Milwaukee Public Schools Releases 2020–21 Superintendent's Proposed Budget

Press release from Milwaukee Public Schools:

May 2, 2020

Milwaukee Public Schools releases the 2020–21 $1.2 billion proposed budget. The superintendent’s proposal represents a student-focused budget. Ninety-one cents of every dollar budgeted in the School Operations Fund is used to support students, schools, and school staff. This is up from 88 cents in 2018–19 and 90 cents in 2019–20. The 2020–21 superintendent's proposed budget can be viewed at mpsmke.com/budget.

“This balanced budget is a reflection of our continued commitment to providing all students with the best learning environment possible,” MPS Superintendent Dr. Keith P. Posley said. “We are determined to ensure all our children have the best opportunity for success. MPS is grateful for the support of our community who have entrusted us to invest in the growth of our children.”

The proposed budget is premised on achieving three primary goals of the Milwaukee Board of School Directors: academic achievement; student, family and community engagement; and effective and efficient operations. The district is committed to sustaining funding in schools to stimulate student achievement and aligning budget resources to the Five Priorities for Success:

1. Increase academic achievement and accountability
2. Improve district and school culture
3. Develop our staff
4. Ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency
5. Strengthen communication and collaboration

The following are examples of additional resource allocations supported through the proposed budget:

• School-based funding and staff
• Educational programming such as Montessori and bilingual
• Staff salary schedules
• Maintenance of safe and conducive learning facilities
• Pursuit of accreditation for recreational services

On April 7, 2020, the city of Milwaukee voters overwhelmingly approved, by a 78–22% margin, an operational referendum to exceed the state-imposed revenue limit. Revenue limits for school districts have been in place since the 1993-94 school year. The $87 million recurring referendum will be phased in over four years bringing $57 million in additional services for the students in Milwaukee Public Schools in the first year. The proposed budget for the referendum will be included in the overview presentation at the Milwaukee Board of School Directors’ Committee on Strategic Planning and Budget on May 7, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.

In compliance with the “Safer at Home,” State of Wisconsin Emergency Order, the Central Services building will be closed to the public. Out of concern for public health, the public is urged to follow the meeting via livestream or the MPS YouTube Stream at:

https://mps.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/en/District/About-MPS/School-Board/Boardcast.htm.

No in-person testimony will be taken. Written comments may be submitted to the Office of Board Governance by mail, to 5225 W. Vliet Street, Milwaukee, 53201; by email, to governance@milwaukee.k12.wi.us; or by fax, to 414-475-8071. Public comments received before 3:00 P.M. on May 7, 2020, will be forwarded to the Committee for its consideration.

This press release was produced by Milwaukee Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.