The start of the 2025-26 school year in Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) was marked by celebration and the presence of state leaders. As students returned to class this Tuesday, Governor Tony Evers and MPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius were among the high-profile attendees welcoming them. Fox 6 Now reported Superintendent Cassellius, State Superintendent Jill Underly, and Milwaukee Board of School Directors President Missy Zombor cheering on students at Browning School's first day.
While the return to classrooms was joyous for many, Riverside University High School was notably closed due to a chemical spill from old science equipment. MPS Deputy Superintendent Eduardo Galván confirmed that no students are to report to Riverside University High School while cleanup concludes, as per a FOX 6 Now article.
One prominent issue highlighted during these ceremonial first-day festivities is the teacher shortage facing the state. Governor Evers emphasized the importance of recognizing teaching as vital for the future. "Across the state of Wisconsin, yeah, there's still a shortage, but we're working on it the best we can," Evers told WTMJ. Superintendent Cassellius outlined MPS's efforts to fill the gap, stating, "We took licensed staff and were able to get them into classrooms so that kiddos had a classroom teacher in front of them," in an effort to address the current 98 classroom vacancies, according to her statement to WTMJ.
Despite some schools facing unexpected challenges, the spirit of education was alive and strong at Browning School, where students were greeted enthusiastically by staff and visiting leaders. Dr. Cassellius expressed her enthusiasm for the new school year, which is notably her first full term as MPS superintendent since beginning in March. "We've already made some huge strides just in the last six months in MPS," she recounted to an MPS news release, highlighting improvements in building safety and financial stability. The district continues to encourage enrollment, inviting families to learn more online or visit MPS Central Services for in-person registration.
While the day was filled with optimism, there's no understating the ongoing efforts required to fully staff schools and ensure a quality learning environment for all children in the district. With state and district leaders taking active roles to quickly address these challenges, MPS steers towards hopefully mitigating the shortage and fostering the educational excellence that every student deserves.
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