The Sconi

Wisconsin's largest school district, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), is addressing the potential closure of underused schools. Despite securing a quarter-billion-dollar funding increase last spring, the district faces challenges with declining enrollment and underutilized facilities.

During a public hearing at Hamilton High School, Patrick Davis from Perkins Eastman, the consulting firm assisting MPS, emphasized that significant changes are not imminent. "Very little will happen even into the next school year," he stated. The hearings are part of MPS's Long-Range Facilities Master Plan to adjust its infrastructure in response to decreasing student numbers.

The district's enrollment has decreased by 14% over the past decade, aligning with broader trends showing a more than 40% drop since the late 1990s. Contributing factors include a 24% decline in births between 2010 and 2022 and increased attendance at non-MPS schools. About half of Milwaukee's school-age children now attend charter schools, private institutions, or participate in open enrollment programs outside MPS.

Perkins Eastman's analysis indicates that only about 80% of MPS's capacity is utilized, with high schools operating at just 66%. Currently, 22 buildings are less than half full, including Washington High School of Information Technology and Madison High School.

Conversely, some MPS schools are oversubscribed due to specialized programs and open enrollment policies allowing students to choose their preferred institutions. Reagan High School exceeds its building capacity significantly.

School closures may disproportionately affect low-income areas on Milwaukee's north side. However, survey results from approximately 12,000 district residents could provide insights into parental preferences and help guide future decisions.

A complication arises if closed buildings become available for independent schools that have attracted around 30,000 students locally. Despite state laws against discrimination in selling disused buildings to private entities, MPS has been resistant.

The planning process has met with public skepticism regarding leadership and transparency. Last year’s resignation of the superintendent followed financial reporting delays that threatened state aid suspension after a narrow referendum approval.

Patrick McIlheran serves as Director of Policy at the Badger Institute. For permission to use or reproduce Badger Institute content, contact President Mike Nichols at mike@badgerinstitute.org or call 262-389-8239.