Photo by Richard Hurd
MMSD Board of Education Approves 2025–26 Budget
MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) Board of Education has approved the district’s 2025–26 budget, which outlines how it will use its resources to support students, staff and families in the year ahead.
The approved budget totals $668 million, with $577.1 million dedicated to day-to-day school operations. This year’s plan reflects a 10 percent increase in both revenue and expenses compared to last year, driven by ongoing investments in staffing, student programs and school facilities.
The district’s total property tax levy (the amount collected in property taxes) will go up by about 20 percent, meaning that the tax rate will increase by about 96 cents for every $1,000 of property value. State aid to MMSD will decrease by about 19.5%. Still, the state will allow the district to receive an additional $325 per student under the revenue limit, providing a bit more flexibility in the overall budget.
The 2025–26 budget keeps MMSD on a strong financial footing, with a projected general fund balance of $78.8 million, which falls within the Board’s targeted range of 12 to 18 percent. The district continues to hold top bond ratings of AA+ and SP-1+, speaking to its continued fiscal stability and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
Most of MMSD’s budget—about 81 percent—goes toward paying and supporting staff. This year’s plan includes an average 4.95 percent pay increase, made up of a 2.95 percent base wage increase and step increases based on years of service. MMSD will also maintain its current health insurance plans and continue offering full-time benefits to part-time employees who work at least half-time.
“We have worked really hard, especially with rising costs for health insurance and some other things that are out of our control, to prioritize our employees,” said Board President Nichelle Nichols. “I’m really proud of the fact that we have a balanced budget, and that we are in a good position, as stewards of the referendum dollars that our community has entrusted to us, to move this district forward.”
In total, MMSD’s staffing plan for 2025–26 includes approximately 4,246 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, an increase of about 59 over last year. The district is adding custodial staff to help care for newly renovated buildings, additional building-based substitute teachers, and more staff to support early learning and multilingual education.
Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard said the budget reflects MMSD’s continued focus on students and staff, beginning with the district’s youngest learners.
“For me, it starts with 4K, which I see as such an important introduction into our district, into community, into the way that staff and principals and teachers receive students and their families,” Gothard said. “A lot of the things that we’re investing in are going to continue to be tied to what our students and families desire, and ensuring that they know we’re making a sustained commitment to listening to them.”
Assistant Superintendent of Financial Services Bob Soldner noted that the 2025–26 budget builds on last year’s successful referendum and provides stability for future planning.
“This budget balances investment in students and staff with careful fiscal management,” Soldner said. “It positions MMSD to meet current needs while planning responsibly for the future.”
The budget continues investments in full-day 4K, early reading instruction based on the science of reading, career and technical education (CTE), daily world language access in middle schools and mental health supports for students.
More information, including the full 2025–26 Budget Book, is available on the MMSD website.
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About the Madison Metropolitan School District
The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.