West Allis Council debates conditional use permit for Academy of Excellence charter school

The West Allis Common Council convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding the proposed Academy of Excellence charter school, which aims to establish a high school within the district. This proposal has sparked considerable debate among council members and community stakeholders, particularly concerning its potential impact on local public schools and taxpayers.

The Academy of Excellence plans to utilize the former St. Rita's property, with the first floor designated for classrooms, a library, and administrative offices, while higher floors remain unprogrammed. The facility will cater to students with meals prepared off-site, and the gym will support classes rather than tournaments. The Planning Commission previously reviewed the proposal and recommended approval, contingent on several conditions, including compliance with accessibility standards and landscaping requirements.

However, community members voiced strong opposition during the meeting. Kristin Kaiser, a member of the West Allis West Milwaukee School Board, expressed concerns about the financial implications of introducing a voucher school. She highlighted that charter schools often divert funds from public education, complicating financial accountability and leading to increased costs for public schools. Kaiser noted that public schools in Wisconsin are already facing funding challenges, exacerbated by the allocation of state funds favoring private schools.

Amy Diehl, another public school advocate, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the introduction of the Academy of Excellence could lead to higher property taxes for residents. She explained that funding for voucher students comes entirely from property taxes, which would further strain the district's resources. Diehl warned that if the charter school attracts students from the West Allis Central attendance area, it could jeopardize the viability of existing high schools and necessitate additional funding measures.

The council's discussions reflect a broader concern about the sustainability of public education funding in West Allis. As the community weighs the potential benefits of a new educational option against the risks to public schools, the outcome of this proposal will have lasting implications for local families and the educational landscape.

The council will continue to deliberate on the Academy of Excellence's request, considering the feedback from residents and the potential impact on the West Allis West Milwaukee School District. The next steps will be crucial in determining how the community balances educational innovation with the need to support its existing public schools.