MPS Superintendent Cassellius Strengthening the District’s Financial Reporting Functions
(MILWAUKEE) — Wisconsin State Superintendent for Public Instruction Jill Underly and Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) Superintendent Brenda Cassellius today announced the release of more than $16 million in state aid that previously had been withheld from the district while it completed required financial reporting to the state Department of Public Instruction (DPI). The funds released today are tied to fiscal year 2022-23 directed at programs for Special Education and students who are raising children of their own.
“It’s critical that students in Milwaukee have the resources they need to thrive,” Dr. Underly said. “Under Dr. Cassellius’ leadership, MPS has taken meaningful steps to strengthen its systems and make progress on the corrective action plan. I’m encouraged by the continued progress being made, though we know there’s still work ahead. I’m especially grateful to the dedicated DPI staff who have worked tirelessly to support MPS throughout this process. The release of this aid is a reflection of the strides made so far, and I look forward to our continued collaboration to ensure Milwaukee children and families get the support they deserve.”
Superintendent Cassellius, who joined the district in March, has prioritized strengthening of the district’s financial systems after a state audit found numerous areas for improvement.
“We take our responsibility to be sound stewards of public resources seriously. This is why we are working to modernize our financial reporting systems to be responsive to our state partners,” said Dr. Cassellius. “I’m grateful to Dr. Underly, Deputy Superintendent Tom McCarthy, and their entire team for being incredible partners with us as we worked to fix what was not working. The MPS finance team also deserves recognition for their hard work getting us to this place. For too long, they have been working without the support and technology necessary to run an efficient operation. Over the last several months, we have made great progress in changing our direction.”
DPI is expected to release the remaining $25 million in state aid in the coming weeks when external auditors submit their final reports to the state for the 2023-24 fiscal year and a review of the district’s plans for improvement are approved. Once complete, this will represent a full release of all funds withheld by DPI.
MPS has taken additional steps to ensure it will meet all future financial reporting deadlines, including later this year for fiscal year 2024-25 reporting. Among the steps taken under Superintendent Cassellius, the district is actively transitioning to data platforms that will be fully compliant with the systems used by DPI. MPS has also engaged with the Council of the Great City Schools to provide technical support on how to increase accuracy and efficiency while also modernizing the district’s systems and practices.
“This is a positive step forward for Milwaukee Public Schools,” said Milwaukee Board of School Directors President Missy Zombor. “Our students, families, and educators rely on these resources, and the release of funds ensures that critical programs and services can continue without disruption. The Board fully supports the reforms underway in the district’s financial operations, we are grateful for the progress the superintendent has made, and we are committed to providing the oversight and accountability needed to maintain this progress.”
