Wisconsin’s public schools are under scrutiny for financial mismanagement in several districts, raising concerns about their ability to be responsible stewards of taxpayer money. Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) faced penalties for missing financial reporting deadlines and lost $81 million in state aid. The district’s superintendent resigned and external audits were ordered. Wauwatosa School District approved a budget with a deficit that has now grown to $8 million, with unexplained errors amounting to over $12 million in the red. The district is seeking approval for two referendums. Glendale-River Hills School District made accounting errors resulting in a $3.6 million deficit, leading to resignations of the business manager and superintendent. Monona Grove School District revealed a budget deficit dating back three years, leading to emergency borrowing of $7 million to cover expenses. As districts attempt to address these financial issues, they are pointing fingers at Republicans for not providing enough funding, despite historic increases in public school funding by the legislature. The MacIver Institute will continue to monitor the situation and hold public schools accountable for their financial management.
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Monitoring Recent Public School Budget Controversies in Wisconsin
