Milwaukee Public Schools to Address Budget Deficit by Cutting Non-Classroom Positions
Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is taking decisive action to address a significant financial challenge. The district plans to eliminate 263 non-classroom staff positions as part of a strategy to close a $46 million budget shortfall.
Superintendent Brenda Cassellius assured families in a letter that these cuts would not affect classroom teaching roles. “Our goal is to keep class sizes manageable with caps of 32 in middle school, 28 in elementary and smaller in K3-K5,” she wrote. “This will allow us to continue strengthening teaching, learning and literacy where it matters most — with your children.”
The budget gap was identified after auditors discovered that the district had exceeded its budget by $46 million for the 2024-25 school year. The proposed staff reductions are projected to save approximately $30 million. These changes are expected to be implemented next school year, pending approval from the school board.
Currently, 40 of the affected positions are vacant. Cassellius mentioned that employees eligible for classroom-based roles will be encouraged to apply for these opportunities.
The letter also outlined plans for a “more unified team to support student belonging, safety, and well-being across the district.” This includes dedicated staff focusing on Black and Latino male achievement, gender identity and inclusion, positive behavioral interventions and supports, and restorative practices. “Though there may not be as many of these positions as there were with COVID-19 relief funds available to fund them, we remain committed to this work on behalf of all of our students,” Cassellius emphasized.
