The facts: How the Malcolm X development is moving forward

The following is a statement by Milwaukee Board of School Directors President Michael Bonds regarding reporting on the Malcolm X project:
“Recent news coverage may be causing confusion about what Milwaukee taxpayers are receiving in an agreement between Milwaukee Public Schools and the former developer of the Malcolm X Academy building, which the district will convert to a high-performing International Baccalaureate school in the fall of 2016.
“Coverage in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has referred to the payment of ‘fees’ the paper estimates at up to $1 million dollars. That information is incorrect.
“As the district detailed on its website on September 26, 2014, it is receiving work product, including construction drawings and other materials, that are needed as the project moves forward. The compensation, which is approximately $500,000, is far less than the $1 million noted by the Journal Sentinel. It was vetted by the independent consultant used by the City of Milwaukee and found to be customary.
“How school buildings are used is an important topic. In order to have a honest conversation about them, taxpayers deserve to have the facts.”