MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Public Schools' new $1.5 billion budget passed Tuesday night, giving Superintendent Brenda Cassellius a critical win. 

MPS says the budget will "prioritize literacy instruction across the district, combat chronic student absenteeism, strengthen engagement with families, restructure Central Services, and accelerate teacher recruitment efforts."

The plan uses $51 million from the recently approved referendum to stabilize the district, buying time before tough cuts likely next year. 

One big change for this year's budget -- more than 100 positions are being moved out of central office and back into schools.

The district is also committing at least $16 million for lead stabilization work in school buildings.

But without more state aid, officials warn hard decisions are still ahead.

“This budget provides clear guidance on priorities and the next steps the district must take to accelerate better outcomes for our students,” said Dr. Cassellius. “While we are being intentional about how we are using our precious resources this year to steer our academic agenda, we must also begin to acknowledge that there will be tough decisions to come next year as we confront the financial realities coming our way. We will continue to make every decision with the best interests of our students at the forefront.”