MILWAUKEE— Milwaukee Public Schools is heading into a new school year with a focus on improving literacy, filling teacher vacancies and addressing conditions inside its schools, for more than 60,000 students across the district.
Students return to classrooms Tuesday, September 1. District leaders outlined their priorities Thursday at Starms Discovery Learning Center and launched the “Expect Great Things” campaign, aimed at raising expectations for MPS and highlighting positive work happening across the district.
Teacher vacancies down
MPS says it has made progress filling teacher positions. The district had more than 120 vacancies at this point last year and now has approximately 60.
Superintendent Brenda Cassellius said the district will continue recruiting throughout the school year. Some classrooms will begin the year with licensed substitutes while MPS works to fill the remaining positions.
The district is also adding teaching positions as it works to reduce elementary class sizes.
Literacy remains a priority
MPS launched a new elementary literacy curriculum in January and is introducing new high school curriculum this fall More than 1,000 teachers, principals and support staff participated in literacy training this summer.
Dr. Casselllius said the district expects to see its next state test results in September and wants to see students reading at grade level or higher.
School improvements
MPS is investing in improvements at six schools this year, including new classrooms, playgrounds, a gym, entrances, fencing and other upgrades.
A new playground was installed at Starms Discovery Learning Center. It is one of the 6 schools that have been given the opportunity to improve their facilities with new hallways, class room details, lockers, playgrounds, gymnasiums and more.
The district says some lead remediation work remains unfinished in some places, which are being kept close while work and inspection continues.
MPS is also continuing a partnership to improve outdoor spaces at 15 additional schools over the next three years.
Funding remains an issue
Dr. Cassellius said MPS could need another referendum if the state does not provide enough funding. She pointed to rising costs, teacher pay and special education funding as ongoing financial concerns.
Students across Milwaukee Public Schools return to school Tuesday, September 1.
The district also cut 264 central-office positions last year.
