also be presented; 8th annual Fresh Coast Classic College and Resource Fair set for Tuesday at UWM

MPS students to benefit from $9.1M in competitive grants

Funds will strengthen academic, behavioral and mental health supports for students

MPS educator named Midwest PE Teacher of the Year

Gail Milbrath and 2 other MPS educators also won state honors this year

MPS Board President Demands Reporter Be Replaced

Bonds demands Erin Richards get pulled from MPS beat, Journal Sentinel refuses, and whole thing descends into a bizarre comedy.

MPS hosting nearly 1,000 leaders from nation’s urban school districts

Challenges, best practices and reforms are the focuses of discussion at the Council of the Great City Schools annual conference

MPS Targets Underperforming Schools

14 schools will each get $300,000 in federal funds as part of three-year "Commitment Schools" program.

MPS Superintendent Driver’s Downtown Pad

When you're moving from job to job, better to rent. Her Library Hill apartment is right on Wisconsin Ave.

MPS Board names Dr. Darienne Driver as permanent superintendent

First permanent female superintendent in the district

15 MPS schools honored by the state for ‘Beating the Odds’

Schools have higher rates of poverty than three-quarters of the schools in Wisconsin and have above-average reading and math achievement compared to similar schools

MPS to ‘ring in’ traditional calendar year Tuesday at one of the district’s 14 Commitment Schools

Local and state leaders to join MPS Board members, Acting Supt. Driver at MPS' Thurston Woods Campus

MPS’ average ACT score up slightly, mirroring statewide trend

ACT scores up at MPS

All students at 156 MPS schools will be able to receive a healthy breakfast, lunch at no charge

MPS announces participation in Community Eligibility Program (CEP)

MPS to kick off King/Reagan calendar school year Aug. 11 at one of its top-ranked high schools

District to focus on achievement, positive youth-adult relationships and leadership at all levels

Milwaukee Board of School Directors approves Acting MPS Superintendent

MPS’ Chief Innovation Officer Darienne Driver brings extensive leadership experience; work with improving schools most in need