Wisconsin Education News
August 19, 2026
A daily update of education news and events that are taking place around Wisconsin.
Launching Wisconsin's Early Literacy Coaching Program
This school year also marks the launch of Wisconsin's Act 20 Early Literacy Coaching Program. Funding provided through 2023 Wisconsin Act 20 (Act 20) has made it possible to invest in two years of K-3 literacy coaches for over 50 schools across all 12 CESAs. These schools represent communities with the greatest identified literacy needs and include 11 Milwaukee Public Schools, participating private schools, and districts of varying size and geography. This investment is about more than supporting over 50 schools. It is about building instructional expertise and sustainable systems that strengthen literacy across Wisconsin. Through comprehensive professional learning, coaching communities of practice, and statewide collaboration, literacy coaches will strengthen evidence-based instruction, build local leadership, and create lasting capacity that continues well beyond the initial two-year coaching period.
Nominate an Outstanding Principal
Nominations are now open to recognize Wisconsin’s top school leaders. Nominations are accepted from teachers, parents, principals, and community members. Nomination Deadline: Oct. 2, 2026.
Madison schools superintendent's next test: More students, better results
On the first day of summer vacation, Superintendent Joe Gothard strolled the grounds of Elvehjem Elementary School on Madison’s east side in a suit and tie.
Middleton-Cross Plains school district is looking for more bus drivers as students head back to school
The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District (MCPASD) is looking for more bus drivers to help students and staff get where they need to go safely.
Verona policy on misconduct in line with new act
In Verona, like in many school districts, student safety is of the utmost importance. Going into this school year, Wisconsin Act 89 is now in place. This act requires schools to solidify policy on appropriate methods of communication between students and staff, training, and timing regarding notifying families of potential misconduct.
2 rural school districts could consolidate as leaders feel the rest of the state is watching
Two school districts in rural Wisconsin are facing a tough choice — consolidate and improve opportunities and finances — or stay separate and risk going it alone.
Oconto United School District approves referendum vote to November ballot
The Oconto Unified School District will ask voters for an additional $900,000 per year for five years, the school board decided on Monday.
Board talks 2026-27 budget
At the Monday, Aug., 17 Verona Area School District Board of Education meeting, district officials presented the proposed 2026-27 budget.
Madison schools superintendent: ‘Better days are definitely ahead’
With about three weeks to go before school starts Joe Gothard, Madison schools superintendent, and other district leaders entertained questions from the media at an Aug. 13 forum about the upcoming school year.
School board talks benchmark testing results
The first day of school is just weeks away, and at the Monday, Aug. 17 Stoughton Area School District Board of Education meeting, district director of curriculum and instruction Kate Ahlgren presented data on the spring 2026 benchmark testing that all students participated in, and discussed with the board what students will need for this upcoming school year.
School District of Altoona announces lower-than-anticipated tax impact following passage of referendum
The School District of Altoona is announcing a development following the April 2026 passage of a $15.6 million referendum.
U.S. Department of Education investigates MPS for school disciplinary practices that consider race
The U.S. Department of Education is investigating whether Milwaukee Public Schools uses race as a factor when considering disciplining students.
Teachers and staff prepare classrooms at Rhinelander with new school year on horizon
In a few more weeks the halls of Rhinelander High School will be filled with students ready to learn. Teachers are set to report back on Thursday, but new teachers are already on site and getting a bearing on their surroundings.
Trump administration proposes changes to federal Head Start program
The Trump administration is proposing major changes to the federal Head Start program.
5 MPS Schools Ranked Among Nation’s Best High Schools
Five high schools in Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) are among the best in the nation, according to a new ranking from U.S. News & World Report released today.
Teens risk critical thinking, learning as they lean into AI for schoolwork
Most teenagers are using artificial intelligence for schoolwork, both in ways that could be beneficial and in ways that could shortcut learning or offload critical thinking.
New green team toolkit supports year of school action
A new school year brings new opportunities to build positive habits and create meaningful change! That is why Green & Healthy Schools Wisconsin—a partnership between the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources—is excited to introduce its new Green Team Action Toolkit.
Help shape Wisconsin standards and guidelines
This month, individuals, groups, and agencies may provide feedback on several sets of Wisconsin Standards as well as the Early Learning and Development Guidelines.
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