MPS board directs administration to return with plan on extracurricular equity after public concern over special‑education, program cuts

Milwaukee School District board members voted unanimously to direct administration to return in October with a plan to address extracurricular equity and bring forward budget recommendations related to that plan after public commenters and board members raised concerns about proposed staffing and program reductions in the FY26 superintendent’s proposed budget.

The motion, made by Director O'Halloran and approved by roll call, followed public testimony that flagged cuts the speakers said would affect special‑education services and extracurricular offerings. Father Thomas Mueller told the committee he understood the need to “get human and financial resources into the classroom,” but said he believed roughly 40 special‑education positions and associated services were being eliminated, including a position serving vision‑impaired students and several transition‑to‑work positions. “This is a matter of justice,” he said, asking the superintendent and board to reconsider.

MTA President Ingrid Walker‑Henry and Vice President Luz Hernandez urged the board to restore and fund extracurricular programs for middle and high school students. Walker‑Henry noted the district’s recent bargaining agreement approved a 2.95% cost‑of‑living adjustment for some staff and asked the board to extend that to additional bargaining units; Hernandez said MTA had a multi‑year agreement with the previous superintendent to expand extracurriculars and asked the board to put dedicated funds into the FY26 budget.

Budget staff confirmed the 2.95% cost‑of‑living adjustment in the proposed budget “applies to all MPS employees,” according to Nick Sinneram, MPS budget director. Board members pressed administration for clarity about which positions would be cut and whether board members had sufficient opportunity to review major personnel and program changes. Director Ponds (new board member) asked about adherence to past practices for major staffing decisions; Superintendent Brenda Cassellius said she had engaged in meet‑and‑confer sessions with unions and would continue to bring decisions “in a very transparent manner.”

After discussion, Director O'Halloran moved that administration bring back a plan by the October budget adjustment cycle to address extracurricular equity and related budget recommendations; the motion passed on a roll call with all directors voting aye. Director Halloran emphasized the district is facing a potential $100 million deficit and said administration will present more detailed budget information in October alongside the academic and operational audits.

The public comment and board discussion also included requests for clearer job descriptions for central office positions and more consistent public updates on school consolidation and right‑sizing plans referenced in the FY26 materials. Member Lucas Weir asked for job descriptions for positions listed in the office budget so the public could better understand which positions were being considered for reduction.

The board scheduled a public hearing on the budget for June 17 and a final committee meeting on June 24 to consider amendments. Both meetings will start at 5:30 p.m. in the Central Services Auditorium; the board noted written testimony may be submitted to governance@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or budget25@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.

Board action: the motion directing administration to return with an extracurricular equity plan in October passed unanimously.