The Milwaukee Board of School Directors on Tuesday approved wage increases for Milwaukee Public Schools employees represented by the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association.

The employees will receive a 2.63% base wage increase by January, through a 1.5% wage increase starting in July and the remaining 1.13% in January.  

“Tonight’s Board vote shows we value our employees and their commitment to our students while also building a budget that will help us restore the district’s fiscal standing,” said Superintendent Brenda Cassellius, EdD. “There were no easy decisions here, however, we are ultimately bringing employees to a full 2.63% increase by January while maintaining our obligation to present a balanced budget to the Board next month.”  

Through bargaining sessions, MPS offered the MTEA three options to bring employees to this 2.63% increase by January 2027. After six bargaining sessions and one mediation with the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission, a mediator declared an impasse Monday.  

The district intends to seek board approval to apply these increases to employees not represented by MTEA, as has been MPS’s practice in years past.  

MPS continues to bargain in good faith with the Psychologists Association of the Milwaukee Public Schools. These base wage increases do not yet factor in steps and lanes, which recognize longevity and advanced degrees and certification. The administration remains committed to providing steps and lanes and expects to have an update in the coming weeks.  

The district’s administration plans to present its full budget proposal in early May. Key themes from the budget are available on the district’s 2026-27 budget planning web page.