Overview
- Milwaukee Public Schools submitted its 2024–25 external financial audit, the third completed in just under 13 months, prompting the release of the last withheld state installment.
- The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction had held back funds after missed reporting deadlines in 2024, and the district now reports that all previously withheld payments—about $42 million—have been restored.
- Superintendent Brenda Cassellius said past delays stemmed from incompatible state and district finance systems, and MPS is implementing direct data integrations to prevent manual reconciliations.
- Operational changes include rebuilding the finance team, establishing standard protocols, strengthening internal controls, and partnering with human resources on position control, alongside recently finished lead paint stabilization in nearly 100 schools.
- Cassellius cautioned that more accurate accounting will show a budget gap next year that will necessitate difficult reductions, while State Superintendent Jill Underly said DPI will continue partnering with MPS to bolster reporting and public confidence.