Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) has announced a plan to eliminate approximately 260 non-classroom positions as it confronts a significant $46 million budget deficit. The move, which aims to save an estimated $30 million, is designed to protect classroom teaching roles while streamlining administrative and support services across the district.
The proposed reductions are scheduled to take effect for the 2026-27 school year and await final approval from the school board. The plan targets central office staff and school-based support positions, including assistant principals and deans of students.
Key Takeaways
- Milwaukee Public Schools plans to eliminate roughly 260 non-classroom positions.
- The cuts are a response to a $46 million structural budget deficit.
- This action is expected to save the district approximately $30 million.
- Classroom teacher positions are not being targeted in this reduction plan.
- The majority of cuts will affect Central Services and administrative roles within schools.
Addressing a $46 Million Shortfall
The decision to reduce staff comes after recent financial audits confirmed the district's structural deficit. Superintendent Brenda Cassellius explained that the cuts were necessary to reallocate resources directly to students and learning environments.
"Protecting classrooms and supporting high‑quality instruction remains our top priority throughout this budget process," Cassellius stated. "These changes will be hard, but by reducing positions outside the classroom amid our budget challenges, we can put more resources where they matter most: in the classroom."
The district is facing rising operational costs without a corresponding increase in state general aid for the upcoming school year. This financial pressure exists even as the state government holds a reported $2.4 billion surplus.
Breakdown of the Position Reductions
The proposed cuts are divided between the district's central administration and individual schools, focusing entirely on roles that do not involve direct classroom instruction.
Central Office and School-Based Roles
The plan outlines the elimination of approximately 116 positions from Central Services. These cuts will span several key departments, including:
- Office of Academics
- Communications
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Operations
- Superintendent’s Office
An additional 147 positions will be cut from school-based, non-classroom roles. This group includes positions such as assistant principals, deans of students, and various program implementers.
Staffing Ratios in Focus
A recent audit conducted by the Council of the Great City Schools found that MPS has one Central Services employee for every 138 students. This is higher than the average of 166 students per central office employee across other large urban school districts in the nation.
District officials have noted that about 40 of the positions slated for elimination are currently vacant. This means that while 260 roles will be removed from the budget, not all of the cuts will result in layoffs for current employees.
Communication and Next Steps
Superintendent Cassellius emphasized the district's commitment to transparency throughout this difficult process. All staff members received a letter informing them of the impending changes.
"We gave every staff member a letter today because we want to be transparent with our staff members," Cassellius said. "And then next week, after board action, we will have our chiefs and our supervisors and managers speak to all employees... because we don’t want to lose everyone."
The plan is part of a multiyear strategy to rebalance staffing. This includes a soft hiring freeze on non-classroom positions and a thorough review of existing contracts to identify further potential savings.
Restructuring and Future Investments
Alongside the staff reductions, MPS is implementing organizational changes. The district will create a unified department for student support and belonging, which will consolidate several existing programs.
New Unified Department
The new department will bring together staff from programs dedicated to Black and Latino Male Achievement, Gender Identity and Inclusion, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and Restorative Practices. The goal is to create a more cohesive support system for students.
Despite the budget constraints, MPS intends to maintain several key investments in its workforce. The district still plans to fund longevity and advanced education pay adjustments, which will cost an estimated $10 million. Additionally, there will be no changes to the design of employee healthcare plans, and school principals will be transitioned to 12-month contracts to provide year-round leadership.
The school board is expected to vote on the proposed budget and staff reductions in the coming weeks. The outcome will shape the district's operational landscape for the 2026-27 academic year and beyond as it works to achieve long-term financial stability.