Wisconsin DPI report cards show Milwaukee, Racine school districts 'meet few expectations'

MILWAUKEE -- The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction released its annual report card for private and public schools in Wisconsin, and both Milwaukee Public Schools and the Racine Unified School District were found to "meet few expectations." Milwaukee's overall score came in higher, but DPI officials noted increasing numbers year-to-year.

DPI officials reported 87% of schools statewide met or exceeded expectations. Looking at each district, 96% of the state's 421 public school districts remain solid, while Milwaukee Public Schools and Racine Unified School District have work to do.

Report cards range from five stars, meaning the schools and districts "significantly exceeded expectations," to one star, meaning "failure to meet expectations."

Milwaukee and Racine got two stars -- meeting "few expectations."

"Their scores have gone up a little bit over the last few years," said Laura Pinsonneault with DPI.

Pinsonneault said there's a correlation between failing schools an income inequality.

"The schools that are lower-performing on the report card tend to have higher percentages of students experiencing poverty," said Pinsonneault.

Looking at specific schools within MPS, Reagan College Preparatory High School got solid marks for closing achievement gaps -- and four stars. Riverside University High School, however, failed, with one star. The school's English, math, and student engagement numbers were low.

"What we are seeing is growth on that sliding scale -- of us moving and shifting into the right direction," said Keith Posley, MPS superintendent.

Posley said state and local budgets need to address quality education.

"From a funding perspective, we are doing well," said Posley. "Honestly, every year, I want to move that up year by year, and next year, looking at a greater amount going into the classroom."

DPI officials reported 153 school report cards lost points for missing the absenteeism target -- something all districts need to work on -- an increase of 28 schools compared to 2018.

Officials with the Racine Unified School District issued this statement to FOX6 News: