Milwaukee City Wire

More than $16 million in state aid has been released to Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) after the district completed required financial reporting, according to an announcement from Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly and MPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius. The funds, which were previously withheld, are tied to the 2022-23 fiscal year and will support programs for special education and students who are parents.

“It’s critical that students in Milwaukee have the resources they need to thrive,” Underly said. “Under Dr. Cassellius’s leadership, MPS has taken meaningful steps to strengthen its systems and make progress on the corrective action plan. I’m encouraged by the continued progress being made, though we know there’s still work ahead. I’m especially grateful to the dedicated DPI staff who have worked tirelessly to support MPS throughout this process. The release of this aid is a reflection of the strides made so far, and I look forward to our continued collaboration to ensure Milwaukee children and families get the support they deserve.”

Cassellius, who became superintendent in March, has focused on improving the district’s financial operations after a state audit highlighted areas needing improvement. “We take our responsibility to be sound stewards of public resources seriously. This is why we are working to modernize our financial reporting systems to be responsive to our state partners,” Cassellius said. “I’m grateful to Dr. Underly, state Deputy Superintendent Tom McCarthy, and their entire team for being incredible partners with us as we worked to fix what was not working. The MPS finance team also deserves recognition for their hard work getting us to this place. For too long, they have been working without the support and technology necessary to run an efficient operation. Over the last several months, we have made great progress in changing our direction.”

The Department of Public Instruction expects to release an additional $25 million in aid once external auditors complete final reports for fiscal year 2023-24 and review district improvement plans. Once those steps are finished, all previously withheld funds will be fully distributed.

To prevent future delays in funding, MPS has started upgrading its data platforms so that they align with DPI requirements. The district is also working with the Council of the Great City Schools for technical guidance on increasing accuracy and efficiency during its modernization efforts.

“This is a positive step forward for Milwaukee Public Schools,” said Milwaukee Board of School Directors President Missy Zombor. “Our students, families, and educators rely on these resources, and the release of funds ensures that critical programs and services can continue without disruption. The board fully supports the reforms underway in the district’s financial operations. We are grateful for the progress the superintendent has made, and we are committed to providing the oversight and accountability needed to maintain this progress.”