Wisconsin Education News

August 12, 2026

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


Wisconsin Portrait of a Graduate Released in October 2026

The Wisconsin Portrait of a Graduate will define the durable skills that will support students after high school—no matter the path they choose. As this work nears completion, DPI sees a significant connection between the skills described in the Portrait and those already reflected in the
Wisconsin Career Readiness StandardsIn an effort to align and simplify resources for school districts and avoid a long delay of revisions to the Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards, DPI is considering revising the Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards to align to the Wisconsin Portrait of a Graduate.  DPI is asking school districts to weigh in on this process. Should the Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards remain as they are? Should they be updated to better align with the Wisconsin Portrait of a Graduate?  Your feedback will help shape the future of these statewide resources and ensure they best support Wisconsin schools and students. Survey link (open until August 30, 2026)

Elementary Research Study Opportunity

The College of Social Work at the University of South Carolina, is conducting a study on how elementary school principals make decisions about adopting mindfulness programs in their schools. Elementary principals across the United States who have adopted, or attempted to adopt, a school-wide mindfulness program within the past five years are asked to participate in a one-hour virtual interview. Participants will receive a $50 gift card as compensation. 

Black River Falls Students See Great Success on AP Exams

Behind the Black River Falls School District’s record-breaking AP season are individual stories of focus and determination.

MPS Expands Literacy Training for Teachers Ahead of New School Year

More than 1,000 Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) teachers and support staff will take part in expanded literacy professional development ahead of the new school year, as MPS moves to accelerate reading proficiency for students across all grade levels. MPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius has made reading proficiency a top priority for the district since being appointed last year.

Southern Door schools considering November referendum after April referendum failed

The Southern Door County School District Board of Education announced Thursday it is considering adding an operational referendum question on the November ballot. It’s not clear when the board will decide whether to go forward with adding the question or not.

Ladysmith School District to place operational referendum on November ballot

The School District of Ladysmith’s Board of Education has approved an operational referendum for the November 3 ballot.

More MPS Students Are Graduating, Going to College

We are only weeks away from first-year  college students attending their first classes, including many Milwaukee Public Schools graduates. That number is increasing, in part, because the percentage of MPS seniors graduating high school is also increasing.

How Geothermal HVAC Cuts School Energy Costs and Improves Comfort

When facility managers consider geothermal heating and cooling, two questions usually come to mind: Does it really work? And is it practical for my campus? 

Wausau school class sizes hit six-year high as district weighs another referendum

Wausau elementary class sizes are the largest they’ve been in six years — and the school district says shrinking them would cost $1.1 million it doesn’t have.

'There's still plenty of work to be done'; ECASD addresses $10.5M deficit as new school year begins

On September 1 the first bell will ring in the new school year for the Eau Claire Area School District. It comes as the district is still navigating the anticipated $10.5 million budget deficit and some more cuts could be on the way.

Tank, Elmore elementary schools no longer considered for residential development

Tank and Elmore Elementary Schools are no longer being considered for residential development after lack of interest in the properties. The deal between the City of Green Bay and the Green Bay Area Public School District, has expired.

Gegan Elementary students to split between two schools for 2026-27 school year after storms

The Menasha Joint School District announced that Gegan Elementary students and staff will temporarily learn in two elementary school communities during the 2026-27 school year following recent storms.

Democrats For Governor Split Over Future Of Wisconsin School Vouchers, Funding

Amy Starzecki, administrator of the Superior school district in northern Wisconsin, detailed the financial difficulties her district has faced in recent years to a roomful of public education advocates gathered in the auditorium of Superior High School at the end of July.

School Board accepts Drost resignation 'with regret'

Among eight resignations and 17 employment recommendations approved by the Rice Lake Board of Education at its Aug. 9 meeting was that of District Administrator Randy Drost, who submitted his "formal notice of retirement" after 31 years of service.

Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau School’s $44.8 million referendum fails by 13 votes

A $44.8 million capital referendum for the School District of Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau just failed Tuesday.

Janesville School Board adds $18.5M referendum to ballot

The School District of Janesville Board of Education added an $18.5 million referendum to November's ballot.

New rules bar Wausau school staff from texting students on personal phones

Coaches, advisers and teachers in the Wausau School District can no longer text a student from a personal phone, under policies the school board adopted Monday to comply with a new state law.

Lodi School District taking referendum pitch on the road

After months and months of discussion, analysis, and strategizing, the Lodi School District is taking the referendum conversation on the road.

School Board's Executive Committee approves administrator search proposal

The Rice Lake Area School District Executive Committee Board of Education members held a 15-minute meeting prior to Monday evening's regular school board meeting to review a proposal from the Wisconsin Association of School Boards for it to lead a search for a new district administrator.

Back-to-school anxiety is surging among kids and teens — here's what parents can do about it

Children and teens face high stress levels as the school year approaches, but experts say parents can help by starting simple conversations.

Solvent-soaked rags cause fire at Milwaukee elementary school

Rags soaked in cleaning or waxing products spontaneously combusted, accidentally causing the that heavily damaged Lincoln Avenue Elementary School on June 30, Fire Chief said.