First of Four Meetings Will Be on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 6 p.m. James Madison Academic Campus
(MILWAUKEE) — Milwaukee Public Schools is holding informational budget meetings for the public around the city and virtually in February and March, as the district prepares for the 2026-27 budget and addresses a gap identified in the audit of the 2024-25 budget.
Families, staff, and the community at large can get information, ask questions, and provide feedback at the meetings. The first meeting is on Tuesday, February 24, at James Madison Academic Campus.
The district is prioritizing protecting and preserving classrooms, keeping schools safe, investing in academic achievement, and restoring the fiscal health of the district. That means capping class sizes and maintaining teaching positions, except where lower enrollment means fewer staff members are needed.
At the meetings, MPS leaders will be providing information, taking questions, and listening to concerns. The district will outline plans for savings in the 2026-27 school year, including cuts to Central Services staffing and redeployment of resources to schools.
In addition, leaders will address the $46 million gap identified in the audit of the 2024-25 budget and the urgent steps being taken to address it, including freezing all non-essential new hiring (classroom hiring is essential); increasing participation in meal programs, which will provide greater federal reimbursement; identifying savings in transportation costs; reviewing all contracts; increasing Summer Academy participation for greater reimbursement; and more.
Three sessions will be in person, and free childcare will be provided at each location:
Tuesday, February 24, at 6:00 p.m. — James Madison Academic Campus, 8135 W. Florist Ave.
Saturday, February 28, at 10:00 a.m. — Casimir Pulaski High School, 2500 W. Oklahoma Ave.
Tuesday, March 3, at 6:00 p.m. — Riverside University High School, 1615 E. Locust St.
A virtual session will conclude this series of meetings:
Wednesday, March 4, at 6:00 p.m. — Register for the meeting at mpsmke.com/budgetvirtual
The community is invited to attend any session to learn more about budget priorities, processes, and timeline, and to offer feedback.
