Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle is expected this week to announce plans for a formal review of the financially struggling Milwaukee Public Schools following the district board’s surprise vote in committee last week to explore the state and federal rules governing dissolution.
Doyle responded by saying a thorough review of the district, the impact of the such a step, and whether any state action could be taken to assist the district was needed before any steps toward dissolution were taken. The full school board will vote on the same resolution at a meeting Thursday.
The vote last week followed a presentation on the district’s growing long-term fiscal pressures. Although the state covers about two-thirds of the district’s operating costs under state funding formulas, school board and administration officials have said increased funding is needed because enrollment declines are cutting into the district’s funding levels. Board opponents of the resolution said a tax levy increase and spending cuts should instead be undertaken.
