MPS Board Approves 1.5% Wage Increase for MTEA Represented Employees in July, Additional 1.13% in January
Employees will reach a 2.63% increase by January 2027
MILWAUKEE — April 28, 2026 — The Milwaukee Board of School Directors approved wage increases Tuesday for Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) employees represented by the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association (MTEA) that bring them to a 2.63% base wage increase by January 2027. Specifically, the board approved a 1.5% wage increase starting July 2026 and another 1.13% increase in January 2027.
“Tonight’s Board vote shows we value our employees and their commitment to our students while also building a budget that will help us restore the district’s fiscal standing,” said Superintendent Brenda Cassellius. “There were no easy decisions here, however we are ultimately bringing employees to a full 2.63% increase by January while maintaining our obligation to present a balanced budget to the Board next month.”
Through bargaining sessions, MPS offered the MTEA three options to bring employees to this 2.63% increase by January 2027. After six bargaining sessions and one mediation with the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (WERC), a mediator declared an impasse Monday.
The district also intends to seek board approval to apply these increases to employees not represented by MTEA, as has been MPS’ practice in years past. MPS continues to bargain in good faith with the Psychologists Association of the Milwaukee Public Schools (PAMPS). These base wage increases do not yet factor in steps and lanes, which recognize longevity and educational attainment. The administration remains committed to providing steps and lanes and expects to have an update in the coming weeks.
District administration plans to present its full budget proposal in early May. Key themes from the budget are available on the district’s 2026-27 budget planning web page.
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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