Statement from the Milwaukee Board of School Directors

As this current school year officially ends, we want to thank all our students, families, faculty and staff for all their hard work and contributions. These key groups count on MPS to prepare our youth for success in higher education, post-education opportunities, work, and citizenship. This is our mission and our guide as we move forward. So, again, thank you to everyone engaged in our school community.

Being accountable to our valued stakeholders, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors commits to leading with transparency and collaboration, so we offer this preview of tonight’s Special Meeting of the board, which will cover several significant items.

Corrective Action Plan (CAP)
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is currently evaluating the draft CAP, which is expected to undergo some additional iteration. Tonight, the board will hear a presentation about the CAP, followed by the opportunity to approve the CAP and identify an MPS designee who will shepherd revisions and finalize the CAP.

“The progress with the CAP is critical to the release of DPI funds,” said Board President Marva Herndon. “That said, we want to allow the necessary time and space to approve a CAP that meets or exceeds the expectations of DPI, the Board and other stakeholders.”

As the CAP references staffing in the MPS Office of Finance, we note that Martha Kreitzman has retired from the district, effective immediately. Financial consultant Todd Gray will manage day-to-day financial operations moving forward.

The MPS Office of Accountability and Efficiency submitted the draft CAP on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. The CAP is designed to facilitate the timely release of the district’s general and special aid payments and identify and address the district’s challenges that led to the delayed submission of audited financials.

2024-25 Budget
In the best interest of our students, families, faculty and staff, the board will entertain a vote on the budget, which must be approved by July 1, 2024 (the start of the new fiscal year for MPS and all school districts in Wisconsin).

“Passing the budget will ensure the continuation of critical programs that support our community,” said Board President Marva Herndon. “With budget approval, our children continue to receive meals and mental health care throughout the summer; our teachers and staff continue to receive payroll checks; our school leaders continue to plan for the next school year; and much more.”

The board also recognizes that this budget remains a work in progress and is subject to iteration until October 1, 2024, per the standard, annual finance schedule.

Interim Superintendent
Following votes on the first two agenda items, the board will move into closed session for the personnel matter of beginning to select an interim superintendent. The closed session marks the start of a standard process involving discussion and evaluation of candidates. Per procedure, the board would return to open session if, and only if, it would need to vote on a candidate or slate of candidates.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.