Wisconsin Education NewsNovember 21, 2025A daily update of education news and events that are taking place around Wisconsin. Wisconsin school districts awaiting federal Impact Aid payments MADISON, Wis. — More than a dozen Wisconsin school districts eligible to receive Impact Aid from the federal government are still waiting for payments this school year. The Impact Aid program reimburses school districts that have nontaxable federal land in their service areas. That includes military bases, tribal lands and federal properties, such as national parks. According to the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools, 20 school districts in Wisconsin received Impact Aid payments in the 2025 fiscal year. New Richmond School District reviews state report card The New Richmond School District scored 72.6 on the state report card, exceeding expectations for the 2024-2025 school year. The overall goal of Wisconsin’s accountability system is to help identify areas of strength to build upon and deepen, as well as to pinpoint areas needing improvement so that all students graduate from high school ready for their next step. The four score areas include achievement, target group outcomes, growth and on-track to graduation. Assembly passes Republican bills for school district mergers, child safety and more A collection of six Republican-led bills incentivizing Wisconsin public school districts to consolidate passed the state Assembly on Nov. 19, along with about a dozen proposed changes that would affect schools statewide. The bills now head to the state Senate, where they may be referred to a committee for further hearings or scheduled for consideration in a floor session. If passed, they need Gov. Tony Evers' approval to become law. MCPASD students gain hands-on experience through ProStart MIDDLETON-CROSS PLAINS, Wis. (WKOW) – Leaders in the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District showcased programs designed to prepare students for the workforce on Thursday. The ProStart program helps high schoolers get ready for careers in the hospitality and food industries. The Siren School Board held its latest meeting on Monday, Nov. 17, accepting financial donations from the Knights of Columbus and addressing key operational updates. Topics included facility maintenance and upcoming changes to school policy regarding cell phone use. MPS plans to boot Carmen Northwest charter school in 2027 Extending a one-year lifeline to Carmen Northwest Middle and High School, Milwaukee School Board members voted Nov. 20 to wait until the end of the next school year to boot the charter school from Milwaukee Public Schools' portfolio and building. It means the independently operated charter school, which Milwaukee School Board members said was underperforming, could survive by finding another authorizer and another building before the fall of 2027. Hundreds of students compete at Oshkosh LEGO robotics event Nov. 23 OSHKOSH – Wave Robotics is set to host the Oshkosh FIRST LEGO League Regional Tournament on Sunday, Nov. 23, at Oshkosh North High School. The event, sponsored by Oshkosh Corporation, will bring together hundreds of elementary and middle school students to showcase their achievements in science, technology, engineering and teamwork, according to a community announcement. School board previews 2026-27 budget The Verona Area School District (VASD) Board of Education received an in-depth preview of the 2026-27 budget on Monday, Nov. 17, including enrollment projections, key fiscal assumptions and an updated five-year financial forecast. Deputy Superintendent Chad Wiese emphasized that without operational adjustments or additional revenue authority from the state, VASD is projected to face a budget shortfall for the upcoming school year. Eau Claire School District Continues Discussion on District's Footprint (Rich Kremer, Wisconsin Public Radio) The Eau Claire school district is considering repurposing its early childhood learning center and had previously proposed closing or repurposing some elementary schools because district officials say they’ve got too much space and not enough students. According to Rich Kremer with Wisconsin Public Radio, it’s a familiar problem in the face of declining enrollment that’s already led to elementary school closures around Wisconsin in recent years. In several meetings this year, concerned parents and community members from Eau Claire pleaded with the Eau Claire Area School District Board of Education to rethink plans to shrink the district’s footprint. Holy Hill district ‘Significantly Exceeds Expectations’ in DPI report card RICHFIELD — The Holy Hill Area School District received a five-star rating on its 2024-2025 school year Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction report card, which placed the district into the “Significantly Exceeds Expectations” range for the school year. For the 2024-2025 DPI report card, the HHASD received an overall score of 89.6 on a 100-point scale, up from 87.1 in 2023-2024. The two schools within the district, Friess Lake Elementary School and Richfield Middle School, also receive a five-star score. The DPI report cards were released on Nov. 11. Wilson Elementary assistant principal receives special honor MADISON —The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has recognized Wilson Elementary School Assistant Principal Elizabeth Streubel as its 2026 Wisconsin Elementary Associate Principal of the Year, which recognizes assistant and associate principals whose leadership has resulted in improved student learning, instructional collaboration, and a safe and positive school environment. AWSA said that Streubel, who has served as assistant principal in the Mequon-Thiensville School District for the past three years, is known for her compassionate leadership, student-centered decision-making and dedication to fostering a safe, inclusive and joyful school community. The association also commented on her leading initiatives that strengthened student wellbeing, improved attendance, as well as enhanced staff morale. Grafton High School’s Fullington earns Legislative citation for work with auto tech classes GRAFTON — State Reps. Paul Melotik, R-Grafton, and Dan Knodl, R-Germantown, visited Grafton High School last Friday to present Nic Fullington with a legislative citation in recognition of his recent honor as a 2025 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence winner. Fullington, the school's automotive technology teacher, received $15,000 for himself and $35,000 for his program. He is one of only 25 public high school skilled trades teachers nationwide to earn this prestigious award. Milwaukee Public Schools opposes private school's plan for sports complex in public park MILWAUKEE — A proposal by Pius XI Catholic High School to lease Dyer Playfield in Milwaukee's Honeycreek Parkway neighborhood for a sports complex has raised concerns among Milwaukee Public Schools board members and local residents. The park, located near 80th and Fairview, is owned by the city of Milwaukee and maintained by Milwaukee Public Schools through their Milwaukee Rec program. Franklin school district, city head to court over $145M high school project FRANKLIN, Wis. - Franklin Public Schools is suing the city’s Common Council and Plan Commission, escalating a yearlong fight over conditions tied to a $145 million referendum to expand Franklin High School. MMSD relocates trees to preserve natural assets at 10 schools MADISON (WKOW) -- The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has relocated several trees as part of renovation plans for 10 schools. The effort helps preserve valued natural assets at Sherman Middle/Malcolm Shabazz City High and Samuel Gompers Elementary/Black Hawk Middle schools. Boys and Girls Club opens new facility at Onalaska Middle School ONALASKA, Wis. (WKBT) -- The Boys and Girls Club celebrated the opening of its newest location Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Onalaska Middle School. The new Lyche Club fills a gap in the Greater La Crosse Boys and Girls Club's coverage area, bringing programming directly into the middle school building. The facility offers academic support, mental health resources and recreational activities for up to 250 students from kindergarten through high school. Carmen Northwest under renewal review by MPS MILWAUKEE — Aaron Lippman, the CEO of Carmen Schools of Science and Technology, said he is worried about the future of Carmen Northwest. It’s a charter school in Milwaukee serving just over 550 middle and high school students. ECASD no longer considering consolidation of some elementary schools EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) - When the Eau Claire Area School District announced it was considering consolidating some of its elementary schools, parents came out in force, sharing concerns about the proposal. Now, the district said it will no longer look at consolidating some of those schools, but challenges remain. “When we knew that that was not the route we were going to take, we wanted to inform families in the community as soon as possible,” Mike Johnson, the Superintendent of the Eau Claire Area School District, said. Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls Encouraged by DPI Report Cards Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls school district officials say they were pleased with their scores on the recently released DPI report cards. Local residents retain legal help 'to investigate the recent actions of the Hudson School Board' "Save Our Schools - Hudson," a group of parents and other community members, announced in a school board meeting Nov. 10 that it has retained the legal services of North Star Law Group. Nikki Murray, a legal administrator for the Minnesota firm, said in a statement that North Star was brought on "to investigate the recent actions of the Hudson School Board." Watertown Board of Education OKs CPI adjustments WATERTOWN — The Watertown Unified School District Board of Education on Monday unanimously approved a Consumer Price Index adjustment to base wages to the following non-represented employees for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, and adjusted the pay schedule accordingly: clerical staff, computer technicians, custodians and cleaners, executive assistants, food and nutrition services staff, instructional paraprofessionals, maintenance, nutrition service production managers, special education paraprofessionals, supervisors and truancy abatement officer. Marinette School District receives report card MARINETTE — The Marinette School District received its report card on Nov. 11. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), sent out the state-mandated accountability reports to all public schools and school districts to measure performance and growth across several areas. Racine Unified board approves $1.86M Roosevelt Elementary demo project RACINE, WI — The Racine Unified School District Board of Education on Monday unanimously approved the demolition of Roosevelt Elementary School, 915 Romayne Ave. The $1.86 million demolition project is scheduled to start in late winter and wrap up by early spring 2026. Waunakee scores highest among Dane County schools on state report card score The Waunakee School District is back to “significantly exceeding expectations” on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s state report card. Its composite score of 84.6 is the highest in Dane County for 2024-25. As the district strives to reach its goal of having all its buildings achieving “significantly exceeding expectations” status by 2029, set by the school board earlier this year, school officials feel they are ahead of schedule. Board talks district report cards Stoughton Area School District superintendent Dan Keyser reported the data from the district wide report cards and how to factor this data into this school year’s academic goals at the Monday, Nov. 17 board of education meeting. The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) releases district-wide report cards every November, and school districts can see how their district is growing and how they compare to other districts in Wisconsin. Raymond School Board could consider ending open enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year RAYMOND, WI — Based on questions and comments at the Nov. 17, board meeting the Raymond School Board is considering the end of open enrollment for the 2026–27 school year. That possibility was raised during during a review of early projections showing just 18 students expected in next year’s kindergarten class, as depicted on a slide in the board packet. Wisconsin educators strive to support most vulnerable students Wednesday is Education Support Professionals Day, and as American Education Week continues, Wisconsin educators are emphasizing how crucial the workers are to schools, and the challenges they face when trying to help some of the most vulnerable students. Jamie Komorowski, a special education paraprofessional at Green Bay Preble High School, currently works one-on-one with high school students with disabilities. In Wisconsin, the works known as ESPs make up about a third of all public school staff. But Komorowski argued it is not enough. She emphasized understaffing often forces her to reprioritize urgent matters on a daily basis. Trump administration announces steps to dismantle Department of Education (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is taking steps to dismantle the Department of Education, the White House said on Tuesday, part of Trump’s bid to shrink the federal government’s role in schooling in favor of more control by the states. As part of its dismantling, the department announced new partnerships with the Departments of Labor, Interior, Health and Human Services to share some of the functions it currently performs. Proposed bill incentivizes school districts with declining enrollment to consolidate WISCONSIN (WJFW) — Over the past decade, student enrollment has been steadily dropping in Wisconsin public schools, especially in rural areas, which often means less funding. Wisconsin lawmakers are looking at ways to increase aid through a consolidation plan. Over the next 25 years, Wisconsin’s population is expected to drop by 200,000 and schools are already feeling the impact. MADISON — State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Education announcing its next steps in its “plan” to dismantle critical functions of the federal department. Special education reimbursement in Wisconsin drops below rate promised in state budget Wisconsin public school districts will receive a lower reimbursement rate for special education costs this year than anticipated, according to the state Department of Public Instruction. In an email sent to school officials Nov. 17, the DPI said the state will initially reimburse school districts for 35% of their spending on special education last school year — down from the rate lawmakers pledged in the current state budget. An Oconomowoc mother plans to sue the Two Rivers Public School District over its charter school’s refusal to provide curriculum material created by a Christian publisher. Karen Sharkey says she chose the Lighthouse Learning Academy because it provided more flexibility than a traditional school. The online charter school has been in existence since 2015 and is operated by the Two Rivers Public School District. 'Dear Evan Hansen' debuts as a high school musical in a Wisconsin community facing its own loss When Evan Hryniewicki steps into and out of the role of Evan Hansen, the eponymous character in the musical "Dear Evan Hansen," he has the support of his cast and a mental health specialist. Still, the intensity of that transition has driven him to tears many times. Wauwatosa West is the the first high school in the country to perform the Tony Award-winning musical. It's all about who we present as in high school and who we are alone with ourselves. The subject matter is heavy: family dysfunction converges with mental illness and the suicide of a classmate. Sun Prairie School District wins school communications awards For its work in school communications, the Sun Prairie Area School District (SPASD) was recently honored by the Wisconsin School Public Relations Association (WSPRA) with Spectrum Awards of Excellence and Merit. WSPRA presented the Spectrum Awards at its annual conference held Nov. 12-14, as SPASD earned an Award of Excellence, as well as Best in Category, in the Special Purpose Project/Campaign category for its Like Nowhere Else campaign. It also earned an Award of Excellence in the Referendum Campaign category for its 2024 Operating Referendum campaign and an Award of Merit in the Calendar category for its 2024–2025 Printed Community Calendar. LEGO solutions: Robotics teams aim to tackle a real-world problem For the Roosevelt ROObots, containing and safely detonating the UXOs will be key for the team as it attempts to advance to the state-level competition of the First LEGO League Challenge. The squad of 10 fifth-grade Roosevelt Elementary students advanced to the sectional round by finishing among the top seven teams of last Saturday’s Whitewater Regional. The ROObots earned the Innovation Project award during the 21-team regional. The Mukwonago Sectional is scheduled for Dec. 13. Wausau’s NTC Alternative High School introduces art therapy program WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - NTC’s Alternative High School in Wausau is introducing a six-week art therapy course during school hours as a new way to support student mental health. The program was developed by Nicole Natzke, a school social worker with the Wausau School District, who began brainstorming ways to bring therapy services into the alternative high school last spring. Central High School students bake pies for community Thanksgiving dinner LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) – The smell of cinnamon and cloves is filling Central High School this week as students spend two days baking pumpkin pies for the La Crosse Community Thanksgiving Dinner. For over 25 years, students in the School District of La Crosse have helped prepare pies for the annual holiday meal at the La Crosse Center. Sheboygan North Career Expo Looks to Expand Students’ Post-Grad Opportunities The Sheboygan Area School District is looking to expand career opportunities for its students after graduation. The Sheboygan North Career Expo 2025 will take place tomorrow (November 20th) from 9:35 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. inside the North High Fieldhouse. The event will bring together over 1,500 SASD students and 50 employers and community partners to spark career-related interest through hands-on activities and demonstrations. Pay raise approved for some Watertown school staff WATERTOWN — The Watertown school board on Monday unanimously voted to boost wages for some school district staff, in line with rising inflation. In addition to a 2.7% raise in their base pay affected non-certified staff will advance one step on the pay schedule. RAYMOND, WI — The Raymond School Board’s Nov. 17 meeting included detailed updates from staff members and committees covering curriculum, facilities, and policies, including a discussion about the program gaps created after last year’s failed operational referendum. Coordinator of Teaching and Learning Dana Marty used her report to flag curriculum issues, including the district’s continued reliance on Rosetta Stone for foreign language instruction following the cut to in-person programming. Rhinelander theater students bring musical to Rennes residents RHINELANDER, (WJFW) — The School District of Rhinelander Drama Department visited residents of the Rennes Health and Rehab Center Tuesday to preform part of the popular musical, "Oliver!" A performance like this was different for the theater students of Rhinelander. Wisconsin continues honoring top schools after federal award’s abrupt end (WTAQ-WLUK) — Some school districts in Northeast Wisconsin are being recognized for exceptional academic performance. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s recognition of eight schools across the state comes after the U.S. Department of Education ended the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program earlier this year. These eight Wisconsin schools had already been nominated and completed the rigorous application process when the program was abruptly terminated. Marquette Co. school recognized for academic excellence MONTELLO, Wis. — A school in Marquette County has been recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for its exceptional academic performance and success in closing achievement gaps. According to the DPI, this recognition comes after the U.S. Department of Education ended the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which had been in place since 1982, earlier this year. Lodi and Poynette School Districts celebrate record marks on State Report Card While schools each have an array of achievement measures, goals and special circumstances, one day that stands out on the calendar is the release of the State Department of Instruction’s District Report Cards, which continues to offer good news for the Lodi and Poynette districts. At Poynette’s school board meeting on Monday, District Administrator Jerome Pritzl reported the results of the annual accountability and educational options report, publicly released the week before. Waunakee School District, local 4K providers face decision over state's 'Get Kids Ready' program Providers of 4-year-old kindergarten programming in Wisconsin and state school districts are facing a difficult choice. Included in the state 2025-27 biennial budget passed over the summer, Get Kids Ready requires those providers to either contract with the state or school districts for funding for the 2026-27 school year. They cannot do both. A decision for providers must be made by Feb. 1. The Waunakee School Board discussed the matter at its Nov. 10 meeting. There are nine providers the district partners with. The U.S. is seeing the highest number of reported measles cases since the desease was eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. The U.S. has seen six times more measles cases in 2025 compared to the prior year. In 2024, there were 285 measles cases nationwide reported in 31 states and Washington D.C. compared to 1,730 cases so far in 2025, which resulted in three confirmed deaths, according to the CDC. The last time measles cases spiked in the U.S. was in 2019, which saw 1,274 confirmed cases. ‘Every student matters': Verona High School launches fentanyl prevention effort VERONA, Wis. (WMTV) - Verona Area High School launched a two-day fentanyl awareness effort this week, bringing students and families together for education, prevention and access to community support. The district is partnering with Song for Charlie, a nonprofit created after 22-year-old Charlie Ternan died from a counterfeit pill containing fentanyl in 2020. The organization now works with schools across the country to teach teens how lethal fake prescription pills have become, and how quickly a single pill can be fatal. Wisconsin Assembly passes Republican school consolidation bills Republicans in the state Assembly approved more than a dozen education-related bills Wednesday, including a series of bills aimed at consolidating school districts. The move comes as Wisconsin’s population is due to decline and as public schools have lost more than 50,000 students in the last decade. Cracked courts and bumpy fields prompt Two Rivers High School fundraising campaign TWO RIVERS (NBC 26) — Two Rivers High School is launching a community fundraising campaign to upgrade its aging athletic facilities, address safety concerns, and provide students with modern sports venues. Cracked courts, bumpy fields, and a worn track at the high school aren't just cosmetic issues – they pose safety hazards to student athletes and limit the school's ability to host competitions. Despite operating as a private, not-for-profit organization that receives no tax dollars – the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) acknowledges the Senate’s decision to pass Senate Bill 16, which aims to subject our private membership organization to open records laws. Assembly Democrats and Republicans differ over school consolidation bills MADISON, Wis. — Republicans and Democrats in the State Assembly are at odds over a series of bills that would incentivize school consolidations.
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