Wisconsin Education News

November 30, 2023

The Wisconsin Education News is a daily update of education news and events that are taking place around Wisconsin.


Wisconsin teacher pay has lagged inflation for 15 years, report says

Average Wisconsin teacher salaries have failed to keep pace with inflation over the past 15 years, according to a new report.

Hartford Union High sees jump in state rating

HARTFORD — Hartford Union High School scored solid marks in state ratings this year, as the state report cards recently issued for the 2022-23 school year placed HUHS at "meets expectations."

Boundary Changes The Next Challenge For Green Bay Schools

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Next month, a new community committee will start its work in changing Green Bay school boundary lines for the first time in 23 years.

DPI report cards show progress with school districts

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction released its school and school district report cards for the 2022-23 school year on Nov. 14. Both Chequamegon and Phillips school districts are reporting overall progress. Prentice and Butternut school districts will be reported on next week.

Kenosha school closures; protests as district explores cuts

KENOSHA, Wis. - A protest started outside of Reuther Central High School on Wednesday, Nov. 29, as the Kenosha Unified School District put forward its recommendations for school closures and consolidations.

La Follette High School hosts first-ever school meal roundtable

MADISON, Wis. — Local, state and national leaders met with farm and school grant recipients at La Follette High School on Wednesday to discuss the present and future of school meal programs during the first-ever school meal roundtable.

Cadott School Board - Changes to policies reflect what district expects

No policy ever stays the same and the Cadott School Board is updating theirs to reflect that. The board went over the policies Nov. 13, in a first reading.

Vaccine exemption rates rising among Wisconsin students

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) - Vaccine exemptions are on the rise for students across the country and in the badger state.

Beloit School District may seek up to $12.8 million in April operating referendum

BELOIT – Beloit School District Superintendent Willie Garrison gave voters a glimpse Wednesday into a possible operational referendum question on the April 2, 2024 ballot.

School Board gives update on restructuring plan

WAUSAU, Wis. -- (WAOW) After it was made official that Wausau East and West would remain separate schools, the School Board's focus turned to the city's 13 elementary schools, and how they cold best help the district's elementary-aged students.

Board reflects on State Report Card results

The Verona Area School District (VASD) Board of Education reviewed VASD’s 2022-23 Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction report card outcomes during their Nov. 20 meeting. 

Public Input Continues For Crivitz Elementary School

The second of two focus group meetings designed to provide Crivitz School Board with public input prior to proceeding with plans for improving or replacing the current Elementary building was held on Thursday, Nov. 16 in the school cafeteria with over 25 district residents in addition to school staff and presenters.

Muskego-Norway hires Muskego High School principal Todd Irvine to be its next superintendent

The Muskego-Norway School District has selected its next superintendent, and it's someone who has already been working in the district over the past nine years.

New Appleton Charter School to Focus on Cultural Heritage of African Descendants

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A new charter school will be coming to Appleton for the 2024-2025 school year. It’s the result of a partnership between the district and a local organization, African Heritage Inc.

More students, pinched for room

Two remarkable things are happening at Fremont Elementary School: the new STEM Academy within the school is growing – up to 23 students now – and class sizes of elementary school students are increasing.

New Auburn High School students rank nationally at FFA convention

Members of New Auburn High School’s Future Farmer’s of America (FFA) chapter appeared before the school board during its Monday, Nov. 7 meeting to be congratulated for qualifying at the FFA National Agriscience Fair in Indianapolis in November.

La Crosse residents attend virtual public hearing, criticize recommendation to close North Woods, Hintgen schools

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- La Crosse school district residents took to a virtual public hearing Monday night to voice concerns over a recommendation to close two elementary schools.

McFarland School Board discusses referendum timeline, enrollment trends

McFarland School District Director of Business Services Jeff Mahoney updated the school board on the timeline to file a referendum resolution for the April 2, 2024 election at the Nov. 20 meeting.

School of Education works with area district to break down language barriers

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville School of Education is partnering with the Darlington (Wisconsin) Community School District to help break down language barriers. The collaboration aims to give English as a Second Language students in the district access to higher education resources and opportunities through the university.

We asked Wisconsin teachers to send in student artwork. See the result: over 400 pieces

This fall, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel endeavored to complete a seemingly simple project: to showcase artwork from elementary and middle school students across Wisconsin. To that end, we asked art teachers to submit examples of their students' art. The response was overwhelming.

Hustisford district administrator recognized by U.S. National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan

HUSTISFORD — Heather Cramer was recently named the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan 2023 Ambassador of Excellence.

Therapy dogs support children at Osseo-Fairchild Elementary School

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) - For the last three years, there’s been a furry friend inside the Osseo-Fairchild Elementary School. Now, for the first time, this school year there are two. With long noses and wagging tails, Clark and Milo are the therapy dogs at the elementary school.

Peshtigo Students Volunteer And Tour Local Businesses To Learn Work Skills

Peshtigo High School teacher Scot Skarda teaches high schoolers work skills to transition from high school to the work world.

DNR Offers Free Tree Seedlings To Wisconsin Fourth Graders Ahead Of Arbor Day 2024

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering free tree seedlings to every fourth-grade student in Wisconsin as part of the department’s annual Arbor Day tree planting program.

Free COVID tests headed to nation's schools

Schools across the U.S. will soon be able to order free rapid COVID-19 tests from the federal government.

Republican bill would require Wisconsin libraries to tell parents what their children are checking out

School and library staff would have to tell parents what materials their children younger than 16 check out from school and public libraries under two Republican bills that received a public hearing Tuesday.