Facing the task of helping more than 70,000 students recover from the pandemic as state lawmakers are poised to hold education funding flat, Milwaukee School Board members Thursday approved a tight annual budget and historic temporary infusion of federal stimulus dollars.
Board members directed funding toward several new programs, including more trades courses and a major expansion to the district’s Black and Latino Male Achievement program to offer mentorship and other support for female and LGBTQIA+ students of color.
Students and community leaders had asked for some additional changes. At a rally Wednesday night, students with Leaders Igniting Transformation called for more mental health services and less spending on security. Though the district previously cut contracts with police, the district still employs 274 safety assistants.
Speaking outside the district’s central offices, MPS student Soleil Harvey said she had been involved in conflicts that ended in suspensions and expulsions and left underlying issues unresolved.