Gov. Tony Evers has released an audit of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), highlighting several issues in the district. The audit, done by Milwaukee Public Schools of America Consulting, shows that Milwaukee Public Schools has a culture resistant to change, which affects its operations and harms vulnerable students. This comes after the district failed to submit financial reports, leading to the superintendent’s resignation and state funding being withheld, as per Spectrum News 1.
In an attempt to directly address these concerns, the audit lays out three overarching goals, each with its own linked objectives, offering 29 specific recommendations for improvement. Gov. Evers has committed significant resources to support the district’s efforts to implement the suggested changes, pledging an initial $3 million of a $5.5 million pool, with an additional $5 million potentially available in the 2025-27 executive budget, provided that Milwaukee Public Schools can demonstrate substantial and sufficient progress. According to Spectrum News 1, Evers emphasized, "this audit is a critical next step for getting MPS back on track and, ultimately, improving outcomes for our kids."
The audit painstakingly outlines necessary high-level changes for Milwaukee Public Schools, including increasing transparency with parents and taxpayers. One key finding is the need for the district to prioritize the needs of its students, especially those most at risk. It calls for systemic changes that put students at the center of every decision, with the aim to deliver equitable, high-quality education. "MPS must make systemic changes to ensure that students—particularly the most vulnerable—are at the center of every decision," MGT of America Consulting was cited by AP News asserting.
The released audit report also details that Milwaukee Public Schools has to clearly define roles and improve communication within its infrastructure to successfully implement the recommended changes. Gov. Evers has expressed that the foremost priority is creating a stable environment to secure a positive future for children's education. "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 told FOX 6 Now. The governor has yet to provide a timeline for the release of the second audit.
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