Milwaukee City Wire

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) has announced that it will seek community feedback on the progress of its Long-Range Facilities Master Plan. The district emphasized that the plan aims to provide high-quality facilities for students and is shaped by a community-driven process, with input from a steering committee.

MPS intends to present the results of its planning work to residents across Milwaukee, ensuring that student needs and equitable opportunities remain central. The district encourages the public to watch for upcoming opportunities to learn more and participate in discussions about the plan.

Superintendent Brenda Cassellius highlighted the importance of authentic engagement from both the broader community and individual school communities as MPS prepares for significant next steps. This comes at a time when MPS is also developing a new strategic plan and managing lead stabilization efforts that have affected facilities and maintenance operations in recent months.

According to MPS, major decisions related to facility changes are expected to take effect in the 2027-28 school year, while a smaller set of actions may be implemented for 2026-27. Among these initial actions could be adding sixth grade to K-5 schools, which would help create unified grade configurations—a priority identified in the master plan. Any closures, mergers, or investments during this period would be limited to cases where there is an urgent need, with all decisions subject to a comprehensive community-led feedback process.

"Difficult decisions remain ahead, and MPS is ready to make them. Having the district's next strategic plan mapped out; enough time for genuine, communitywide feedback; the full energy and support of the facilities team; and the continued support of the community will position us to tackle these challenges head on," said Superintendent Brenda Cassellius.

The district stated that its ongoing work presents an opportunity not only for retiring outdated buildings but also for investing in current facilities. "The plan and the district's work ahead create the potential of investing in our facilities — not simply retiring old ones — and this will remain MPS's goal. Thank you to everyone who continues to participate in helping create a blueprint for investment for the next generation of Milwaukee's children," said Cassellius.