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June 3, 2024 (MILWAUKEE) – Regardless of the action the Milwaukee Public School Board takes this evening, Milwaukee families, taxpayers and other stakeholders shouldn’t be distracted from the larger issue at hand – fundamental change is necessary to rescue our students. The recent news that Milwaukee Public Schools failed to file a required financial report to the state, that its past reports were missing data or inaccurate, that MPS might have to pay back millions in funds to the state and have already had federal funding suspended due to non-compliance is just the tip of the iceberg of a deeper governance problem.
In response to this latest fiscal mess, stagnant educational progress, board negligence and a likely change in superintendents, it’s time for a better and more accountable governance structure. As immediate next steps, MMAC is proposing: *The school board should immediately announce the 30% property tax increase suspended until further review. State and federal funding has been placed on hold and the same treatment should be granted to Milwaukee’s families. *An independent and fully comprehensive forensic and performance audit must be performed. MMAC is willing to enroll business expertise to participate with government and educational leaders to oversee these audits in exchange for full access to MPS financial statements and leadership. Longer term, the community should consider a more accountable governance structure that provides for the mayor to appoint school board members, or a majority of the school board members, with others coming through direct elections. This is a community calamity and we cannot continue to govern MPS the same way and expect a different outcome. For more information contact:
Ryan Amundson, MMAC Sr. Director of Communications (414) 287-4152 MMAC serves some 2,600 businesses, primarily throughout greater Milwaukee. It supports a globally competitive region to sustain high-value jobs that foster a vibrant quality of life for all.
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