Milwaukee Board of School Directors: MPS prioritizes financial and data effectiveness as general aid estimate is released

Today, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) released an estimate of general aid for the 2024-25 school year.

Currently, Milwaukee Public Schools’ general aid estimate reflects a $42.6 million adjustment from DPI after an error in reporting from the 2022-23 school year. This estimate is expected to change on October 15, 2024, when general school aid data is certified based on the district’s submitted actual data and the third Friday enrollment count.

“It’s important to understand that the numbers shared today are still estimates, and a lot will change between now and October. In the meantime, MPS will use this information to evaluate strategies to make adjustments that will be reflected in the Amended Adopted Budget,” said Todd Gray, MPS’ acting Chief Financial Officer. “I look forward to sharing these plans with the public once a final estimate is available in the fall.”

“Our goal is to maintain services to students and to do exactly what we told taxpayers we would do when the referendum passed in the spring, which is to maintain art, music library and gym, and to invest in academic success,” said Milwaukee Board of Directors President Marva Herndon.

MPS is working proactively to address the root causes that led to data reporting issues, especially hiring finance staff and updating reporting software. These steps are highlighted in detail in the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) that was developed in partnership with DPI. Later this week, a CAP progress tracker will be posted on the MPS Office of Accountability and Efficiency’s website so the public can track milestones.

“The Board’s goal is to be thoughtful and deliberate in addressing the best way to manage the impact of the aid adjustment for students. In the meantime, our priority is to fulfill the requirements of the CAP and put the district in a better place so we can continue serving the children of Milwaukee in the best way possible,” said Board Vice President Jilly Gokalgandhi.

An update on the CAP will be provided at the next scheduled meeting of the Board, which is July 25, 2024. Additional meetings could occur if any Special Board Meetings are called.