Wisconsin Education NewsNovember 18, 2025A daily update of education news and events that are taking place around Wisconsin. Register Today for Upcoming AWSA Conferences & Webinars
GSD ‘exceeds expectations’ again on DPI report card GERMANTOWN — The Germantown School District received four stars out of five on its 2024-2025 school year Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction report card, which showed the district "Exceeds Expectations" once again. For the 2024-2025 DPI report card, the GSD received an overall score of 81.6 on a 100-point scale, up from 75.9 in 2023-2024 — which fell into the "Exceeds Expectations" range, as well. Additionally, the GSD had four schools receive a five-star rating, or "Significantly Exceeds Expectations," which included all four of the district’s elementary schools. 200 Madison teachers haven’t finished state mandated reading training A majority of the Madison school district’s teachers are now trained in reading instruction under a 2023 state law that overhauled Wisconsin’s approach to literacy education. But 179 of the district’s teachers have yet to complete the training and another 25 have yet to start, according to district officials. Eau Claire elementary schools eyed for closure or consolidation 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. It’s a familiar problem in the face of declining enrollment that’s already led to elementary school closures around Wisconsin in recent years. CAMBRIDGE – The School District of Cambridge held its first community “coffee break” under Superintendent Heather Cramer on the morning of Nov. 13, and one of the main items she discussed was the recent Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction report cards released two days earlier. Cramer, along with School Board Vice President Jim Womble and Board member Jesus Rivera, attended the informal gathering at the Cambridge Market Cafe on West Main Street. They were joined by three community members. The Cambridge School District got an overall score of 76.5, equating to “exceeds expectations.” Altoona community referendum survey results released ALTOONA, Wis. (WEAU) - Altoona’s school board and community members heard the results of a community referendum survey at Monday night’s meeting. The school district of Altoona released a survey in October to gauge community opinion on a possible referendum to deal with quickly increasing district enrollment. OASD projects a $6 million budget deficit for 2026-27 school year OSHKOSH, Wis. (WBAY) - The Oshkosh Area School District is projecting a roughly $6 million budget deficit for the next school year. They are one of several local districts sharing concerns about funding. Oshkosh administrators are now evaluating the best way to address this projected shortfall, without impacting student’s education. Several districts in our area face a similar challenge to Oshkosh during this school year. Catalytic converters taken from 26 school buses serving Oak Creek, Franklin students Catalytic converters were stolen from 26 school buses over the weekend, a GO Riteway driver discovered Nov. 15, forcing the bus company to find substitute buses to serve students in Franklin Public Schools and the Oak-Creek-Franklin Joint School District this week. The bus driver, who was reporting for a weekend assignment, noticed something wrong with their vehicle and notified management, according to a GO Riteway representative. The damages were initially estimated to be over $100,000, according to the company. David L. Johnston, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Coon Valley, WI on Wednesday, Nov. 12th. Born on October 2nd, 1942, in River Falls, Wisconsin, to Lloyd Johnston & Edith Bruegger, David and his 3 siblings, Bill, Roxanne, and Jeff, grew up around the clear waters of the Kinnickinnic River. David joined the Army National Guard in 1959 before graduating from River Falls High School in 1960 and marrying his high school sweetheart Sandra. The two moved to Washington state where David was stationed at Fort Lewis for one year. In 1962, with two children now in tow, the couple moved back to River Falls, Wisconsin and David made the decision to pursue his passion in education and pave the way for his family’s future. Eau Claire elementary school consolidation plans not moving forward EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) - A letter to parents was sent out with an update to the preliminary recommendations that were presented on September 15. In the letter, Eau Claire Area School District Superintendent Mike Johnson said that two options presented, to absorb Longfellow Elementary and repurpose Flynn Elementary, or absorb and/or repurpose Flynn and Roosevelt Elementary, will not be moving forward for consideration to the Board of Education. Novak and Marklein introduced the Butter in Our Schools Act SOUTHWEST, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – Representative Todd Novak and Senator Howard Marklein introduced the Butter in Our Schools Act to prohibit schools from serving margarine instead of butter. Sen. Marklein was on today’s (Monday) WRCO Morning Show with Phil Nee. Racine Unified sees achievement scores go up in 2024-25 state report card RACINE, WI — The Racine Unified School District‘s (RUSD) overall scores improved last year, but the district is still considered “meets few expectations,” with an overall score of 57.4 for the 2024-2025 school year, up from 56.4 during the 2023-2024 school year. VASD partners with Song for Charlie to address today’s changing drug landscape The Verona Area School District (VASD) is collaborating with Song for Charlie, a leading national nonprofit organization, to educate and support area families and community members to help them stay safe in a rapidly changing world. A family safety event, entitled “Navigating Today’s Changing Drug Landscape,” will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at the Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center. Colby School District Receives Grant from New York Life The Colby School District is incredibly grateful to share that they've been awarded a $1,500 grant from New York Life. Outstanding Educator Award nominations underway for Wisconsin public school staff WEA Member Benefits is accepting nominations for the 2025-26 Outstanding Educator Award, which recognizes Wisconsin public school employees who demonstrate exceptional service to students and their communities. The program, established in 2021, honors public school educators and support staff who go above and beyond in their roles. Nominations are accepted on an ongoing basis, with 10 individuals recognized each season. A “season” begins in the fall and runs through early winter of the following year. La Crosse School superintendent, Dr. Aaron Engel, joins to discuss state report cards, the district’s needs in terms of hiring, and American Education Week programs. Engel is also on the library board and discussed the decision last week to close the north branch. MADISON, WI — The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has recognized Elizabeth Streubel as its 2026 Wisconsin Elementary Associate Principal of the Year. Streubel serves as assistant principal of Wilson Elementary in the Mequon-Thiensville School District. She is known for her compassionate leadership, student-centered decision-making, and dedication to fostering a safe, inclusive, and joyful school community. Community support boosts Rhinelander High School travel fundraisers The Rhinelander High School World Languages Department is expressing gratitude to the local community for its support of upcoming international student travel opportunities, according to a department press release. Fewer than half of Appleton-area voucher schools received a score on report cards More Appleton-area voucher program schools received an accountability rating and score on their report cards for the 2024-25 school year than they did for 2023-24. However, that number – nine schools in all – is still fewer than half of the 25 schools that accept vouchers in the Fox Cities. These schools participate in the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program, which gives the schools a state aid payment for each eligible student who enrolls. The program also provides vouchers to low-income families who want to send their students to private schools. STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The Wisconsin Historical Society, in partnership with National History Day® (NHD), is proud to announce new professional development opportunities for Wisconsin educators in northern and central counties as part of a nearly $2 million American History and Civics Seminars Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Wisconsin is one of eight states across the nation supported by this grant to host teacher-focused professional development. The grant will support educators in Adams, Clark, Green Lake, Juneau, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Marquette, Oneida, Portage, Price, Shawano, Taylor, Vilas, Waupaca, Waushara and Wood County. Wisconsin Assembly to vote on bill requiring child sexual abuse prevention training in schools MADISON (WKOW) -- On Wednesday, the Wisconsin State Assembly will vote on a bill that would require schools in the Badger state to implement child sexual abuse prevention training. Leading advocate, Erin Merryn, is spearheading the bill and is a survivor of sexual assault and abuse. She has been trying for more than 10 years to get "Erin's Law" written into Wisconsin statute. Assembly bill 156 would require schools to have at least one session per year educating them about body safety for grades 4K-12th. Wausau Christmas tree farm gives D.C. Everest students in-depth look at growing season’s finest WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) Newby’s Evergreen Farm hosted D.C. Everest fourth-grade students for the annual Alice in Dairyland tree-cutting event on Monday, giving them an inside look at Wisconsin’s Christmas tree industry.
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