Milwaukee Schools Reviewed for Potential Closures
The Great Schools Committee discussed new criteria for closing or merging district facilities due to low enrollment.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Should the district prioritize building new schools over closing existing facilities in your community?
The Great Schools Committee met on Sept. 28 to evaluate potential school closures across Milwaukee Public Schools. The review identified 26 facilities that could face closure or merger based on current enrollment and building utilization metrics.
Why it matters
Superintendent Cassellius stated that under-enrollment at several campuses has hindered the district's ability to provide adequate staffing and resources. Officials are seeking to optimize facility use to better support students throughout the district.
A total of 26 out of 134 examined schools currently meet the proposed closure criteria, while 3 schools would meet these metrics if the capacity threshold were lowered to 30%. Perkins Eastman has specifically recommended closing 5 schools in the North Side area.
The players
Great Schools Committee
This is the governing body responsible for reviewing and proposing policy changes regarding the operational footprint of Milwaukee Public Schools.
Cassellius
As the Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools, she oversees district operations and manages efforts to realign resources for better student outcomes.
Perkins Eastman
This professional planning firm specializes in educational facilities and was contracted to evaluate school building statuses in Milwaukee.
The details
The district uses a scoring tool to flag schools, considering factors such as five-year enrollment trends and building utilization rates below 50%. Planning firm Perkins Eastman recommended closing Auer Avenue School, Clarke Street School, Hopkins Lloyd Community School, Keefe Avenue School, and Siefert School.
Timeline
The Great Schools Committee held a meeting on Sept. 28, 2026.
A public feedback meeting is scheduled for Oct. 12, 2026, at Gwen T. Jackson Elementary.
A second public meeting will occur on Oct. 26, 2026, at Starms Discovery Learning Center.
Culture Shift
This development follows the trajectory of the Milwaukee Public Schools building utilization strategy as districts nationwide grapple with demographic shifts. The move reflects a broader societal trend of consolidating educational assets in response to long-term population decline.
Families with students at the five North Side schools recommended for closure may face future changes to their children's school locations and commuting routines. Residents are encouraged to attend upcoming public meetings to voice concerns regarding how these closures could affect their neighborhoods.
The takeaway
Districts facing significant under-enrollment often prioritize the consolidation of resources to ensure that remaining schools are adequately funded. Families should monitor district communications closely for updates regarding specific site transitions and potential new construction plans.
What happens next
The district will hold public feedback meetings on Oct. 12, 2026, at Gwen T. Jackson Elementary and on Oct. 26, 2026, at Starms Discovery Learning Center.
Further reading
For more information on the district's long-term planning, visit the Secondary Education page.
Live Poll
Should the district prioritize building new schools over closing existing facilities in your community?
