After more than a year of talks, Milwaukee Public Schools administration has signed off on a contract that should allow Radio For Milwaukee, a local non-profit group, to transform WYMS-FM into a cutting-edge community radio station.

The MPS Finance and Personnel Committee will discuss the proposed contract Tuesday evening. If approved, there will be a final vote before the full board. If passed there, Radio For Milwaukee will begin managing the station Dec. 1.

According to the Radio For Milwaukee plan, the new WYMS will fill gaps in Milwaukee radio programming and provide a radio home for audiences that include music lovers, young professionals, MPS parents and students and the arts community. Programming on the station in December could include programming similar to the popular "World Cafe" that is produced by WXPN in Philadelphia.

Radio For Milwaukee was formed by musicians Peter Buffett and Joe Puerta and consultant Todd Broadie. Advisory Board members include OnMilwaukee.com co-founder Jeff Sherman.

"Needless to say, we strongly support the proposal and believe the new station will add to the growing improvement of Milwaukee's image and the sense of excitement about our city," said Broadie, who is currently interviewing candidates to manage the station, which expects to begin broadcasting in mid 2005.

The Radio For Milwaukee Web site is radioformilwaukee.org.