Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) receives over $1.5 billion annually, approximately $17,000 per student, for the 2023–24 school year from local, state, and federal sources, including property taxes, state aid, and federal grants like Title I. Despite this substantial funding, the district faces persistent challenges with staff retention, workplace safety, and resource allocation. A significant portion of the budget is directed toward administrative costs and external contracts, leaving fewer resources for classroom support and teacher salaries, which contributes to ongoing staffing issues.

Survey Insights

A Milwaukee Journal Sentinel investigation of nearly 900 exit surveys from 2021–2024 revealed that one-third of departing MPS employees cited poor working conditions, safety concerns, lack of administrative support, or burnout as reasons for leaving. Specific complaints included physical assaults by students, chronic understaffing, and excessive non-teaching duties. For example, one teacher reported managing a class of 43 students, including 8 with special needs, without an aide or co-teacher. Another cited frequent verbal abuse and lack of disciplinary follow-through from administration, leading to a sense of unsafety. These conditions disproportionately affect early-career teachers, exacerbating turnover rates.

Systemic Challenges

The exit surveys were largely unanalyzed by MPS until media scrutiny prompted a commitment to release trend data in May 2025. This delay highlights a lack of proactive response to employee feedback. According to a Badger Institute report, police calls to MPS high schools have risen by 15% since 2020, with incidents including fights, weapon possession, and drug-related issues. Budget priorities often favor administrative positions and vendor contracts—such as technology or consulting services—over direct classroom investments like hiring more teachers or aides. This misallocation exacerbates understaffing and safety concerns, creating a cycle of dissatisfaction and turnover.

Impact on Schools

High-vacancy schools, predominantly serving low-income and minority students, face the most severe challenges. These schools often rely on long-term substitutes or underqualified staff, leading to inconsistent instruction and lower academic outcomes. For instance, 2023–24 state data showed that high-vacancy MPS schools had reading proficiency rates 10–15% below the district average. Students in these schools also face higher rates of disciplinary incidents, further disrupting learning environments and contributing to teacher burnout.

Path Forward

The surveys underscore the urgent need for improved safety protocols, better resource allocation, and enhanced support for educators. Proposed measures include:

• Safety Enhancements: Implement consistent disciplinary policies and increase on-site security or mental health staff to address violent incidents.
• Staff Support: Prioritize hiring and retaining aides and special education staff to reduce teacher workloads and improve classroom management.
• Budget Reallocation: Redirect funds from administrative overhead to direct classroom resources, such as competitive teacher salaries and professional development.
• Data Utilization: Establish a system for regularly analyzing exit survey data to identify trends and address issues promptly. These steps could improve retention, enhance workplace safety, and create a more equitable learning environment for MPS students, particularly in underserved communities.