Wisconsin Education NewsMarch 27, 2026A daily update of education news and events that are taking place around Wisconsin. MILWAUKEE — The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation proudly announces the 2026 Teacher Fellowship and Principal Leadership award recipients. These distinguished educators from traditional public, charter and private schools across the state are recognized for their exceptional leadership, dedication to students, and commitment to educational excellence. SDR board approves upgrades to tracks and tennis courts Approvals of some six-digit purchases to benefit students both physically and mentally were among the highlights of Monday’s meeting of School District of Rhinelander school board, held at Rhinelander High School’s Superior Diesel Advanced Learning Center. Both the outdoor track that circles the football field and the indoor track within the Hodag Dome have been in need of attention — the outdoor track after 11 years of use, and the indoor one after damage from the dome’s collapse a year ago. Those in the School District of Rhinelander know it’s something special, with its above-and-beyond efforts in preparing youth for life after high school. Others have been taking notice, too — most recently Julie Anixter, an author who lives part-time in Three Lakes. Last Monday, Anixter published the first half of a two-part feature on SDR and its community partners, highlighting the synergy that’s readying Rhinelander students to embark on the rest of their lives. “Eric Burke and the Rhinelander Referendum: Role Models for Our Future – How a Wisconsin Community Ensures Students Get a Bigger Piece of the PIE (Part I)” is online for the world to see at https://substack.com/home/post/p-191053108. Another La Crosse school, scheduled to close, considered for historic status A La Crosse public school that’s over 80 years old remains in the running to be declared a historic local landmark. On Thursday, the Heritage Preservation Commission voted 5-2 to advance the nomination of Emerson Elementary for landmark status. The proposal will be the subject of a public hearing in late April. MTEA raises temperature as MPS starts sending budget-saving elimination letters to employees MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The war of words is heating up as tough decisions are being made about the direction of the Milwaukee Public School district. More than 200 employees are getting letters saying their positions are being eliminated. It's part of the district's efforts to plug a $46 million budget deficit. But predictably, it's not sitting well with the teacher's union. 6 months after controversial truancy law passed, attendance at Appleton high schools is up APPLETON (WLUK) -- Attendance levels at Appleton's three high schools are at their best since before the COVID-19 pandemic. It comes about six months into a one-year trial period allowing the Appleton Area School District to issue truancy citations. Green Bay Area Public School District's next Superintendent speaks to Local 5 GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Just three weeks since being announced as the next superintendent of the Green Bay Area Public School District, Michael Hernandez stopped by Local 5 to chat with our Stacy Engebretson. Click here to read more about Michael Hernandez and his new role Hernandez discussed his vision for the future of the district and his experience in education, along with his excitement for the role. Incoming Chippewa Falls Superintendent tours school district CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (WEAU) - The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District is welcoming back a familiar face. Dr. Brad Saron was hired as the new superintendent in December of last year after Jeff Holmes announced he will retire at the end of this school year. Over the past two days, Saron has been touring the district buildings and meeting with the school board. School district makes changes to benefits plan The Shawano School Board received an update on the benefits package the school district offers employees March 23, which is expected to cost more in some places and provide savings elsewhere. Medical plans are expected to increase 6% next year, about $186,000 more for the district. Currently, employees pay 10% while the district covers the rest. Too many ‘weather days’ causes district to add days to school calendar Seneca SENECA - School days lost to snow storms were on the agenda of the Seneca School Board at their regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 16. The school district budgets a certain amount of extra days into every school year calendar for ‘weather days’. However, at times there are more days lost to weather than were budgeted in the calendar. That’s what happened this year. Five Green Bay area teachers, principal recognized as among top in the state Five Green Bay area teachers and one principal are officially (extra) "outstanding." The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation, which recognizes and awards exceptional Wisconsin educators and principals, has announced its 2026 Teacher Fellowship and Principal Leadership class. Of over 1,200 nominations, the foundation chose 100 teachers and 15 principals to receive $6,000 awards to honor leadership and dedication to students. Each awardee's school will also receive a $6,000 grant. West De Pere High School principal Russ Gerke was one of four northeast Wisconsin principals recognized, and the only principal from the greater Green Bay area. Hustisford Schools Drop Loan Plan After Rare Petition, Turn Focus to April Vote (HUSTISFORD) There’s now more riding on the April referendum vote in Hustisford after school leaders pulled back from a plan to borrow millions to keep the district running. The Hustisford Board of Education voted 7-0 this week to rescind its earlier plan to borrow up to $4 million from the state’s Trust Fund Loan Program, after a citizen petition forced the issue toward a separate referendum. Monroe community gets preview of new high school as construction nears end MONROE, Wis. (WMTV) - For the first time, community members stepped inside Monroe’s new high school Thursday night, getting a preview of a facility district leaders say will reshape how students learn. The building is still under construction, but nearly complete — a major milestone for a project that has been years in the making. La Crosse Central High School celebrates fourth annual All Abilities Day LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Central High School celebrated inclusion and connection during its fourth annual All Abilities Day, bringing together students of all abilities for hands-on activities designed to build friendships and confidence. The event featured obstacle courses, rock climbing and other adventure-based challenges that encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones while working together.
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