Chelsea Cross

Milwaukee Public Schools is under renewed scrutiny after missing crucial financial reporting deadlines, potentially jeopardizing tens of millions of dollars in state aid. The Department of Public Instruction confirmed the district’s failure to meet submission requirements, prompting concerns about ongoing instability in MPS operations. City Forward Collective Executive Director Colleston Morgan Jr. underscored the urgency, stating: “Families, residents, taxpayers in the city of Milwaukee, across the state of Wisconsin, quite frankly, deserve more responsible stewardship…We are now more than a year into this financial fiasco at Milwaukee Public Schools. And we’re yet again failing to meet deadlines, putting tens of millions of dollars more in funding at risk.” The situation raises deeper questions about MPS’s capacity to responsibly manage increased funding following the recent referendum.

[Read more…] about CFC In the News: MPS Misses Key Financial Deadlines, Puts State Funding at Risk

A newly released academic audit of Milwaukee Public Schools paints a troubling picture of a district marked by fragmented leadership and inconsistent implementation. The review, which was ordered by Governor Evers and conducted by national experts, found major disparities in instruction, planning, and accountability. Responding to the findings, CFC Executive Director Colleston Morgan Jr. emphasized the need for equitable solutions: “This isn’t about getting rid of what’s working at the district, but it is about ensuring that excellence is equitably accessible to all.” The audit reinforces longstanding concerns from families and education advocates about the district’s ability to deliver high-quality education citywide.

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At a recent public hearing held at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center, education funding emerged as a central concern among southeastern Wisconsin residents. The Joint Finance Committee’s session saw numerous attendees advocating for increased investments in K-12 education, special education, and related areas. 

“There’s still more work to do, but we’re not today talking about schools on the precipice of closing like we were two years ago,” said Colleston Morgan Jr., Executive Director of City Forward Collective.

Morgan said his group wanted to attend to express thanks and encourage legislators to continue to work in a bipartisan way to get more accomplished, including raising the special education reimbursement rate, lifting the low revenue ceiling and putting additional funding into the voucher program.

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At a recent public hearing for the 2025-27 biennial state budget, Wisconsin parents, notably mothers, were the most prominent group advocating for enhanced funding in public education and healthcare. The Joint Committee on Finance received numerous proposals emphasizing the need for increased support in education, disability accommodations, and Medicaid services. “​70% to ​80% of ​funding ​for ​schools ​in ​Milwaukee ​is ​coming ​from ​state ​and ​local ​sources,” said Colleston Morgan Jr., Executive Director of City Forward Collective. ​“We ​continue ​to ​advocate ​to ​ensure ​that ​federal ​resources ​need ​to ​be ​there, and we ​also ​need ​to ​make ​sure ​that ​our ​state ​is ​doing ​its ​part ​to ​ensure ​that ​all ​of ​our ​students ​are ​equally ​funded.”

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City Forward Collective responds to the results of the 2025 Wisconsin State Superintendent election, affirming its continued commitment to high standards, honest data, and quality schools for all students.

Read the full statement to learn what’s next for education in Milwaukee and beyond.

A new EdSurge piece explores the real complexity behind school choice for families—especially those navigating limited time, resources, or information. It highlights why transparency and parent empowerment are more critical than ever.

[Read more…] about School Choice ≠ Easy Choices for Families