MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Public Schools is launching two community advisory committees that will give students, families, employees and residents a role in discussions about school facilities and the district’s future budget.
Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius announced the creation of the Great Schools Committee and Budget Advisory Committee, which will operate separately and make recommendations to district leadership.
“Community involvement cannot be an afterthought when we are making decisions that will shape the future of Milwaukee Public Schools,” said Cassellius in a statement.
Committee will examine possible school closures
The Great Schools Committee will focus on the future of MPS facilities. Its responsibilities include developing criteria for school closures, recommending specific schools for possible closure and considering where new construction may be needed.
The group includes students, parents, educators, administrators, community representatives and School Board members.
Its first meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at MPS Central Services on Vliet Street. Three additional meetings are scheduled through Oct. 26, with time set aside at each meeting for public comment.
MPS expects to present the committee’s findings to the MPS school board in November.
Community input sought on 2027-28 budget
The separate Budget Advisory Committee will help establish priorities for the district’s 2027-28 budget.
That group also includes students, parents, principals, teachers, community members and School Board representatives. Meetings will continue weekly through Oct. 28, with several held virtually before the final two meetings at MPS Central Services.
Following those meetings, MPS plans to publish the committee’s recommendations and accept additional public comment through Nov. 25.
The feedback will be considered as MPS develops its 2027-28 spending plan
