Specifications include, but are not limited to:The purpose of this RFP is to seek one or more qualified providers of supportive services to students who have been expelled from Milwaukee Public Schools. The services should support students in the area of socio-emotional development, decision making, conflict resolution, anger management and AODA counseling and referrals. The Milwaukee Board of School Directors wishes to contract with trained professionals for services to students expelled from school for drug and alcohol offenses, assault, battery and behaviors which endanger the property, health or safety of others. Wisconsin state law and the policies of the Milwaukee Board of School Directors provide the grounds for the expulsion of students. In accordance with administrative policy, possessing, having under one's control, or using any controlled substance or alcoholic beverage, assault, battery or any behavior that endangers the property, health or safety of others shall require a disciplinary action which may include expulsion. If a recommendation is made for expulsion, the length of the expulsion period and any services to be received are determined by an Independent Hearing Officer. As an alternative to a fixed expulsion period, School Boards are also authorized by state statutes to offer expelled students an opportunity for early readmission. Early readmission options often require pupils to comply with several conditions related to the reason for the expulsion. The Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) Independent Hearing Officer may utilize this option and can recommend, in addition to educational services, life skills training; community service; services that support developmental assets; services to develop and strengthen coping skills; conflict resolution; violence prevention strategies, and restorative practices. In addition, offenses involving the use, ownership, or possession of illegal drugs and alcohol and other drug abuse ("AODA") counseling, anger management, and/or referrals to community based organizations and services. To provide services, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors wishes to contract with an agency when these services are recommended by the Independent Hearing Officer, and thus provide the student training and support for readmission and/or early reinstatement to Milwaukee Public Schools. The goals of this program are to provide expelled students with meaningful services that will help them become more successful in reaching their educational and life goals with an understanding of how their past choices have impeded this process. It is anticipated that these services are for students 14 through 20 years of age who have been expelled from the Milwaukee Public Schools. It is anticipated that services will be provided to approximately 50 students from the inception of the program, anticipated to start May 1, 2015, to the end of the current school year, June 30, 2015. Up to an additional 100 students will be funded during the 2015-2016 school year, July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. There is a mutual option to renew this contract(s) for an additional school year from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. Applicants should provide a detailed description of services that include but are not limited to: • Increase self-esteem and self awareness • Developing trust in a safe environment • Encourage appropriate social interactions • Provide social skills training • Increase direction/request following • Encourage sensory stimulation and integrating
