Superintendent lays out FY27 proposal focused on classrooms amid warnings of deeper shortfalls

Superintendent Brenda Cassellius presented the Milwaukee Public Schools proposed FY27 budget on the committee’s behalf, saying the plan shifts limited resources from central office into classrooms to add teaching positions and expand supports aimed at improving early literacy. “We continue to evolve our budget based on feedback,” Cassellius said, and described central funding for expanded pair-professional hours reflected as increased FTEs in the budget book.

The superintendent framed the strategy as both targeted and cautious, noting updates driven by stakeholder input that added alternative school staff and new arts, music and PE positions where enrollment supports them. She also warned of long-term fiscal risk: “we could be facing a $400 million deficit if we don't take significant action now,” she said, urging the board to consider steps now to avoid deeper cuts later.

Why it matters: The proposal aims to reduce class sizes and put more licensed teachers in classrooms, but it relies on a combination of reallocated district dollars, a preliminary levy and successful recruiting to hit staffing targets. Administration officials told the committee the spring proposed budget documents authorized expenditures but that final levy amounts are built into the budget summary; Thursday’s board vote is preliminary so the district may begin spending on July 1.

Recruiting and vacancies: Board members and a student delegate pressed administration about how the district will fill roughly 150 new teaching roles and other vacancies before school starts. HR reported an ‘‘aggressive’’ summer recruiting plan, reassignment of 264 central-office positions where possible, 23 international hires in process, and a goal of having every teaching vacancy filled by the first day of school, while acknowledging a built-in vacancy adjustment in the budget. As of the meeting, administration said there were 91 teaching vacancies.

Transportation costs and capital plans: The administration told the committee it expects transportation costs to increase next year and that a transportation study will produce proposed savings options in June that could include route changes, start-time shifts or greater use of city transit. On buses, district staff said the district will receive operating benefit from 50 electric buses phased in starting in September through a grant partnership with bus vendors; the vendors retain ownership initially and the district serves as a pass-through for reimbursement. Officials estimated exposure from current fuel contract terms could increase costs by about $650,000–$700,000 if prices remain high.

Assistant principals and school leadership: Multiple public commenters and stakeholder groups urged the board not to eliminate assistant principal and dean positions, warning cuts would increase discipline incidents, teacher turnover and legal risk while eroding the leadership pipeline. The superintendent acknowledged the painful trade-offs and said the proposed budget was designed to protect classroom roles where feasible.

Next steps: The board’s regular meeting will take final action on the proposed FY27 budget on Thursday; the spring vote before the committee was preliminary to authorize spending starting July 1. The administration said some policy changes and additional materials will be brought forward with the preliminary budget.