MILWAUKEE — In April, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) began to work alongside architectural firm Perkins Eastman to create a 10-year, Long-Range Facilities Master Plan. The goal of the plan is to optimize the buildings and resources the district has, while effectively managing money to best serve students in the district.

What You Need To Know

  • In April, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) began to work alongside architectural firm Perkins Eastman to create a 10-year, Long-Range Facilities Master Plan. The goal of the plan is to optimize the buildings and resources the district has, while effectively managing money to best serve students in the district

  • Thirteen MPS schools were labeled as possible candidates to close or be merged

  • The earliest the district would take any action on merging or closing schools would be in the 2026-27 school year

  • MPS administrators said the decision to close any schools is far from final or definite. They said they will look to get more feedback from families and teachers

Thirteen schools were labeled as possible candidates to close or be merged. Those schools have declining enrollment over the last five years, low enrollment — less than 50% of capacity — and are within one mile from another school that is under-enrolled, according to Perkins Eastman. 

The earliest the district would take any action on merging or closing schools would be in the 2026-27 school year.

The schools recommended to merge or close include:

  • Andrew S. Douglas Middle School
  • Auer Avenue School
  • William T. Sherman School
  • Clarke Street School
  • Starms Discovery Learning Center
  • Brown Street Academy
  • Siefert School, Carver Academy
  • Oliver Wendell Holmes School
  • Jackson Elementary School
  • Hopkins Lloyd Community School
  • Robert M. LaFollette School
  • Keefe Avenue School

The Milwaukee School Board shared these findings and discussed them at its meeting Tuesday night. Dozens of community members shared anger and concern, as the schools suggested to close are all on the city’s North Side.

“The schools that have been identified for closure are in Black communities,” Ingrid Walker-Henry, president of the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association, said. “It’s no surprise — Black communities have seen the least amount of investment for decades.”

MPS administrators said the decision to close any schools is far from final or definite. They said they will look to get more feedback from families and teachers.

Walker-Henry said it’s not right if the school board even considers closing these schools.

“We should not be in this situation,” Walker-Henry said. “The state of Wisconsin has failed to fund public education and we see that. We see that every day. We know that Wisconsin has to do better and we’re also looking to make sure that the district is supporting families in the most affected zip codes.“

MPS released the following statement:

“The goal of any changes will be to improve the educational experiences of all students. Any potential plans would aim to enhance educational programming, prioritize community impact and enhance the recruitment and retention of families, school administrators, teachers and staff.”

The Milwaukee Board of School Directors sent the long-term facilities report and its suggestions to Accountability, Finance and Personnel Committee, which will likely meet in the next few weeks to make recommendations for the next steps.

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