Committee approves FY25-26 budget timetable for Milwaukee Public Schools

The Committee on Strategic Planning and Budget of the Milwaukee School District voted unanimously to approve a proposed timetable for developing and approving the fiscal year 2025–26 budget during its meeting at the Central Services Building. Director Thomas Jackson moved to approve the timeline and Director Marina Ferguson seconded; the motion passed 8-0.

Interim Superintendent Eduardo Galvan introduced the item and the administration’s outline for the timetable. Nick Cinderam, Director of Financial Planning and Budget Services, summarized the schedule: the administration will release the proposed budget in May, present it publicly, hold a statutorily required listening session, allow two board meetings for member consideration and amendment, and then take final action with an adjustment in the fall after the third Friday enrollment counts.

“This is a timetable for your tentative approval, understanding that the board always has the discretion to adjust their meetings,” Cinderam said. The administration and committee members emphasized that approving the timetable does not authorize spending. “There is no fiscal impact of this item. It is approving the administration to continue the budget process along this time frame,” Cinderam said.

Board members asked about superintendent involvement, public presentation formats and member access to training on submitting amendments. Galvan said the new superintendent will be involved “as much as possible” once contractual obligations are completed. Directors requested that administration provide orientation or refresher training for members, especially those newly seated, on the amendment and budgeting process.

The roll call recorded aye votes from Directors Ferguson, Garcia, Herndon, Jackson, Leonard, Simpson, Zomber and Chair Gokul Gandhi. The motion passed 8-0.

The approved timetable sets the procedural schedule that will guide public hearings, board deliberations and the district’s budget adoption process; substantive spending decisions will follow in later public meetings and in the October adjustment tied to the department of public instruction counts.