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MPS Faces Tough Decisions in 2026–27 Budget
Milwaukee Public Schools has begun planning for the 2026–27 budget. No decisions, proposals, or recommendations have been made; however, decisions about next year’s budget will not be easy. Without voters' referendum support, the challenges would be even harder.
As Superintendent Brenda Cassellius shared this week in her presentation to the Board, we are carefully analyzing spending at Central Services, including reviewing all contracts, but this alone will not be enough to address the gap we face in light of declining birthrates, stagnant state funding, and inflation. MPS is also advocating for increases in state funding.
Families, staff, and community members will be invited to upcoming listening sessions to share ideas and concerns as the budget work continues, with details coming soon.
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Join Us!
Kindergarten Enrollment Fairs
Kindergarten enrollment for Fall 2026 will begin January 31, 2026. MPS will host two enrollment fairs to help families explore programs, choose schools, and enroll students. Mark your calendar to attend an enrollment fair!
January 31, 2026
South Division High School
1515 W. Lapham Blvd., Milwaukee, 53204
February 21, 2026
North Division High School
1011 W. Center St., Milwaukee, 53206
Both fairs are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
For more information, visit our Kindergarten Enrollment page.
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Winter Graduation – Friday, January 30, 2026
MPS will celebrate winter graduates in a ceremony on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 5:00 P.M.
The graduation video will go live at 5:00 P.M.
Access the video directly using this YouTube link.
Join the fun and help congratulate our newest high school graduates!
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Milwaukee Virtual School—Enroll Now!
Milwaukee Virtual School (MVS) has open seats for the second semester! The new semester begins January 27. Enroll now!
MVS provides a flexible schedule in an environment that families choose themselves. The program is delivered via Imagine Learning virtual instruction. Seats are available for students in Milwaukee County and surrounding counties.
MVS offers added benefits you won’t find anywhere else.
- Face-to-face instruction one hour per day for K4 to grade 5 plus computer-based instruction and a workbook
- On-demand tutoring seven days per week for grades 6–12
- Teacher mentors support all levels in all subjects
- Parent Support Center for in-person technology help and resources
- Imagine Learning Specialist for platform support
- Students can join sports, clubs, and activities at a nearby MPS school, including prom, science fair, job fairs, and theater
- Instruction available in Spanish, French, and other languages
- College and career planning
- Dual enrollment to earn college credit through MATC and UWM
- In-person graduation ceremony for high school seniors
Learn more and enroll at mpsmke.com/mvs.
Priority enrollment for Fall 2026 is open!
- District families can apply through Feb. 6.
- Out-of-district families can apply through Feb. 13, 2026.
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Learn About
School Resource Officers (SROs)
A number of MPS schools have a School Resource Officer on site. Students, families, and staff are invited to attend a meeting hosted by the Milwaukee Police Department to learn about the role of SROs, their current activities, and engagement with students.
Monday, February 23, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
Bay View High School
2751 S. Lenox St., Milwaukee, 53207
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SafeTALK Suicide Prevention Training
MPS families, staff, and students 15 and older are invited to this free event! Learn how to recognize and respond to individuals who are struggling and may have thoughts of suicide. Receive SafeTALK certification upon completion.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Bradley Tech High School
700 S. 4th St., Milwaukee, 53204
Lunch and refreshments will be served. Childcare is available.
Register at mpsmke.com/safetalk.
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Visit Our Career Fairs!
MPS seeks exceptional individuals to join our team! The district is hosting monthly fairs to help job seekers explore careers and learn more about working in MPS.
The district is looking for teachers, substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, food service managers, and more.
Each job fair seeks specific positions; contact our recruitment coordinators to find out what jobs will be offered by emailing mpscoordinators@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Rufus King High School–1801 W. Olive St., Milwaukee, 53209
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
MPS Central Services–5225 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee, 53208
Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Milwaukee Marshall High School–4141 N. 64th St., Milwaukee, 53216
Read more about excellent benefits and open positions.
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Weather Closing Information
With the arrival of wintry weather, please be alert for school closings because of weather. The decision to close schools will be posted on the MPS website, MPS Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn pages, and on all major television stations.
Visit our Weather Information webpage for more information.
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Stay Safe During Winter Weather
Cold weather can turn dangerous very quickly. If you need winter clothing for your children, check with the parent coordinator at your child's school to find out if items are available.
The City of Milwaukee has tips and resources for staying safe and locating resources to combat cold weather. Visit the city's Cold Weather Safety Information page to find warming shelters, safety tips, winter parking regulations, and more.
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Seniors—Apply for College Scholarships!
MPS scholarship information is available to students in Xello and through the MPS Scholarship Google Folder. The folder includes event flyers, scholarship applications, presentations, and the 2025–26 MPS Scholarships & College and Career Opportunity list. All materials can be viewed online, downloaded, and printed at any time.
MPS high schools will host College Ca$h Workshops during the week of February 23–27, 2026. These workshops give students dedicated time and support to apply for scholarships.
Families are encouraged to visit the MPS Scholarships webpage for additional resources on college affordability and to connect with their student’s school counselor or College and Career Center advisor for one-on-one assistance.
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Every Day Counts!
Help Is Available to Support Attendance
With the arrival of cold weather, we want all our students to get to school safely every day so they can continue good attendance habits that started in fall.
If your child needs mittens or other warm clothing for winter, contact the Parent Coordinator at your child's school. They can locate resources for the winter months.
Families: Remember that you can check attendance by logging in to the Campus Parent Portal at mpsmke.com/parentportal. If you need assistance with Campus Parent, scroll down in this newsletter for contact information.
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MPS Students Shine at
MLK Birthday Celebration
More than 50 Milwaukee Public Schools students are winners in the 42nd annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. art, speech, and writing contests. The winners were honored at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration on Monday, January 19, at the Marcus Performing Arts Center.
Read more about this year's theme, True Peace, and see a list of winners!
| | In case you missed it . . . | | |
MPS Receives Final $8 Million Withheld by State, Completes Audit
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has released to MPS $8 million in previously withheld state funding, the last installment of withheld funds from 2025. MPS also submitted its external financial audit for the 2024–25 fiscal year, marking the third audit completed in just under 13 months.
Read more about district progress.
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MCTS Service Changes in 2026
The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) has rolled out its 2026 Winter Service Plan. Six routes now will run only during peak hours. Check your routes to see how these changes affect your travel: RideMCTS.com/ServiceChanges.
For a list of route changes that impact MPS schools, please visit ridemcts.com/mps2026.
New Safety Programs
Also in 2026, MCTS will implement new programs to improve safety: a pilot program with the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office to have law enforcement on select routes and a change to the MCTS Public Safety Officer program to improve fare compliance.
Learn about service changes: MCTS News
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MPS Reads
Each month, MPS provides a list of recommended books for preschool through grade 12 that allows students to see themselves, explore other cultures, and discover more about the world in which they live.
Help ignite a passion for reading! Access the monthly book list on the MPS Reads page.
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Help Keep Students Warm—Donate to Our Mitten Drive by January 31!
Cold weather is here! Help our students keep warm at bus stops and walking to school. Bring new mittens, caps, gloves, scarves, and other warm items to the north or south entrances of MPS Central Services, and our friendly security team will gladly accept your donations. We love handmade items, too!
MPS Central Services
5225 W. Vliet St.
Milwaukee, WI, 53208
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Milwaukee Direct Admit Application Is Open!
MPS high school juniors: Apply to 11 Wisconsin colleges and universities in less than 5 minutes!
Milwaukee Direct Admit is a streamlined application that connects your MPS academic records directly to the schools of your choice. Fill out a simple form with your student information.
- Apply to 10 University of Wisconsin campuses and MATC
- Application is free
- No attachments or transcripts are needed
- No essay or letters of recommendation!
What happens next?
- Accepted candidates will receive offers and will need to officially accept the offer of their choice and complete forms required by the school they select.
- Students must graduate from high school in spring or summer of their senior year.
- Start college in Fall 2027!
Learn more at mpsmke.com/directadmit!
Apply now!
Milwaukee Direct Admit is sponsored by M-Cubed — transforming the future of Milwaukee through education.
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Need Money for College? Fill out the FAFSA!
The first step in finding money for college is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application is now open for students who will start college in Fall 2026. Students who apply early might have more money available to them because some funding is limited.
This application is free and will reveal what loans and grants might be available to students. Read more about FAFSA. Help is available to students through MPS College and Career Centers.
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Where's the Bus?
Download the App!
Student safety is a top priority in MPS. District families have access to an exciting app to help track their child’s bus—WheresTheBus! This app allows families to track their child’s bus in real time.
The app is free! Families can access WheresTheBus from any internet-enabled device—smartphone, tablet, PC, or iPad. Apple iOS and Android apps are available.
To access WheresTheBus, families must have a Campus Parent (parent portal) account with a login and password. These can be set up two ways:
- At each child’s school during regular school hours; an ID is required; OR
- At MPS Central Services, 5225 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee, WI 53208, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; an ID is required
Learn more and read how to access the app on the MPS website at WheresTheBus.
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Sign up for Text Messages
Get important district and school messages sent to your phone!
Opt in by texting Y to 67587. This can be done for any mobile phone. For questions or assistance, please contact the Department of Communications and Marketing at comm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.
| | MPS offers tools to help families find the information and support they need. Log in to the Campus Parent portal and follow us on social media. The parent coordinator at your child's school also can assist. | | |
Campus Parent Portal Technical Support
Live Campus Parent support is available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
To recover a username/password: Parents or guardians should email parentportal@milwaukee.k12.wi.us. Include the parent or guardian name, child’s name, birth date, and a contact number. If you do not receive a phone call or email within 24 hours, please call (414) 475-8159 for further assistance.
For assistance setting up a new Campus Parent account: Parents or guardians may call (414) 475-8159 or email parentportal@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
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Milwaukee Board of School Directors
Upcoming Meetings: February
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If you'd like to follow the meetings of the Milwaukee Board of School Directors, visit the Milwaukee Board of School Directors page to find the meeting schedule, agendas, and links to watch or listen to live meetings. Instructions for public testimony are also offered on this page.
Committee on Student Achievement and School Innovation: Thurs. Feb. 12, 5:30 p.m.
Committee on Accountability, Finance, and Personnel: Tues. Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m.
Committee on Legislation, Rules, and Policies: Tues. Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m.
Regular Monthly Board Meeting: Thurs. Feb. 26, 5:30 p.m.
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