Violence-Free Zone program effective Violence in Milwaukee Public Schools down New data from Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) officials show the Violence-Free Zone (VFZ) youth violence reduction program continues to produce very positive results. "The Center for Neighborhood Enterprise’s Violence-Free Zone has made a significant impact on the quality of education in the schools it is serving," MPS Superintendent William Andrekopoulos said. Andrekopoulos made his remarks during a news conference announcing the second quarter data at the Intercontinental Hotel, downtown. Second quarter data from MPS tracking suspensions, violent and nonviolent incidents show significant improvements at the six MPS high schools with VFZ programs in the second quarter of the 2007/2008 school year compared with the same period in 2006/2007. Total violent incidents for the six schools combined decreased 23%, nonviolent incidents 11% and suspensions 9%

The results are a continuation of the first quarter 2007/2008 school year violence reduction results announced in January 2008.

The program, created by the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise (CNE), is carried out in the MPS high schools by the Latino Community Center (LCC) and the Running Rebels Community Organization (RRCO). The program has been so successful that in February, MPS asked that the VFZ be implemented in a seventh high school.

Year-to-date totals combining first and second quarter 2007/2008 data for the six schools show a 23% reduction in violent incidents, a 17% reduction in nonviolent incidents, and a 9% reduction in suspensions, compared with the same period in the 2006/2007 school year.

Milwaukee’s VFZ results have made the program a model for other school districts throughout the country and prompted other cities to inquire as to how Milwaukee has been able to reduce school violence.

Monday’s results announcement was made during a day-long visit by a delegation of 25 city, community, foundation and education officials from Omaha, Nebraska. The group visited South Division and Washington High Schools to see the Violence-Free Zone program in action and talk with principals, VFZ staff and students.

"Milwaukee is attracting attention around the country for its innovation in public education," said CNE President Robert L. Woodson, Sr. "The Violence-Free Zone introduces a new and essential layer of support to the students, working closely with MPS school safety, counselors, and teaching staff to make schools safe for education."

The VFZ program is unique because it is carried out in the schools by "Youth Advisors," young adults from the same background and experiences as the students. Because of their backgrounds, they are trusted and are able to influence young people in positive directions.

Advisors are screened, hired, and managed by the LCC and RRCO. In addition to the school activity, both community organizations have comprehensive after-school, weekend and summer programs that offer some of the most at-risk young people a safe haven and support at all times. LLC and RRCO staff members also walk the streets to find and build relationships with young people where they congregate and offer them help.

The VFZ targets the high need young people as identified by school staff. Other students ask to join because they want additional guidance and support. The VFZ staff also recruits students showing leadership qualities.

More than 907 students are now enrolled in the VFZ across the seven schools, representing just over 10 percent of the school populations at Bay View, Custer, Madison, Marshall, North Division, South Division, Washington and James Madison High Schools.

The 10 percent threshold is critical because the VFZ has found the climate of a school is usually controlled by about 10 percent of the students. By focusing on that portion of the school’s population, the program is able to address individual needs and create positive results.

The VFZ is organized by the CNE, a national organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., and is supported locally by MPS and following foundations: the Argosy Foundation, the Helen Bader Foundation, the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, the Elizabeth Brinn Foundation, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, the Richard and Ethel Herzfeld Foundation, the Marshall & Ilsley Foundation, the Faye McBeath Foundation, the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, and the Jane Bradley Pettit Foundation.

The CNE was founded in 1981 by Robert L. Woodson, Sr., to help residents of low-income neighborhoods address the problems of their communities. CNE provides training and technical assistance and linkages to resources to community-based organizations.

The Center’s VFZ initiative is being implemented in 28 high-risk urban schools around the country, including Antelope Valley, California (2); Atlanta (3); Baltimore (1); Dallas (10); Milwaukee (7); Washington, DC (3); and Prince George’s County, Maryland (2).