DPI Releases Another $17 Million in State Aid to MPS
Second Release in 2 Weeks Is Another Sign of Progress in Superintendent Cassellius’s Work to Improve Financial Reporting
MILWAUKEE — Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly and Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) Superintendent Brenda Cassellius today announced the release of an additional $17 million in state funding that was previously withheld while the district completed required financial reporting to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). The aid release signifies state approval of the district’s plan to align its financial reporting systems to those of the state.
Specifically, the funds are tied to the 2023-24 fiscal year and support students with special needs as well as students who are raising children of their own. Last week, DPI released $16 million in 2022-23 funds for these students.
“While there is more work ahead, this marks another positive step in MPS’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its financial reporting system,” Dr. Underly said. “I’m grateful for Dr. Cassellius’s leadership, the dedication of MPS staff, and the hard work of our team at the DPI as we continue working to ensure students and families in Milwaukee have the resources and opportunities they need and deserve.”
A final batch of approximately $8 million in funding is expected to be released in the coming weeks as external partners submit their 2023-24 MPS audit to the state.
“We are committed to fulfilling our obligations, modernizing our systems and rebuilding the public’s trust,” Dr. Cassellius said. “DPI has been a strong partner with our finance team. I thank them all for their tireless work and dedication. We look forward to transitioning to financial systems that will be fully aligned with the state.”
The district also remains engaged with the Council of the Great City Schools, a group representing the nation’s largest urban school districts, to help increase accuracy and efficiency and modernizing systems.
Milwaukee Board of School Directors President Missy Zombor thanked DPI and Dr. Cassellius for the continued progress.
“This second release of aid shows a sustained commitment to improve systems and continue to provide services and programs that our students need,” she said. “The board supports this important work and provides oversight and accountability to help move it forward.”
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.
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