Milwaukee County Board Committee Supports MPS Financial Recovery Efforts and Local Control

Milwaukee County Board Committee Supports MPS Financial Recovery Efforts

A resolution expressing support for the Milwaukee Public School District’s efforts to address financial reporting failures and opposition to efforts to weaken local control of the district was advanced by a Milwaukee County Board committee on Monday.

The district has been dealing with significant financial reporting challenges that came to light in May, leading to the resignation of the superintendent and chief financial officer, withholding of state aid, and potential clawbacks by the state. The district is now working on implementing a corrective action plan and undergoing operational and instructional audits.

County Board member Justin Bielinski, who authored the resolution, emphasized the importance of maintaining local control in the school district amidst calls from some state lawmakers to break up or take over the district. Bielinski warned against efforts to undermine, dissolve, or privatize the system, stating, “We cannot let that happen.”

The resolution passed unanimously in the committee, with Bielinski expressing optimism that it will pass the full board at the end of the month.

MPS board member Missy Zombor welcomed the resolution and highlighted the challenges faced by the district, including potential loss of state aid due to errors in previous financial reporting. The district is exploring options to address the financial losses, including adjusting the budget, property taxes, and reserves.

The district is also working on a corrective action plan to address structural issues and staffing problems that contributed to the financial reporting mess. Challenges in hiring qualified staff in a tight labor market are being addressed, with a focus on filling vacant finance positions and modernizing financial systems.

Zombor emphasized the importance of addressing root causes and moving forward to ensure the district’s financial stability. The board is working with consultants and other school districts to expedite hiring and implement recommendations for improvement.

Overall, the resolution and ongoing efforts by the district reflect a commitment to addressing financial challenges and ensuring the success of the Milwaukee Public School District.