MPS, Third-Party Expert Confirm Accuracy of District Benefit Calculations
MPS April 20, 2026: Media Statement in response to questions from reporters who have seen the MTEA release
MPS’s 53% benefit rate is correct and validated by external audits. Both the rate and our proposals have been validated by our team as well as veteran school finance expert who has worked for some of the nation’s largest school districts.
Like other governmental entities, MPS uses a blended benefit rate to estimate how much it pays in benefits as a percentage of employee wages. MPS’s rate is 53%, which means that on average, for every $1 spent on wages, the district spends an additional $.53 on the district’s share of audited benefit expenses including healthcare and pension costs.
As we work to address a $46 million deficit external auditors identified in our 2024-25 budget, we have presented three offers to our union partners that bring our employees to a 2.63% base wage increase by January 1:
- One option gives all represented employees a 2.63% base wage increase in January 2027
- Another gives hourly workers a 2.63% base wage increase in July 2026 and salaried workers 2.63% in January 2027
- And another gives all represented employees a 1.5% base wage increase in July and another 1.13% in January 2027
We have held six bargaining sessions with the MTEA and continue to bargain in good faith with our union partners. We look forward to working with a mediator to bring us to an agreement so we can give certainty to our current employees, attract new employees and present a balanced 2026-27 budget as required by law.
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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