Audit 399474

FY End
2025-06-30
Total Expended
$318.84M
Findings
21
Programs
39
Organization: Milwaukee Public Schools (WI)
Year: 2025 Accepted: 2026-04-22

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
1208470 2025-005 Material Weakness Yes AB
1208471 2025-005 Material Weakness Yes AB
1208472 2025-005 Material Weakness Yes AB
1208473 2025-005 Material Weakness Yes AB
1208474 2025-005 Material Weakness Yes AB
1208475 2025-005 Material Weakness Yes AB
1208476 2025-005 Material Weakness Yes AB
1208477 2025-006 Material Weakness Yes AB
1208478 2025-006 Material Weakness Yes AB
1208479 2025-006 Material Weakness Yes AB
1208480 2025-006 Material Weakness Yes AB
1208481 2025-006 Material Weakness Yes AB
1208482 2025-006 Material Weakness Yes AB
1208483 2025-006 Material Weakness Yes AB
1208484 2025-006 Material Weakness Yes AB
1208485 2025-006 Material Weakness Yes AB
1208486 2025-006 Material Weakness Yes AB
1208487 2025-006 Material Weakness Yes AB
1208488 2025-006 Material Weakness Yes AB
1208489 2025-007 Material Weakness Yes N
1208490 2025-009 Material Weakness Yes ABL

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
10.553 SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM $13.89M Yes 0
93.778 GRANTS TO STATES FOR MEDICAID $8.50M Yes 2
84.424 STUDENT SUPPORT AND ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAM $5.40M Yes 0
84.367 SUPPORTING EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTION STATE GRANTS (FORMERLY IMPROVING TEACHER QUALITY STATE GRANTS) $5.16M Yes 1
84.287 TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTERS $4.37M Yes 0
10.555 NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM $3.69M Yes 0
84.010 TITLE I GRANTS TO LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES $2.39M Yes 1
84.048 CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION -- BASIC GRANTS TO STATES $1.70M Yes 0
10.582 FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PROGRAM $1.66M Yes 0
10.558 CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM $1.40M Yes 0
84.215 INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO LITERACY; PROMISE NEIGHBORHOODS; FULL-SERVICE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS; AND CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION COMMUNITY PROJECTS $1.36M Yes 0
84.173 SPECIAL EDUCATION PRESCHOOL GRANTS $1.32M Yes 2
93.243 SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES PROJECTS OF REGIONAL AND NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE $1.32M Yes 0
84.299 INDIAN EDUCATION -- SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR INDIAN CHILDREN $667,710 Yes 0
10.559 SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN $631,358 Yes 0
15.662 GREAT LAKES RESTORATION $549,085 Yes 0
84.336 TEACHER QUALITY PARTNERSHIP GRANTS $400,635 Yes 0
84.374 TEACHER AND SCHOOL LEADER INCENTIVE GRANTS (FORMERLY THE TEACHER INCENTIVE FUND) $384,921 Yes 0
93.327 DEMONSTRATION GRANTS FOR DOMESTIC VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING $248,663 Yes 0
66.509 SCIENCE TO ACHIEVE RESULTS (STAR) RESEARCH PROGRAM $203,342 Yes 0
84.051 CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION -- NATIONAL PROGRAMS $193,950 Yes 0
20.205 HIGHWAY PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION $162,331 Yes 0
66.609 PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RISKS $137,650 Yes 0
93.566 REFUGEE AND ENTRANT ASSISTANCE STATE/REPLACEMENT DESIGNEE ADMINISTERED PROGRAMS $132,713 Yes 0
84.411 EDUCATION INNOVATION AND RESEARCH (FORMERLY INVESTING IN INNOVATION (I3) FUND) $128,860 Yes 0
84.184 SCHOOL SAFELY NATIONAL ACTIVITIES $106,026 Yes 0
16.839 STOP SCHOOL VIOLENCE $101,162 Yes 0
84.206 JAVITS GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS EDUCATION $96,757 Yes 0
10.727 INFLATION REDUCTION ACT URBAN & COMMUNITY FORESTRY PROGRAM $93,508 Yes 0
15.916 OUTDOOR RECREATION ACQUISITION, DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING $88,223 Yes 0
10.935 URBAN AGRICULTURE AND INNOVATIVE PRODUCTION GRANTS PROGRAM (UAIP) $63,807 Yes 0
84.027 SPECIAL EDUCATION GRANTS TO STATES $62,519 Yes 2
84.060 INDIAN EDUCATION FORMULA GRANTS $55,058 Yes 0
11.419 COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION AWARDS $50,000 Yes 0
84.041 IMPACT AID $49,930 Yes 0
10.675 URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY PROGRAM $40,000 Yes 0
84.365 ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACQUISITION STATE GRANTS $20,753 Yes 0
84.425 EDUCATION STABILIZATION FUND $7,438 Yes 0
10.902 SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION $4,503 Yes 0

Contacts

Name Title Type
JNR9Q7M4LXQ5 Bryce Radke Auditee
4144758836 Shannon Small Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Milwaukee Public Schools (the District) was established on February 3, 1846, and operates under Chapter 119 of the Wisconsin Statutes. All significant operations of the District are included in the scope of the Single Audit in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) and the State Single Audit Guidelines. The accompanying schedules of expenditures of federal and state awards for the Milwaukee Public Schools are presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) and the State Single Audit Guidelines issued by the Wisconsin Department of Administration. The schedules of expenditures of federal and state awards include all federal and state awards of the District. Because the schedules present only a selected portion of the operations of the District, it is not intended to and does not present the financial position, changes in net position, or cash flows of the District.
The 2024-2025 eligible costs under the State Special Education Program as reported by the District are $246,353,342. Compiled information required by compliance requirement 2.2.2.1.2 of the Special Education Audit Program was reported to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Nonmonetary assistance is reported in the schedule of expenditures of federal awards at the fair market value of the commodities received and disbursed.
The federal and state oversight agencies for the District are as follows: Federal – U.S. Department of Education State – Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Federal and state awards have been passed through the following entities: MU – Marquette University NFWF – National Fish and Wildlife Founda SHU – Sacred Heart University WI DCF – Wisconsin Department of Children and Families WI DHS – Wisconsin Department of Health Services WI DOJ – Wisconsin Department of Justice WI DPI – Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction WI DOT – Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Finding Details

Federal Agency: United States Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA programs) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A240064-2024; H173A240070-2024 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-Through Number(s): 2025 - 403619 - DPI - YIPPE – 342, 2025-403619-DPI-FLOW-341, 2025-403619-DPI-FLOW-341, 2025 - 403619 - DPI - FNC – 342, 2025-403619-DPI-ELIMG-348, 2025-403619-DPI-ELTAI-348, 2025-403619-DPI-PRESCH-347 Award Period: July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), the District must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the District is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of the federal award. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.430(h), costs charged to federal awards must be incurred during the approved budget period as defined in the grant agreement. Condition: For one (1) of the 40 payments to vendors selected for testing, the District did not correctly allocate the cost to the proper grant period. This sample was not statistically valid. Questioned costs: Cost in the amount of $29,850 were identified as being related to periods outside the grants award period. Context: One instance of a payment to a vendor related to services that will provide benefit during the subsequent fiscal year were accrued to the fiscal year and grant period under audit. Cause: From 2023 through 2025, the District experienced substantial turnover within the finance department, including management positions. Individuals in these roles lacked the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to oversee day-to-day operations, resulting in controls not operating effectively to ensure proper classification of vendor payments by applicable grant period and fiscal year. Effect: This resulted in amounts claimed for reimbursement that did not meet eligibility requirements for reimbursement from the grant award. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the District implement controls that allow for the identification and proper classification of vendor payments to applicable grant period. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with this finding.
Federal Agency: United State Department of Education Federal Program Name: Title II, Part A – Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Title I A – Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listing Number: 84.367 84.027, 84.173 84.010 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: S367A240047-2024 H027A240064-2024, H173A240070-2024 S010A240049-2024 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-Through Number(s): 2025 - 403619 - DPI - YIPPE - 342, 2025-403619-DPI-FLOW-341, 2025-403619-DPI-FLOW-341, 2025 - 403619 - DPI - FNC - 342, 2025-403619-DPI-ELIMG-348, 2025-403619-DPI-ELTAI-348, 2025-403619-DPI-PRESCH-347, 2025-403619-DPI-TI-A-141 Award Period: July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), the District must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the District entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of the federal award. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.430(i), charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.403(g) requires that costs are adequately documented to be allowable under federal awards. Condition: During testing, instances were identified in which the semi-annual certifications utilized by the District to support time charged to federal awards completed and approved prior to the final claims. Title II, Part A – Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants (ALN 84.367) Three (3) of the 40 individuals selected for testing time was supported by a semi-annual certification that was not approved timely. The semi-annual certification was approved after the submission of the final reimbursement claim. This was not a statistically valid sample. Special Education Cluster (IDEA) (ALN 84.027, 84.173) Two (2) of the 40 individuals selected for testing time was supported by a semi-annual certification that was not approved timely. The semi-annual certification was approved after the submission of the final reimbursement claim. This was not a statistically valid sample. Title I-A – Grants to Local Educational Agencies (ALN 84.010) Three (3) of the 60 individuals selected for testing time was supported by a semi-annual certification that was not approved timely. The semi-annual certification was approved after the submission of the final reimbursement claim. This was not a statistically valid sample. Questioned costs: None Context: The District supports time charged to federal awards via semi-annual certifications which are approved by the grant administrator or the building principal. In order for a cost to be supported at the time of the final reimbursement, the semi-annual certifications should be approved by the grant administrator or the building principal. During the fiscal year under audit the collection and review of these certifications were delayed, resulting in some being collected after the final claim dates. Cause: From 2023 through 2025, the District experienced substantial turnover within the finance department, including management positions. Individuals in these roles lacked the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to oversee day-to-day operations, resulting in delays in execution of controls and collection of required supporting time and effort reporting. Effect: Lack of timely collection and review of approved semi-annual could result in unallowable costs may be submitted for reimbursement. Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2024-009 Recommendation: We recommend the District design and implement controls to ensure semi-annual time and effort certification are obtained and reviewed timely. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: United State of Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Medicaid Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 93.778 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 2405WI5MAP-2024, 2505WI5MAP-2025 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Health Services Pass-Through Number(s): Not Available Award Period: July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), the District must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the District is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of the federal award In accordance with Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction guidance, each local education agency (LEA) that is a Medicaid-certified SBS provider is required to have a signed and dated DPI Consent to Bill Wisconsin Medicaid for Health-Related Special Education and Related Services (Form M-5) from the parent or guardian of a student with an IEP before claims can be submitted to BadgerCare Plus. Condition: A not statistically valid sample of 40 individuals with Medicaid billings filed during the fiscal year was selected. 3 of the 40 tested individuals did not have a DPI Consent to Bill Wisconsin Medicaid for Health-Related Special Education and Related Services (Form M-5) available for review. Questioned costs: $279.47 Context: The District was not able to produce documentation of the required Authorization to Bill (Form M-5) three (3) individuals selected for testing. The third-party billing service provided included that records had been sighted previously for these individual, but were not available for review during testing. Cause: Internal controls in place at the District are not designed and implemented to ensure the required authorization to bill Medicare is obtained prior to initial billing and retained for future review. Effect: The District may bill for services that are not eligible for reimbursement under the state of Wisconsin administered Medicaid program. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the District design and implement controls to ensure required authorization to bill Medicare (Form M-5) is obtained prior to initial billing. We also recommend the District design and implement controls to ensure a copy of this form is retained in accordance with federal and state requirements and is available for future required reviews. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: United State of Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Medicaid Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 93.778 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 2405WI5MAP-2024, 2505WI5MAP-2025 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Health Services Pass-Through Number(s): Not Available Award Period: July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), the District must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the District is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of the federal award In accordance with Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction guidance, each school district’s salary and benefit information of direct medical service providers are required to be reported through quarterly financial submissions. These submissions automatically aggregate into the annual cost report and are utilized to calculate the Medicaid Administrative Claims (MAC) amounts. The salary and fringe benefits included in these reports are required to be supported by District payroll records and financial ledgers and be appropriately classified and identified. Condition: Three (3) of the 40 individuals selected for testing were reported on the Quarterly Report tested in Job Categories that are inconsistent with the role or duties that employee filled during the reporting period. In addition, the District’s reconciliation of the District’s payroll summary reports to the Quarterly Report for the period July 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024 was not documented and available for review during audit testing. Questioned costs: None Context: The three (3) reported in in Job Categories that are inconsistent with the role or duties, fulfilled role that would be eligible for reporting in the Quarterly Report, but were classified into incorrect Job Categories. The District generates a series of reports from internal payroll systems, general ledger and subledger systems, and third party claim systems to support each Quarterly Report. These reports are reviewed and reconciled to support the final Quarterly Reports submission. For the quarter covering July 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024, the District generated the reports and prepared the Quarterly Report, however, the reconciliations were not retained documenting the standard process of the District. Cause: The District did not design and implement controls to ensure amounts reported were supported by internal records of employees roles or positions at the time of the reporting and that all supporting records and reconciliations are maintained. Effect: Amounts reported as eligible expenditures utilized in calculations of award did not agree to available supporting District payroll and financial records. This could result in calculations of award being inaccurate. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the District design and implement controls to ensure amounts reported are supported by employees current roles and positions. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.