Milwaukee School Board Votes to Cut 260 Jobs

Superintendent says the move could save $30 million amid a $46 million budget gap.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Milwaukee school board voted to cut 260 jobs, including 116 central services positions and 147 non-classroom roles in schools such as assistant principals and deans. The move is part of the district's plan to address a $46 million budget gap, which Superintendent Brenda Cassellius says could save $30 million.

Why it matters

The job cuts come amid a heated discussion at the school board meeting, with one person being removed for causing a disruption. The budget cuts highlight the financial challenges facing the Milwaukee Public Schools system and the difficult decisions administrators must make to balance the budget.

The details

The job cuts include about 116 central services positions across multiple district offices and roughly 147 non-classroom roles in schools, including assistant principals and deans. Superintendent Cassellius says the move could save $30 million as the district works to fix a $46 million budget gap. The budget must be finalized by May.

  • The Milwaukee school board voted on the job cuts on Monday night.
  • The budget must be finalized by May.

The players

Brenda Cassellius

The superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools who says the job cuts could save $30 million.

Milwaukee Public Schools

The school district in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that is facing a $46 million budget gap and voted to cut 260 jobs.

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What they’re saying

“I understand the anxiety, but we've had a timeline that has offered more transparency to the public earlier in the process, and we're at the process right now in the timeline as planned.”

— Brenda Cassellius, Superintendent (wisn.com)

What’s next

The budget must be finalized by May, so the school board will continue working to address the $46 million budget gap in the coming months.

The takeaway

The job cuts highlight the difficult financial challenges facing the Milwaukee Public Schools system and the tough decisions administrators must make to balance the budget. The move raises concerns about the impact on students and staff, underscoring the need for sustainable funding solutions for public education.