Board holds student-fees draft for more study and asks to codify five-year budget forecasting

Milwaukee Public Schools board members voted to hold draft Policy 6152 (student fees, fines and charges) in committee for further work and discussion, and approved draft Policy 6220 (budget preparation) while asking administration and the Office of Accountability and Efficiency (OAE) to develop language to memorialize a five‑year budget forecast.

Director Zamber raised concerns about the policy’s clause that "the board shall annually adopt a schedule of approved fees, fines, and charges," asking where that schedule would live and whether it has been approved in the past. Superintendent Brenda Cassellius and other board members expressed concern that fees and fines can limit access for students in poverty; Cassellius said she has "harped on fees for decades" and supports additional board work and parent engagement before moving the policy forward.

The board voted to hold Policy 6152 for further reflection and stakeholder input. The motion to hold passed by roll call with seven ayes.

On Policy 6220 (budget preparation), Director Zamber asked whether the finance package could include a five-year forecasting requirement. Staff noted NEOLA language references "periodic forecasts" but not a five-year horizon. OAE staff said a five-year forecast is a long-standing practice that has not been codified in policy and offered to work with administration to memorialize it. The board approved 6220 and asked administration and OAE to return with a policy update or addition that explicitly includes a five-year forecast.