Leadership Instability and Financial Mismanagement
The long-awaited audit of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) has unveiled a series of alarming issues within the district’s administration, confirming longstanding concerns about mismanagement, financial opacity, resistance to reform and legacy (outdated) software. The audit, commissioned by Governor Tony Evers and conducted by MGT of America Consulting, focuses on the governance and financial operations of MPS, with a second phase set to review instructional outcomes later this year.
Failure to Meet State Reporting Requirements
Among the most concerning revelations is the district’s failure to comply with state reporting requirements, leading to the withholding of millions in state funding. Auditors found that MPS leadership has been characterized by high turnover, lack of accountability, and a culture resistant to change. The report describes an administrative office that is “not positioned to support schools in ensuring student success,” citing ineffective systems, fragmented planning, and outdated financial reporting infrastructure.
Statewide Impact of MPS Mismanagement
One major consequence of MPS’s governance failures is the impact on school funding across Wisconsin. The district pushed through a $252 million referendum in 2024, despite evidence of financial mismanagement, which will now reduce equalization aid for districts statewide. The MPS referendum reduces state aid for other Wisconsin school districts because the constitutionally required equalization aid formula redistributes funds. When MPS receives more aid, less is available for other districts, In some cases, such as the Tomahawk School District, equalization aid will drop by 17.4% due to MPS’s increased spending. Senate President Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) did not mince words in her response, stating, “It is shameful that this was going on behind the scenes while a massive, clearly dishonest referendum was forced through.”
Audit Recommendations for Reform
The audit outlines 29 recommendations aimed at stabilizing the district, including restructuring the central office, creating clear administrative roles, and modernizing financial reporting. Auditors noted that poor communication between the school board and district leadership has exacerbated inefficiencies, with leadership roles frequently shifting and data systems failing to integrate key metrics. The report emphasizes the urgent need for a more transparent and accountable system to ensure taxpayer dollars are effectively spent.
Brenda Cassellius, the newly appointed MPS superintendent, faces the challenge of implementing the audit’s recommendations amid a district plagued by financial mismanagement and leadership instability. Brenda Cassellius’ track record raises serious doubts about her ability to lead MPS effectively. Her tenure as Boston Public Schools superintendent ended in a contract buyout after less than three years, with the district in such turmoil that state receivership was recommended despite its strong funding. She also faced open rebellion from Boston’s high school teachers, who publicly criticized her leadership in a leaked letter to the Boston Globe.
DPI Ratings Raise Further Questions
Despite the damning findings, MPS still “meets expectations” according to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s report card, raising further questions about the accountability of state oversight. The changes in lowering statewide education standards were pushed by current DPI Superintendent, Jill Underly. Underly will face off against, Brittany Kinser who is running on higher standards for schools in Wisconsin. The general election will take place on April 1st along with the State Supreme Court election between Brad Schimel and Susan Crawford.