Wisconsin Education News

December 15, 2025

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

New Law Requires Notice to Parents Upon Report of Sexual Misconduct By School Staff Members

On December 9, 2025, Governor Evers signed Assembly Bill 74, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 57 (Act 57). This Act became effective on December 11, 2025. The Act creates a new subsection under Wis. Stat. s. 118.07, which already sets forth certain health and safety requirements for schools. Under the new subsection (Wis. Stat. s. 118.07(6)), each school board, governing body of a private school, and operator of a charter school (collectively "school") must notify the parent or guardian of a pupil in certain instances when the school receives a report of sexual misconduct by a school staff member against a pupil. 

Stevens Point schools explain snow day decision criteria

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) - The Stevens Point Area School District doesn’t rely on specific snowfall amounts or wind chill temperatures when deciding whether to cancel classes. Instead, the district evaluates multiple factors on a case-by-case basis when considering potential closures during winter weather.

$5K donation clears schools meal debt for MGSD families

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - A generous donation has been made to the Monona Grove School District, allowing $5,000 to be cleared for outstanding meal debt. District officials noted that the gift will go toward supporting MGSD families who are experiencing financial hardship.

Sheboygan Area School District Launches New Mobile App for Families

The Sheboygan Area School District (SASD) now has a new way to keep families in the know on their children’s education. The SASD mobile app has just been launched, which will help strengthen the connection between school and home.

Sun Prairie hosting career exploration event for eighth graders

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. — A new career exploration event for all Sun Prairie eighth-grade students is taking place in February, allowing students to gain exposure to a variety of career paths. This event, slated for Feb. 18, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Angell Park Pavilion, is in collaboration with the City of Sun Prairie's Economic Development Department and the Sun Prairie Area School District.

DeForest school officials study report on students' progress in math

For three straight years, the math scores of juniors in the DeForest Area School District on the ACT exceeded the statewide average. “If you remember, we had the dip in 2022, when we fell below, but we’ve been consistently above since then,” said Chris Smith, curriculum director for grades 7-12, speaking at the Dec. 8 school board meeting.

New MHS Mouse House to be sponsored by Bank of NG

MONROE — The School District of Monroe is proud to announce a generous 10-year sponsorship agreement with The Bank of New Glarus, securing the naming rights for the Mouse House and Bank at the new Monroe High School. This partnership will provide critical support for creating a modern, student-centered school store and the convenience of an on-site banking service — enhancing both educational opportunities and real-world learning experiences for Monroe students. 

School districts brace for less special education funding

GREEN BAY (WLUK) — Wisconsin school districts are bracing for less help from the state with funding special education. In some districts, it means millions of dollars below what they were anticipating. Already needing to close a $3 million funding gap this year, the Green Bay Area Public School District is anticipating it will now be down an additional $2 million.

What's next after Manitowoc school board votes to close two schools?

MANITOWOC – Madison Elementary will be closed and put on the market after the 2025-26 school year and Jackson Elementary will be closed and decommissioned. "These steps are about strengthening our foundation so we can continue delivering the high-quality education our students deserve," Superintendent Lee Thennes said in a news release Dec. 9.

New Bill Requires Student's Parent or Guardian if They are a Victim or Target of Sexual Offense While at School

(Corrinne Hess, Wisconsin Public Radio) Wisconsin schools are now required to contact a student’s parent or guardian if they are a victim or target of a sexual offense while at school. According to Corrinne Hess with Wisconsin Public Radio, Gov. Tony Evers signed the new requirement into law this week. The Republican-authored measure also requires public, private and charter schools to give parents access to records regarding school employee discipline.

Dodgeland Schools to Pitch Downsized Referendum

(JUNEAU) Dodgeland School District voters will have another referendum to consider, one year after the last ballot question failed.  

Lodi State Report Cards best in Columbia, Dane counties

Well, I have never been a bragger, but there’s a first time for everything. The state report cards have come out and this is just a few of the accomplishments of the Lodi School District: -We were the highest scoring district in both Columbia and Dane counties, and scored the highest in CESA 5. Yes, Lodi got the best score in the area!

Community groups surprise Kagel Elementary students with holiday gifts

Students at Kagel Elementary School received a festive surprise Dec. 11 when Santa, Mrs. Claus and even the Grinch stopped by to deliver presents and spread holiday cheer. Santa and his squad of "elves" from the Milwaukee Fire Department visited each Kagel classroom, handing out books, toys, board games and winter gear. Community organizations in Milwaukee nominated the south side school for the surprise, said Julie Hightower, executive director of the Chicago-based nonprofit Daisie Foundation.

Zielanis Elementary Unveils New Wellness Closet

A Kiel elementary school is continuing a tradition of giving back. Kiel High School introduced the IAM Wellness Closet in 2018, and Zielanis Elementary has begun its own Wellness Closet.

Manitowoc district sets 2026-27 calendar with early release Wednesdays

MANITOWOC – A new daily schedule for the Manitowoc Public School District — resulting in longer school days but fewer number of school days and early release on Wednesdays — was approved by the Board of Education on Tuesday, Dec. 9. The new schedule will take effect for the 2026-27 school year.

Large senior class requires yearbook changes

SUPERIOR — The large senior class at Superior High School is affecting how the yearbook will be organized this year. The 353 seniors, about 50 more than last year, submitted their senior pictures and quotes to the yearbook team by Oct. 31. “ I only put 12 (students) on a page, so that was about almost five extra pages that I needed to take away from other things for the senior pictures,” yearbook advisor Christa Kalin said.

Milwaukee Public Schools Plans Audit to Look at how it Serves Students with Disabilities

Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius is gearing up for a district-wide special education audit. “As we move into our literacy plan and providing Tier 1 instruction to our students, it’s just really important for us to understand how we’re currently serving our students and how we’re programming for them to ensure that they get everything that they need,” Cassellius said. 

Former Cudahy YMCA could become community rec center run by school districts

Two south shore school districts are collaborating to potentially purchase the former YMCA building in Cudahy. The goal would be to create a shared community recreation center in the building at 3244 E. College Ave.

Wisconsin’s deadliest school shooting hasn't changed gun laws, yet

In the days and weeks after a shooting last December at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, local students, community members and leaders joined together and demanded action from lawmakers to address gun violence. One year later, legislators have floated several bills and ideas on how to prevent school shootings and other firearms tragedies, but little action has been taken, which has frustrated advocates who hoped the deadly incident close to home might finally spark change.

Hustisford School Board to Discuss Dissolution of District

(HUSTISFORD) Monday night, the Hustisford School Board will discuss the possibility of closing the district down in the next two years. 

From Processing To Beekeeping: $10K Awarded To Ag Literacy

Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Agriculture in the Classroom program has awarded $10,000 to educators and agriculture literacy programs. Grant dollars will support innovative core curricula initiatives that incorporate agricultural concepts while helping students meet academic standards and develop career-readiness skills.