Milwaukee Schools Fight Proposed Athletic Conference Realignment

MPS appeals plan to move Reagan High and Carmen schools out of Milwaukee City Conference

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Milwaukee Public Schools is appealing a proposed conference realignment that would move Reagan High School and Carmen South & Carmen Southeast out of the Milwaukee City Conference and into the Southeast Conference. MPS officials say the move would have serious consequences for students, families, and staff, including increased travel time, transportation challenges, and disruption of long-standing rivalries.

Why it matters

The proposed realignment is seen as weakening the Milwaukee City Conference and reducing cooperative athletic opportunities for some schools. It also raises concerns about equitable access to extracurricular activities for students across Milwaukee.

The details

The realignment proposal was advanced by the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Conference Realignment Task Force and would impact six Milwaukee-area conferences. MPS will present its appeal on February 19, marking the district's fourth formal objection during the process. District leaders cite concerns over increased travel time, transportation issues, and the disruption of long-standing rivalries.

  • The WIAA Task Force will hear appeals from impacted schools on February 19.
  • The WIAA Board of Control is scheduled to vote on the task force's recommendations on March 10.
  • If approved, the realignment would take effect during the 2027-28 school year.

The players

Milwaukee Public Schools

The public school district serving the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA)

The governing body for high school sports in Wisconsin.

Megan O'Halloran

A member of the Milwaukee Board of School Directors who has publicly opposed the realignment proposal.

Nora Lahl

A parent who has voiced frustration over the lack of community input in the decision-making process.

Reagan High School

A Milwaukee public high school that would be moved from the Milwaukee City Conference to the Southeast Conference under the proposed realignment.

Carmen South & Carmen Southeast

Two Milwaukee public high schools that would also be moved from the Milwaukee City Conference to the Southeast Conference under the proposed realignment.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.