Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) held a public forum on Tuesday evening to discuss its proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, amidst the possibility of significant staff cuts.

Proposed Budget Details

The proposed budget, totaling $1.47 million, includes a substantial $140 million boost in revenue from a recently passed referendum in April. Despite this injection of funds, MPS is facing the potential need to slash nearly 300 staff positions due to various financial pressures.

Community Concerns

Students and members of the community voiced their concerns regarding the proposed budget during the forum. Many questioned why staff positions were on the chopping block despite the recent referendum aimed at increasing funding for the district.

Ariana, an MPS student, expressed skepticism about the efficacy of staff cuts as a solution to financial woes, suggesting that deeper investigations into spending practices might be more prudent.

Superintendent’s Perspective

MPS Superintendent Keith Posley attributed the potential need for cuts to inflation and a lack of sufficient federal and state funding. He emphasized that even with the referendum’s passage, it would not cover the entirety of the budget shortfall.

Posley reassured that any staff members affected by cuts would have opportunities to transition to other positions within MPS. He also encouraged further input from the community to explore alternative solutions to budgetary challenges.

Public Input and Decision-making Process

Community members like Quinton Klabon expressed their concerns during the meeting, seeking transparency regarding the allocation of funds.

The MPS school board is scheduled to vote on the budget on May 30th, providing an opportunity for further deliberation and potential revisions. The proposed budget is available for public viewing on the school district’s website.

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