Wisconsin Education News

August 26, 2026

A daily update of education news and events that are taking place around Wisconsin. 


Upcoming AWSA Webinars
How Principals are Using AI as a Force Multiplier- Sept. 11, 2026
Impactful Coaching Webinar Series- Begins Sept. 14, 2026
Maximize Your Own Professional Learning- Sept. 30, 2026

Rep. Shelia Stubbs Celebrates Naming of Ada Deer Elementary School
On August 24, 2026, the Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education announced that it approved three new names for district elementary schools, effective for the 2026-2027 school year. One of the elementary schools will be named in honor of prominent Menominee scholar, activist, and civil servant Ada Deer. 

Summer Academy reviewed by Rice Lake Area School District Board of Education
The Rice Lake Area School District Board of Education heard that a total of 1,203 students in grades 4K-8 participated in either one or both of the two sessions of the district's Summer Academy. Summer Academy Principal Natalie Springer shared a review of its programming at the School Board's meeting Monday, Aug. 24.

MMSD launches five-year strategic plan "MMSD: Excellence Together"
The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has launched MMSD: Excellence Together, a new five-year strategic plan that will serve as the district’s roadmap for advancing student achievement, strengthening belonging and expanding opportunities for students through 2031.  

AP exam achievements across Kenosha Unified
This year’s Advanced Placement (AP) exam results show incredible dedication, hard work and achievement across Kenosha Unified. 

Baraboo school district expresses concerns over proposed transmission line near elementary school
The School District of Baraboo has raised concerns that a proposed transmission line route could run near North Freedom Elementary School.

Holmen school district kicks off year with new funding, community focus
As the Holmen School District welcomes students back to classrooms, parents will find a streamlined approach to the new school year with expanded resources and a community-focused mission.

Gibraltar Schools ready to welcome students after major renovations
When the school year starts next week, Gibraltar students will get to eat in a new cafeteria and play in a new gym after a multi-million dollar overhaul earlier this year.

Whitewater community prepares to vote on continuing operating referendum for public school district
The Walworth County city known for its university will face an important financial question this year regarding its K-12 schools.

Sauk Prairie School District settlement to go towards renovations of fields deemed unsafe
The Sauk Prairie School District is set to get a more than $2 million payout, ending a multi-year lawsuit over faulty athletic field construction.

Gillett School District implements budget cuts after failed referendum
Gillett School District is facing budget cuts in the coming school year following a failed referendum in April.

Sun Prairie’s new superintendent discusses priorities, goals ahead of school year
The Sun Prairie School District welcomed staff members back on Tuesday as the district kicks off a new school year under new leadership.

$51 million '26-'27 tax levy approved at Waunakee school district's annual meeting
With a referendum looming this fall combining capital and operational elements, a $51 million 2026-27 tax levy was approved at Monday’s annual meeting of the Waunakee School District and its school board.

Onalaska begins new all-day 4K program
Tuesday was the first day of school for students in the Onalaska School District’s new all-day 4K program.

Jefferson report projects further enrollment decline without new housing; Board weighs new strategies
With a student enrollment projections report predicting continued lower enrollment trends, the School District of Jefferson Board of Education is now discussing new strategies.

District welcomes new security officer
At its Monday, Aug. 24 meeting, the Oregon School District Board of Education welcomed Jeff Wissink as the School Security Officer who will be starting this school year.

D.C. Everest outlines digital safety restrictions on school-issued devices
School districts all over the country are embracing the digital era by issuing students devices to help with their coursework.

‘We can’t just avoid AI’
With the school year rolling in, schools are figuring out how to approach AI in education. The superintendent of the Altoona School District, Heidi Eliopoulos, said the district is teaching students the right ways to use AI in academics.

Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health: Proven strategies to support students in the new school year
At this exciting time of year, back-to-school season, the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health (OCMH) is reminding the community how important youth mental health is to school success.

Education secretary says elimination of department is 'realistic,' but timeline for shifting services is unclear
In a one-on-one interview, Education Secretary Linda McMahon detailed the status of agreements to shift key services to other federal agencies as students return to the classroom.