Wisconsin Education NewsJune 17, 2026A daily update of education news and events that are taking place around Wisconsin. Encourage Your Administrative Assistant to Attend this Year's Conference Registration is open for the 2026 School Administrative Assistants Conference July 22-23, 2026, at the Madison Marriott West. See the program here. Kenosha County school district begins cuts after failed referendum TREVOR, Wis. — The Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated Grade School District in Kenosha County is highlighting the financial challenges facing many school districts, especially the small ones. The district consists of one school that serves nearly 450 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. District leaders confirm they’re facing a $400,000 budget deficit due to rising operating costs and stagnant state funding. School board accepts Lincoln County Opioid Task Force grant for district social worker position TOMAHAWK – The School District of Tomahawk last week took a step towards establishing a social worker position within the district. During its meeting on Tuesday, June 9, the School District of Tomahawk Board of Education voted to accept a grant from the Lincoln County Opioid Task Force. The grant dollars would be allocated to bringing a social worker onto the district’s staff. Pay increases for various employment groups approved by DeForest School Board A 2026-27 collective bargaining agreement between the DeForest School District and the DeForest Area Education Association recently approved by the school board establishes a 0% increase in base wages. However, a 2.63% bump in supplemental pay for teachers and specialists for each cell on the salary frameworks was passed by the board at its June 8 meeting, which amounts to $691,990. Nathan Jaeger, director of human resources, said that percentage increase is tied to the Consumer Price Index. Washington Elementary to remain closed through at least August 2028 JANESVILLE – Washington Elementary will not reopen until at least August 2028, if at all. The Janesville School Board gave that direction to school administration Tuesday in a "workshop" in which Superintendent Mark Holzman asked the board to discuss whether or not to close the school or rebuild the school in breakout groups with other administrators. The board did not pull the trigger on a decision Tuesday, but it could decide to close the school permanently July 14 when it meets again. MADISON — Wisconsin State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly announced today she has appointed Kaylee Jackson as director of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Office of Literacy. Jackson is an educational leader and literacy strategist with more than 15 years of experience helping schools and districts strengthen reading instruction, improve student outcomes, and support teachers through evidence-based practices. Budget season: Fort school board hears preliminary presentation FORT ATKINSON — The School District of Fort Atkinson Board of Education received a presentation on the upcoming year’s budget. Director of Business Services Nathan Knitt presented the 2026-27 preliminary budget to the board. “As a reminder to the board and the community, the budget is a year long process,” Knitt said. “Throughout the year, our administrative team meets to reflect on budget priorities and implementation. In December, the board sees the long-range financial plan. In April, the board received updates on compensation market adjustments and health insurance renewals. Legislators see need for emergency school funding, and long-term solutions One could certainly be excused for not having a concrete grasp of the state of Wisconsin’s public school funding, as mixed messages abound, each touching on a host of state policy surrounding what is referred to, in short, as the school funding formula. The most recent example came with an announcement in May by Governor Tony Evers’ office, that a budget agreement had been reached between himself and State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester), and Wisconsin State Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg). That deal, which was touted as addressing a range of issues, including areas of education funding, then found a quick death in the State Senate. According to Democratic State Senator Sarah Keyeski, of Lodi, she had initial feelings of optimism, before the details of the proposal became clearer. Hustisford District partners with GO Riteway Transportation HUSTISFORD — The Hustisford School Board entered into a one-year agreement with GO Riteway Transportation Group on Monday. This contract for student transportation becomes effective July 1 and ends June 30, 2027. The District was working with Schultz Bus Service, but its owners, Wayne and Marlene Schultz, decided it was time to retire earlier this year. Hustisford School Board enters into lawn service agreement HUSTISFORD — Since the fields and grounds endure less activity through the summer and fall months, the Hustisford Building and Grounds Committee determined to reduce lawn service, while still maintaining playing fields for use by clubs and the recreation department. Hustisford School Board member Kevin Muche, who serves on the Building and Grounds Committee, said the Committee decided to reduce the areas being mowed and the frequency of mowing on non-playing fields. Oshkosh students improving in reading proficiency, math [AUDIO] OSHKOSH, Wis. — Oshkosh Area School District students are doing better at reading. According to end-of-year data, 52 percent of students in grades one through eight met or exceeded reading proficiency. That marks an increase of 155 percent from the previous scores. More than 200 educators gather for Wisconsin Coalition for Community Schools conference MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - More than 200 school educators from the states of Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota gathered at Vel Phillips Memorial High School on Tuesday for the third annual Wisconsin Coalition for Community Schools conference. The day-long event focused on community building and professional development for educators. Students participated in the conference by performing in song and dance and sharing their school year experiences as part of a student panel. The conference even featured a surprise guest appearance by Governor Tony Evers, who showed his support for educators across the state of Wisconsin. Cell phone policy vote put on hold at Racine Unified board meeting RACINE, Wis — The Racine Unified Board of Education postponed its vote on making its cell phone policy more restrictive and will discuss it further at the next governance meeting. The district’s current cell phone policy is that students aren’t allowed to use them during instructional time, which means they can use them during lunchtime, for example. At the May 18, June 1, and June 15 meetings, board members discussed the district’s options before postponing a decision at Monday’s business meeting. Greendale High School Marching Band invited to 2028 London Parade GREENDALE, Wis. — The Greendale High School Marching Band will be taking their talents across the pond as they've been invited to participate in the London Parade and festival on Jan. 1, 2028. The London Parade is one of the world's premier marching band events and is a tradition that began in 1987 with just 2,000 performers. It has grown into a world-class celebration with participants from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. It has reached 500 million viewers each year, according to the high school. Miron Construction celebrates 17 young adults entering construction careers NEENAH, Wis. (WBAY) - Miron Construction Co., Inc. celebrated 17 young adults Tuesday as they took the next step in their careers in construction.
|