Wisconsin Education NewsJune 9, 2026A daily update of education news and events that are taking place around Wisconsin. 'I have lots of gratitude': Superintendent Vicki Bayer reflects on career in Green Bay GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay School District will hold a retirement ceremony Tuesday for its leader, Vicki Bayer. Bayer has served as superintendent or interim superintendent since Feb. 2024. She officially retires at the end of the month. “Our goal is to make this place a better place for our kids,” Vicki Bayer said. The retiring Green Bay superintendent said she hopes to leave a legacy of cooperation despite varying viewpoints. After 13 years in the school district, Bayer will hand off the role of district leader to Michael Hernandez. She said she feels hopeful and confident about the state of the district. District adding open enrollment seats for ‘26-27 The Oregon School District Board of Education voted at its Monday, June 8 meeting to open additional open enrollment spots based on current enrollments and available space in classes. The board had decided the number of spaces for the acceptance of open enrollment students in January, however the board can now accept additional applications even though multiple applications were denied in January. The board could accept applications for students who do not need special educational programming that are on the waitlist if the board were to approve of allocating the additional space that is being recommended. New Richmond School District expands Summer Food Service Program New Richmond School District has expanded its Summer Food Service Program for 2026 with a new free curbside pickup meal option called "The Meal Hub," an employee for the district said in a statement to the Star-Observer. With the program, the district looks to ensure that every child has access to nutritious meals throughout the summer months, regardless of where they live or their family's circumstances. Kaukauna breaks ground on new $169.2 million middle school KAUKAUNA (NBC26) — The Kaukauna Area School District broke ground Monday on a new middle school, a $169.2 million project approved by voters in a 2024 facilities referendum. The new "Kaukauna Middle School" — a name selected at a Jan. 12 board of education meeting — will serve more than 1,200 students in grades 5 through 8. Fond du Lac superintendent recommends closing Roberts Elementary, moving STEM Academy FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WBAY) - The Fond du Lac superintendent announced a recommendation to close Roberts Elementary School and consolidate STEM Academy, moving it into a shared facility with Woodworth Middle School. Board members say the STEM Academy is at capacity, and moving it could allow for more growth opportunities. The proposal comes after a careful review of enrollment trends following the failure of a $30 million referendum in April, the second in two years. Arrowhead grad’s Bible verse denied; superintendent cites neutrality rule HARTLAND, Wis. — An Arrowhead High School graduate says she was blocked from including a Bible verse in a graduation slideshow honoring members of the Class of 2026 — a decision the district says follows a three-year practice of keeping school-sponsored presentations free from religious or political messages. Raymond School District switching health insurance carriers, consolidating benefits to save $60,000 The Raymond School District Board of Education June 1 approved switching health insurance carriers and consolidating employee benefits into two providers. The restructuring, Business Manager Jeff Genovese said, is expected to save the district roughly $60,000. “We’re saving a little bit on some of those benefits, too,” Genovese said. How Stevens Point school district addresses over $47K in meal debt STEVENS POINT − While a slew of end-of-the-school-year events and milestones − from exams and proms to sports tournaments and music performances − occupy the time and attention of most students and their families this time of year, some families also are facing a question of how to pay student meal debt. A regular Survey of Consumer Expectations conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York recently found meaningful increases in a variety of measures that may indicate increasing food and economic insecurity. How a Pulaski High youth advisor builds trust one haircut at a time Sitting in a classroom at Pulaski High School, LaDarreon Harvey chatted with his youth advisor, who was trimming his hair. During the haircut on Thursday, June 4, they talked about nearly everything that’s typically on a high school junior’s mind: college applications, whether he should shoot for a track and field scholarship and whether he should go to prom or a music festival with his friends. Harvey transferred to Pulaski from a small private school halfway through high school. His mentor, David Harris, a Violence Free Zone youth advisor at Pulaski, helped him with the transition by offering guidance on sports, mental health, socializing with his peers, and now, keeping his hair healthy with free haircuts. MPS unveils electric school bus fleet, aiming to cut costs and improve air quality MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Public Schools has begun rolling out a fleet of electric school buses that district leaders say will save money, reduce emissions and improve air quality for thousands of students. Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius announced Monday that MPS plans to deploy 150 electric buses in phases over the coming years. The first 50 buses have already arrived and are expected to begin transporting students when classes resume this fall. The district estimates the initial fleet will serve approximately 6,000 students. Jerry Awards celebrate Wisconsin high school theatre excellence MADISON, Wis. — More than 100 Wisconsin high schools showcased their theatrical talents at the annual Jerry Awards held at the Overture Center Sunday, marking the culmination of a year of work and celebrating excellence in high school theatre. Students from schools spanning from Eagle River to Monroe were honored with prestigious awards including Best Musical and Outstanding Performer. Milwaukee education leaders frustrated with DPI over funding for reading initiative Members of the Milwaukee Reading Coalition say the Department of Public Instruction promised to help fund an initiative to train teachers in early literacy, but has reneged and the project is now in jeopardy. Fewer than 10 percent of children in kindergarten through third grade attending both private and public schools in Milwaukee are meeting reading targets. In May 2025, Milwaukee Public Schools, charter schools, private schools, philanthropic and business groups came together to create the Reading Coalition.
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