Leaders with Milwaukee Public Schools say they're dealing with a funding crisis, with a deficit reaching the millions by 2025.
The Milwaukee Board of School Directors voted Thursday to gather information to help decide whether to put a referendum on the upcoming April ballot to help generate funding for the school district.
"We've done each, and everything that we possibly could do to get the attention of our elected officials in the state legislature," MPS Board of School Directors president Marva Herndon said during Thursday's meeting.
MPS leaders say a lack of funding from the state and failing to keep up with inflation has lead to budget shortfalls. They pointed to public school districts across Wisconsin considering closing buildings or layoffs despite the state's budget surplus in the billions.
One parent spoke during public comment at Thursday's. Rich Steenwyk said that he understood the funding challenge but is concerned about possibly asking voters to pay up.
"I don't think and three short months, will you be able to make the argument for everyone that the referendum will be the way to solve this problem," Steenwyk said.
The Board also approved a single, district-wide calendar for the 2024-25 school year. Currently, the district uses two calendars, with some students starting the school year before labor day and some starting after.
The new calendar will have all students, district-wide, starting in September. District leaders say the change will lead to cost savings in bus transportation and streamline district operations. They hope it will also be more convenient for families with students in more than one school building.
You can provide feedback as MPS develops funding solutions by filling out this survey.
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