Milwaukee Public Schools financial data; district works to resolve issues

MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Public Schools district is still working to clear a backlog of required paperwork with the state, but on Sept. 3, state and district leaders said progress is being made.

The return to classes for Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) students brings back some normalcy for the district, after turmoil in the spring. 

In late May, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) sent a letter to MPS about missing financial data that could result in the loss of funding.  

A few days after that, Superintendent Keith Posley resigned, which went into effect at the end of June. The search is still on for a permanent superintendent, although the district appointed an interim superintendent.

There are plenty of financial questions remaining for the district. The state held back $16 million for special education from MPS this summer amid the financial reporting delays. "The special education payment of $16.6M was withheld with the understanding that it would be paid out to MPS upon adequate progress on the CAP [corrective action plan]," DPI spokesman Chris Bucher told FOX6 on Sept. 3.

The state did end up paying MPS the much larger general education payment, and another is coming later this year. 

 "It is not accurate to report that this payment is in jeopardy," DPI spokesman Bucher said. "The DPI has no desire to withhold payments, though as we have noted future aid payments are contingent on adequate progress on the corrective action plan. The district is making progress and the DPI continues to work with them multiple days each week."

On Tuesday, MPS and state leaders reiterated the district is making progress. 

"We stand with Milwaukee Public Schools. And we’re really there for them every day in whatever capacity they need. You know, progress is slow, but we’re making progress nonetheless. And I have every confidence in Milwaukee public schools that they’re going to get this done," said Wisconsin State Superintendent of Education Jill Underly.

"As far as I’m concerned, things are moving forward," said Gov. Tony Evers, the state's former superintendent.

"We are on track to give them everything that they need and we’re moving forward everyday," stated MPS interim superintendent Eduardo Galvan.

"I’m also proud of the district of the progress that we’ve made. We’ve had a rough couple of months. And we’ve turned that corner. And that’s a fantastic feeling," stated MPS board president Marva Herndon.

But, some parents told FOX6 News they want more improvements. 

"I want them to just care about our kids more. Put more attention into kids. The money that they are giving, put it into the school to teach," said Felicia Wilson, MPS parent.

78% of Milwaukee residents said they were not satisfied with their public schools, a new Marquette Law School Poll found.

"If you saw the kids walking in today and you see the parents, I think maybe those numbers are a little skewed. But, we understand we need to do better, not just in Milwaukee but across the state," Galvan said.

Galvan said the district has the best staffing levels in four years. The district is also celebrating summertime renovations around the district, which were paid for tapping into the district's share of federal pandemic relief money.

"There’s not enough time to tell you about all of the improvements and maintenance that has been done at MPS," said Arcela (Xela) Garcia, a MPS school board director. "These improvements are not only beautifying our schools for our students but they’re also improving our day-to-day use. Our students are starting the year in schools that are better, fresher, and in some cases, bigger than what they remember."

Now, the district has more money coming locally. In April, district voters approved a referendum that will total $252 million dollars a year, something that is still bothering some in the district.

"I think we all were misled," stated taxpayer Brenda Robbins. 

"I really want to get some people in there that can possibly revamp that department," added Robbins. "If we get the financial part together, then I think it would probably be a better education system because everyone’s wondering what’s going to happen."

On Tuesday, MPS announced it had hired a new chief financial officer. It is the former comptroller of the City of Milwaukee, Aycha Sawa, who did not seek re-election in that city role. 

"Ms. Saba is very experienced," stated Galvan. "She was the comptroller of the city of Milwaukee. So, we’re very pleased she’s going to join our team."

State leaders also saw her selection as a positive step for the district. 

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MPS also hired a firm to help do the financial office work, since the office had a problem with vacancies. 

The state is still planning audits of MPS. 

"We’re putting together an audit. And that audit should be kicking off in a few weeks," Gov. Evers said. "And we’re working on an instructional audit, too. That piece is a little bit delayed right now."