Superintendent Brenda Cassellius outlined a multi-pronged approach to address Milwaukee Public Schools’ $46 million budget deficit, emphasizing that “Our budget is a reflection of our values, and for us that begins with students and classrooms.” Her plan includes reviewing unspent funds, freezing non-essential positions, increasing federal nutrition program participation, studying transportation costs, and reducing central office staffing. She aims to reduce the imbalance by June 30 while maintaining elementary class caps at 28 students and middle school caps at 32.
However, Colleston Morgan Jr. of City Forward Collective, a nonprofit advocacy group, raised significant long-term concerns, warning that “The district projects a cumulative deficit of $420 million by the end of the 2030-31 school year if it continues on its current trajectory.” While acknowledging the board’s proposed cuts, Morgan suggests the school system faces more serious structural challenges ahead.
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