Why Are They Hiding?: IRG Calls For Legislative Oversight as Milwaukee Public Schools Once Again Risks Funding Penalties
DPI Remains Unable to Hold MPS Accountable, MPS Continues to Miss Basic Financial Reporting Deadlines
Delafield, Wis. – The Institute for Reforming Government (IRG) is calling for legislative oversight of DPI and Milwaukee Public Schools surrounding MPS’ financial reporting. Milwaukee Public Schools missed essential financial deadlines, putting itself at risk of state officials withholding funding again.
MPS’ 2024 financial crisis led to withheld state aid and the resignations of district leadership. Despite corrective action plans, the threat of state aid being withheld, and new leadership, Wisconsinites are still in the dark when it comes to MPS’s financials.
WHY IT MATTERS:
Instead of operating under its corrective action plan, MPS still isn’t meeting important financial deadlines attached to state funding. The state is still withholding funding following MPS missing the financial reporting deadline in 2024. The state put MPS on a corrective action plan, requiring it to get up to speed on its financial reporting. MPS has not updated its progress on the plan since January. Late financial reporting affects the funding of all 420 Wisconsin school districts.
THE QUOTE:
“For all the tough talk last year, DPI and MPS are still keeping the public in the dark on the state of MPS’ finances. If DPI can’t hold MPS accountable, the Legislature must find out why, including taking action through the GOAT committee,” said Jake Curtis, Director of IRG’s Center for Investigative Oversight. “If DPI and MPS refuse to appear, the Legislature should consider using its subpoena power under Wisconsin Chapter 13. It’s that serious. Funding for kids is once again in peril, not just for MPS, but for 420 other Wisconsin districts. It’s clear the Legislature must act, or MPS will continue to keep the public in the dark to the detriment of all Wisconsin schools.”