Milwaukee Public Schools Appeals Wiaa Conference Realignment Decision

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) and the Milwaukee City Conference (MCC) are appealing a conference realignment advanced by the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) Conference Realignment Task Force that would move Reagan High School from the MCC to the Southeast Conference. MPS will present its appeal to the Task Force at a hearing on Thursday, February 19, 2026 in Stevens Point.

In fall 2025, MPS was notified of a proposal to move both Milwaukee King and Milwaukee Reagan to the Southeast Conference. MPS submitted feedback to the conference realignment committee on two occasions in the fall, stating that the district was not in favor of the proposal. Despite MPS opposition, the proposal continued to advance.

In January 2026, MPS representatives met with the Task Force in Stevens Point to reaffirm the district’s stance. Following that meeting, the Task Force modified the proposal to move only Reagan High School to the Southeast Conference, where Carmen South and Carmen Southeast would also be placed.

MPS is continuing to appeal the decision in an effort to keep all of its schools in the MCC. During the February 19 meeting, the district will present feedback from parents, athletes, and coaches. This will mark the district’s fourth formal appeal throughout the realignment process.

During the meeting, MPS officials will share concerns related to transportation, access for families and fans, staffing challenges for athletics programs, and student safety, especially for students traveling later in the evening. The appeal will also raise broader implications for other MPS schools and the overall stability and competitiveness of the MCC.

The WIAA Board of Control will vote on the Task Force’s recommendations at its meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Schools may appeal the Task Force’s recommendations directly to the Board at that meeting or send feedback to the Task Force co-chairs or Board of Control members representing their districts.

The realignment plans, if approved, would be implemented in the 2027-28 school year.

Milwaukee Public Schools is committed to accelerating student achievement, building positive relationships between youth and adults, and cultivating leadership at all levels. Eighth-grade students and families are invited to learn about programs and apply to an MPS high school for the current school year. With nearly 30 high school options in the district, MPS has an ideal learning situation for every student’s needs and future career goals. To find a high school that best fits your needs, visit milwaukeepublicschools.org/enrollment. You can find open house events at high schools, browse specialty schools and access the online enrollment form there. Enrolling now offers you the best opportunity for a chance at your first-choice school; some schools fill up quickly.

Learn more about MPS by visiting milwaukeepublicschools.org. More news is available at milwaukeepublicschools.org/about/news.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.