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MPS referendum considered to cover shortfall
School districts across Wisconsin are facing budget shortfalls and now the Milwaukee Public Schools board is sounding the alarm.
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Public Schools leaders could soon lean on the public to cover a multi-million dollar budget shortfall.
The district said it is in a "serious financial crisis" – in need of more than $200 million. A group of taxpayers told FOX6 News on Friday they don't want to give MPS another dollar unless something else happens first.
"Milwaukee Public Schools has reached a tipping point," said Missy Zombor, school board member.
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MPS leaders said they’ve crunched the numbers – and 2024 could test taxpayers. Thursday night, the Board of Directors voted to prepare for a possible school funding referendum in April. The move could raise property taxes for additional per-pupil dollars.
"Even though the state is sitting on a $6.7 billion budget surplus, the most recent budget adjustments were not even enough to match inflation for a single year," Zombor said.
MPS chart displays budget shortfall
MPS Superintendent Keith Posley said the school district has already started surveying parents and taxpayers to prioritize what cuts – if any – the district should take if funding does not come through.
"As well as school closure and things of that nature, that is one of the items on that survey," he said.
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"The shortfall is occurring because they are not being fiscally responsible," said Beverly Williams, who is opposed to the referendum.
Williams is with the group Community Takeover – Voices of Milwaukee’s Children. They want the district audited before MPS gets more taxpayer money.
"As a city, we also assumed an $87 million referendum just two years ago," said Debbie Kuether, who is also opposed.
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MPS board possible referendum, funding issues
Members of the Milwaukee Public Schools board held a press conference on Friday, Dec. 22 to discuss a possible referendum for the 2024 ballot to address funding issues.
Leaders plan to use the next few weeks drafting a plan to get out of it. Posley did not say a specific dollar amount MPS could propose to taxpayers. The board is expected to make a recommendation next month.
"My top concern is to make sure that we are open with our families and to make sure they understand that this is not something to take lightly," Posley said.
Also approved Thursday night: a single, district-wide calendar with all students starting on the same day. The board said having one calendar will streamline operations and reduce transportation costs.
MPS moving to single, districtwide calendar next school year
Milwaukee Public Schools will move from two school calendars to a single, districtwide calendar, beginning with the upcoming 2024-25 school year.
Reaction
State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly
"This budget news is a strong reminder that Wisconsin has tremendous resources readily available to help children and families. We must set partisanship aside and invest in our public schools and the future of our kids. I am calling today for the state to increase its contribution to local districts and raise the special education reimbursement rate to 60%. This simple, affordable, and sensible step is the least we can do to help local school districts address growing challenges, balance their budgets, invest in educator recruitment and retention, and help all students succeed."