Wisconsin Senator Van Wanggaard has sharply criticized Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) and State Superintendent Jill Underly following MPS’s failure to meet a crucial reporting deadline. The district missed the deadline for its District Aid Certification, a key requirement under a Corrective Action Plan designed to address previous financial reporting issues.

“This report was the initial step in our Corrective Action Plan, and MPS has failed to comply,” Wanggaard declared. He noted that the plan was a joint agreement between MPS and Underly, emphasizing that the submission of this report was considered a top priority.

MPS’s reporting problems are part of a larger pattern of financial mismanagement, including missed deadlines for other required reports and issues with the federal Head Start program. These lapses have already cost the district $17 million and could potentially result in losses of up to $50 million, according to Wisconsin Right Now.

Wanggaard argued that the impact of MPS’s financial troubles extends beyond Milwaukee, affecting schools throughout Wisconsin due to the district’s size and reliance on state funds. He criticized Underly for not enforcing consequences, referencing her prior handling of Milwaukee’s $256 million referendum, which he claims adversely affected schools statewide.

Records reveal that Underly was aware of MPS’s reporting delays and the potential financial penalties before the referendum vote. Wanggaard emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “Without consequences, there’s no reason to adhere to deadlines.”

In response to the criticism, MPS has assured that it is actively working to resolve the reporting issues and submit the overdue documents.