Report: Milwaukee Public Schools not in position to ensure student success

The Milwaukee Public School District is not adequately supporting its schools or ensuring student success, according to an independent audit commissioned by Gov. Tony Evers. 

The damning 41-page report outlines a number of internal and external factors at the district that have caused multiple failures, including  an “absence of clear vision” and “leadership routinely disempowered to lead.”

“The motivation for this review is clear: MPS must make systemic changes to ensure that students — particularly the most vulnerable — are at the center of every decision,” states the audit by MGT of America Consulting LLC. “Ultimately, this work is in service of students, whose future success hinges on a district capable of delivering equitable, high-quality education.”

The audit focused on MPS’ operations and procedures. A second audit by MGT on the district’s instructional policies will be released at a later date. 

Evers directed $5.5 million to support both audits in June, after the district failed to submit required financial reports to the state. The financial scandal led to the resignation of former Superintendent Keith Posley and several staff members. 

Evers wants to allocate $8M to Milwaukee schools

On Thursday, Evers announced the remainder of the money, about $3 million, would be spent to make sure MPS can immediately begin to implement the 29 recommendations in the first audit. 

Evers also announced he will include $5 million in his 2025-27 state budget to provide ongoing support to MPS, including future recommendations in the upcoming instructional audit. 

Evers said the $5 million would only be given to the district if the state is “satisfied the district has made substantial and sufficient progress implementing the audit results.”

The funding plan for the executive budget will have to be approved by the Joint Finance Committee. 

“At the end of the day, the bottom line for me in this effort has always been about identifying areas the district can improve to make sure our kids are set up for success,” Evers said in a statement. “This audit is a critical next step for getting MPS back on track and, ultimately, improving outcomes for our kids, so I urge and expect the district to take these recommendations seriously and move forward quickly with implementing this audit’s findings.”

The audit found MPS has a prime opportunity ahead of it to make meaningful changes now. 

This week, the district named Brenda Cassellius as its new superintendent. Cassellius is the former Boston superintendent and Minnesota commissioner of education.

There are also four board seats up for reelection. 

The MPS board released a statement Thursday morning saying the audit “highlights the strength of our existing systems and the dedication behind key initiatives, reinforcing the steps we have taken to move our students forward.”

“While acknowledging the need for focused support, the report makes clear that we have an opportunity to build on this momentum, strengthening our schools and communities while creating a more unified path forward,” the statement says.

Recommendations range from restructuring central office to improving accountability

Jamie VanDeWalle, with MGT of America Consulting, told a group of reporters on Wednesday that after looking at operations, policies and the internal culture at MPS, the consultants found a system that is “just not functioning optimally.”

“And so in the end, the result is that they’re not doing as much as they could to make sure that every school is able to meet every student’s needs,” VanDeWalle said. 

The operational audit recommends three large goals with nine objectives under each goal.

Goal 1: Creating A Coherent Central System

The audit found MPS’ unclear management structures and siloed departments hinder the district’s ability to drive student success.

The audit recommends restructuring the central office and investing in human resources. It also wants the district to focus on its strategic plan and meaningful outcomes.

Goal 2: Fostering Meaningful Communication And Collaboration 

Auditors say strained relationships between board members and school leaders as well as MPS and the community is stalling progress.

“MPS faces significant challenges in rebuilding public trust, largely due to its inability to deliver strong academic outcomes for Milwaukee students,” the audit found. “Historical events, including criminal investigations and leadership resignations at the Board and District levels, have eroded credibility and strained relationships with the community.”

The report recommends more transparency and improved collaboration.

Goal 3: Operating And Funding Strategically 

The audit found federal COVID-19 relief funds were put to good use to purchase technology for classrooms and students. But more improvements have to be made.

For example, some departments use Microsoft platforms where others use Google-based programs, slowing down processes.

“Additionally, HR and Finance systems don’t communicate effectively with one another, leading to delays in certain job postings and subsequently hindering the District’s ability to fill vacancies promptly,” the audit found.

MPS and the state Department of Public Instruction also don’t have the same reporting software, complicating data submission.

State Superintendent Jill Underly said the audit offers a “clear and practical blueprint for getting the district back on course.”

Underly said she’s optimistic that under the new leadership of MPS Superintendent Cassellius the district will take the actionable recommendations from this report and turn them into meaningful change.

“This report also underscores the importance of the DPI’s ongoing efforts to support MPS in financial reporting, including the development of a Corrective Action Plan,” Underly said in a statement. “These efforts are both realistic and essential for helping the district regain compliance and thrive.”