Because all children deserve a safe classroom that’s focused on learning and led by a licensed teacher, investing in classrooms is Milwaukee Public Schools’ top priority as the district plans its 2026–27 budget. Investing in classrooms includes managing and, in some cases, reducing class sizes to align them with the district’s new guidelines.

Having smaller class sizes means students would receive more one-on-one attention; teachers could get to know students better, helping to make the school feel more like a family; and students can learn better.

The district will continue to provide strong art, music, and physical education instruction in line with past years, thanks in part to the generosity of Milwaukee voters through the referendum.

“Investing in classrooms will allow us to provide spaces where all children can thrive, and all educators can do their best work,” said Superintendent Brenda Cassellius, EdD.

The investments are possible in part because of savings created by a Milwaukee Board of School Directors vote on March 9 to reduce Central Services positions and non-classroom roles in schools. The district remains committed to supporting everyone affected, and its goal is to place as many staff members as possible in classroom roles. About 260 positions were eliminated, and after accounting for vacant positions and retirements, about 201 employees are affected. The number includes about 70 positions based in Central Services (including a deputy superintendent position and chief of schools position on the superintendent’s senior team), 62 implementer positions (educators who hold a teaching license but are not assigned to one classroom), and 59 assistant principal positions.

The district is not cutting the positions of classroom teachers, counselors, nurses, psychologists, or social workers to address the budget gap. As is the case every year, when a school has lower enrollment, there might be fewer staff to reflect the change in student population.

The savings will help MPS address its $46 million deficit and allow it to invest in classrooms and class size.

The district’s new class-size guidelines for schools are:

• All schools: One assistant principal for every 350 students
• K3: 18 students per class (guideline), with one teacher and one paraprofessional
• K4: 20 students per class (guideline), with one teacher and one paraprofessional
• K5: 22 students per class (guideline), with one teacher and one paraprofessional
• Grades 1-2: 26 students per class (guideline), with one teacher
• Grades 3-5: 28 students per class (guideline), with one teacher
• Grades 6-8: 32 students per class (guideline), with one teacher
• Grades 9-12: Staffing is based on a ratio of 30 students per teacher, but class sizes will vary based on the school’s master schedule, student graduation needs, and opportunities for Career and Technical Education (CTE) and advanced academic coursework.

No students will have to leave their current school.

The district will work with schools that do not have room to add classes, as well as with schools having programs that require different class sizes. Principals also have an opportunity to request critical needs not addressed by the guidelines.

In addition to managing class sizes and having a licensed teacher in every classroom, MPS will protect positions such as counselors, nurses, psychologists, social workers; maintain supports for students with special needs; and use the best tools and techniques to teach reading.

The district’s Office of Human Resources will continue to hire teachers and student support staff year-round.