MMAC to gather facts, meet with stakeholders regarding $252M measure
MPS is a critical part of K-12 education in the city of Milwaukee. We also recognize that more than 40 percent of city students receiving public funding attend schools outside of MPS. A comprehensive effort to improve student outcomes is critical to the region’s future, however the proposal to raise an additional $252M from taxpayers in this MPS proposal raises more questions than answers.
As employers, MMAC members have a vested interest in a high-quality K-12 education system that produces the talent needed to drive economic growth in our region.
Employers are also invested partners in funding Milwaukee Public Schools, as commercial property owners account for 40 percent of the city’s property tax base. That stated, we have significant concerns regarding the $252M referendum on the ballot this April. Those concerns include:
- The lack of a demonstrable plan for use of increased funding and how it translates into improved student outcomes, especially when 44 MPS schools have less than 10 students each testing at grade level.
- The timing and costs of another referendum. April’s ballot measure would increase the MPS budget by another 15 percent and comes on the heels of its most recent referendum – an $87M measure approved by taxpayers in 2020. That measure was fully phased into the budget this school year. Combined, these two referenda will cost the owners of even the most modest of Milwaukee’s homes hundreds of dollars in additional property taxes while they are still recovering from crushing inflation.
- The impact a property tax increase of this significance will have on home costs. Affordable housing options in Milwaukee are a critical component of ensuring a stable workforce. A tax increase of this magnitude makes the mayor’s vision of achieving one million in population nearly impossible.
- Increasing and unnecessary overhead costs despite declining enrollment. In 2000, MPS averaged 641 students per MPS building. In 2022, that average fell to 490 students per building (a 24 percent decline). MPS appears to be carrying excess school buildings that increase the amount of administrative staff overhead and building maintenance. These excess costs are draining funds from the classroom.
In the coming weeks, MMAC board and staff will continue to gather facts, engage stakeholders and keep our membership informed regarding this referendum.
