Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed state budget could eliminate $834 million from Wisconsin’s schools and local governments. Based on initial calculations, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) faces a potential loss of $74 million from its budget for next school year.
The loss comes on top of the district already facing a shortfall of $13.6 million in funds from other sources. The $81.1 million in stimulus money the district received two years ago will expire soon, and that money will no longer be available.
According to Roseann St. Aubin, director of communications for MPS, school budget proposals are not due until the end of April, and school leaders may need to re-do the budgets they’ve already submitted for the year in order to comply with new legislation.
In order to meet the proposed budget needs, while still maintaining a quality education for students, the district will consider closing schools and according to documents released by MPS, “layoffs are a real possibility.”
The proposed budget repair bill would eliminate approximately $550 per student within the district. It would also eliminate additional funding for math teachers, nursing, children at risk funds, alternative education funds and advanced placement funds. It would also reduce aid for poverty and bilingual programming as well as school meal programs.
According to MPS documents, more than 82 percent of MPS students live in poverty and 20 percent require special education. The district serves more African American and Hispanic children than any other district in the state.
“The governor’s plan causes a disproportionate amount of hurt to our young people,” said MPS Superintendent Gregory Thornton in a presentation to board members and MPS families. “We will be ready when the first day of school rolls around again next year, and the schools will offer quality programs that educate children. The children will always be our primary focus.”
