VACANCY
Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is seeking a superintendent beginning on July 1, 2025, with a base salary range expected to be $275,000 to $350,000 (based on experience); other benefits to be negotiated. Located in southeastern Wisconsin, MPS is the largest school district in the state, serving approximately 68,000 students. MPS is committed to accelerating student achievement, building positive relationships between youth and adults, and cultivating leadership at all levels. U.S. News and World Report  rated five MPS high schools among the best in the state in the spring of 2024. The Class of 2024 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and grants. The District has about 9,590 employees, and a budget of $1.47 billion in total revenues and expenditures. Education is provided in 156 buildings, including 21 bilingual schools, five of Wisconsin’s top high schools, eight public Montessori schools, and 11 International Baccalaureate schools. The diverse population includes students speaking 81 native languages.

MPS is committed to providing all students equitable access to high-quality, engaging and culturally-responsive instruction aligned to Wisconsin state standards. With students at the center of everything we do, MPS aims to close the achievement gap in reading, writing, and mathematics through explicit instruction, deep engagement, and high expectations for all students regardless of race, ethnicity, or ZIP code. MPS is also home to the nation’s largest concentration of students participating in Project Lead The Way, which uses hands-on learning to expose students to engineering, math, science, and technology in middle and high school. MPS offers a variety of choices and programs that create opportunities for all our students to excel. 

One of the initiatives fueling the success of students in Milwaukee Public Schools is M-cubed (M3). M-Cubed is a collaboration among Milwaukee’s three urban public education institutions, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). M-Cubed seeks to ensure student success within these institutions to meet the workforce needs of business and industry in our region and improve the well-being of Wisconsin citizens, their families and communities. In sum, M-eCubed is transforming the future of Milwaukee through education.

Milwaukee is a vibrant city in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. In 2023, Milwaukee was named among National Geographic’s “Best Places to Visit,” and in 2024, the New York Times included  Milwaukee on its list of “Five Great Beach Cities” to check out. Milwaukee is not just a great place to visit, “it's a great place to call home.” Historical architecture is a tribute to Milwaukee's past, while the metro area vibrates from the construction of a changing skyline and with the energy of its nearly 600,000 residents. Many people are drawn to Milwaukee's blue-collar roots, relatively low cost of living and exciting new development. 

Milwaukee has a bustling nightlife, award-winning restaurants, lakefront museums, a thriving music and arts scene, and two major league sports teams. History and tradition are celebrated with craft beer, the Friday fish fry and an array of cultural events. Milwaukee hosts dozens of festivals each year, including one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the nation. Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival, spans three weekends and welcomes hundreds of bands and entertainers.

MPS Vision
Milwaukee Public Schools will be among the highest student-growth school systems in the country. All district staff will be committed to providing an equitable educational environment that is child-centered, supports achievement, and respects and embraces diversity. Schools will be safe, welcoming, well-maintained, and accessible community centers that meet the needs of all. Relevant, rigorous, and successful instructional programs will be recognized and replicated. The district and its schools will collaborate with students, families, and community for the benefit of all. 

MPS Mission
Milwaukee Public Schools is a diverse district that welcomes all students and prepares them for success in higher education, post-educational opportunities, work, and citizenship. 

Strategic Initiatives

1. Student Achievement and Graduation
2. Staff Morale and Professional Learning
3. Rightsizing the District
4. Special Projects
   • Budget Planning
   • Calendar
   • Communication
   • School Lunch Program

MPS District Goals
MPS is proud of its accomplishments and progress but faces challenges on many fronts. To tackle the challenges head on and change the operating dynamics of Wisconsin’s largest school district, MPS has established three system-wide goals essential to accomplishing MPS’s mission and vision: Academic Achievement; Student, Family, and Community Engagement; and Effective and Efficient Operations. The next superintendent for the Milwaukee Public Schools will have a keen focus on these goals and demonstrated success in meeting them. 

Link to MPS Strategic Plan: https://mps.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/en/District/Initiatives.htm

Visit the MPS website for more information: https://mps.milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Qualifications

• Executive level leadership and administrative experience in large organizations
• Urban experience preferred
• Central Services and/or building level administrative experience preferred
• Previous leadership and/or superintendent experience preferred 
• WI Superintendent License not required
• Non-traditional, non educational leaders/executives are encouraged to apply

TO APPLY:   https://hyasearch.com/job/superintendent-milwaukee-wi/

PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR FRONTLINE APPLICATION:

1. Cover letter (stating interest and unique qualifications for the position) - be sure to save the name of the district in the document title
2. Full resume/vitae
3. Three current letters of recommendation
4. Copy of Superintendent license (regardless of state) and/or evidence of executive leadership experience or credentials
5. Contact information for three additional references different from the reference letters

Anticipated Search Timeline - All Application Materials Due By November 30, 2024

December 19, 2024 : Slate of candidates presented to the Board

January 11, 2025 (Saturday) : Board first-round interviews

January 27, 2025 : Finalists Day in the District

January 28, 2025 : Board conducts final interviews

TBD    2025 : Board decision following background checks and site visits

July 1, 2025 : Superintendent contract formally begins

For any questions regarding the Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent search, contact an  HYA associate listed below do not contact MPS School Board members.

Mike Richie, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates     Email: mikerichie@hyasearch.com

Patricia Neudecker, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates     Email: patneudecker@hyasearch.com

Carlton Jenkins, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates     Email: carltonjenkins@hyasearch.com