Evers names education firm to head MPS audit

(The Center Square) – A consulting firm with former public school administrators will lead the audit into Milwaukee Public Schools’ financial woes.

Gov. Tony Evers on Monday named MGT of America Consulting to lead the probe.

“I’ve been clear from the beginning that the folks selected to conduct the independent, outside audits of MPS bring expertise and specific experience in classrooms, schools, and helping support school districts facing significant challenges, which is critical if we’re going to identify issues and have meaningful conversations in the future about solutions. MGT fits that build,” Evers said in a statement.

MGT will handle the audit into MPS’ “operations, processes, and procedures.” That includes an examination of how Milwaukee’s school district were being months late with key state financial reports, and how MPS wrongfully collected millions of dollars in federal money.

So far, MPS’ financial scandal has cost the city schools nearly $20 million and could cost Milwaukee schools as much as $60 million.

“This operational audit will be focused on examining the district’s financial reporting and management, reviewing human resources training, processes, and professional development, and developing strategies to improve effectiveness and efficiency at central office,” Evers said.

MGT bills itself as a firm of experts who “create recommendations for our educational clients that are reliable, actionable, and based on proven research and a thorough understanding of each district or system’s program needs and long-term goals.”

MGT’s team includes Rajeev Bajaj who spent years as an administrator in New York City's Department of Education, as well as Sam Arrona who spent part of her career as the executive director of Family Support for Newark Public Schools. Other MGT members also have years in the classroom as either teachers or building-level administrators.

“Our team is led by former state education commissioners, district superintendents, school board members, principals, and teachers. We also employ experts specializing in organizational transformation. When we bring this expertise together, we’re able to create recommendations that balance the importance of both academic and operational effectiveness,” MGT states on its website.

No one is saying what the MGT audit will cost or just when the firm is expected to be done with its review.