With the new school year near, MPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius, EdD, said families as well as the city should expect great things from Milwaukee Public Schools in 2026-27, as the district works to improve literacy, update school buildings, and operate more effectively. 

“That means investing in great teaching, great opportunities, great schools, and the people who make those things possible every day. Our students deserve nothing less,” she said.

Dr. Cassellius spoke at the refreshed Frances Brock Starms Discovery Learning Center on Thursday, August 27, alongside Milwaukee Board of School Directors President Missy Zombor and Mayor Cavalier Johnson. 

Starms Discovery is one of six schools the district is investing in to make them welcoming, safe, and inspiring for students. At Starms, that means improvements such as new flooring, fresh paint in appealing colors, a safe playground surface, and a new gymnasium that includes new flooring, paint, lighting, and sound panels in vivid blues and greens. 

The improvements are really an investment in our students and our future at Starms as a whole.
—Starms Discovery Principal Tonya Love

“The students will be so surprised” when they come to school on the first day, Dr. Love added. “The school looks nothing like it did before. … To me, it sends a powerful message. It sends a message that they matter. It’s going to be an enhancement in the day-to-day experience for the students and the families — and also the staff.”

The principal noted that the design — like the design at other investment schools — was based on input from students, families, staff, and others in the Starms community. 

“I hope, when they enter, they feel a real sense of ownership,” Dr. Love said of the students. “They’ll feel like this is their space. It really is a reflection of the tremendous potential we see in them every day.” 

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson remarked at Starms Discovery, “With these really important improvements and upgrades, students and parents, staff, the neighbors who live nearby, they can all feel proud and look forward to a bright new year that’s ahead.” 

The other schools in which MPS invested over the summer are Brown Street Academy, Andrew S. Douglas School, Gwen T. Jackson Early Childhood and Elementary School, North Division High School, and River Trail School of Agricultural Science. The schools primarily are in historically underinvested neighborhoods.Funding for the improvements are from the district’s Fund 46, a long-term capital-improvement trust fund.

Signs of Progress in Reading 

Dr. Cassellius noted that the district is seeing early signs of progress under its new literacy plan. Curriculum based on the science of reading was introduced in elementary schools in January; the high schools will receive their new reading curriculum this fall.

The superintendent reported progress in filling teaching positions, as well. Last year at this time, about 120 teaching positions were vacant; this year, about 60 are vacant, even while the district has added teaching positions to help manage and reduce class sizes.

“We are entering this school year in a much stronger position than we were a year ago,” Dr. Cassellius said. 

The superintendent indicated that the partnership between schools and families is key to student success. “We want families to know that their voices matter, their expectations matter, and their partnership matters. If we want great things for our students, we need families and schools working together.”

She also urged students to “come to school ready to learn. Ask questions. Try things that may be difficult. Find something you’re passionate about. And know that the adults at MPS are here to support you.”

Dr. Cassellius also called on businesses, nonprofits, elected officials and other civic leaders, and residents to be partners in the work of Milwaukee Public Schools. “We have seen an outpouring of support for our schools, and we are incredibly grateful. And we still need you,” she said.

Gathering Community Input

Milwaukee Board of School Directors President Missy Zombor said district employees are ready to welcome back students on the first day of school, Tuesday, September 1.

"Our teachers, principals, school staff, district team, and union partners have been working day and night to make sure our schools are ready to welcome back students,” President Zombor said. "MPS has the people and the passion to give all of our students a safe, enriching, and joyful school experience." 

Looking ahead into the new school year, the superintendent said MPS will establish advisory committees to gather community input on its priorities for its budget and buildings — including building closures and new construction — which will drive the district's direction for the next several years.

This video expresses the school district's efforts toward expecting great things from MPS. Video production costs were fully covered by business and community supporters of the district.