(The Center Square) – Madison’s public school managers say they need $60 million just to keep up with special education requirements next year.
And they say they don’t know where they will find the money.
The Madison Metropolitan School Board this week began work on its 2026-2027 school budget.
“Our budget reflects what we value most as a school district,” Superintendent Joe Gothard said. “We are committed to uplifting the student experience, supporting our staff and making strategic investments that move our schools forward. At the same time, we must plan responsibly for financial realities that continue to challenge public education.”
Madison Metropolitan’s current school budget is $668 million – about 10% higher than the 2024-2025 school budget.
There is no proposed price tag for the next budget.
MMSD says it needs to find at least $30 million more for teacher pay raises and benefits. That includes:
● $4.7 million for compensation step increases
● $9.5 million for inflationary compensation increases
● 14 to $16 million for health insurance increases
● And the new costs for expanded parental leave benefits
“These increases reflect contractual obligations, market conditions and our responsibility to remain competitive as an employer,” Assistant Superintendent of Financial Services Bob Soldner said. “We begin planning early so we can evaluate multiple scenarios, manage risk and minimize disruption to schools and classrooms.”
Madison schools are also expecting less money from the state. MMSD officials say they could see $7 million less.
Voters in Madison agreed to give the city’s school district $600 million more in 2024. The school district proposed two referendum questions, one for $100 million to hire more teachers and staffers. The other was for more than $500 million for facility upgrades.
