Wisconsin Education NewsMay 14, 2026A daily update of education news and events that are taking place around Wisconsin. Early Literacy Diagnostic Assessment Reimbursement (ELDAR) Now Open The Early Literacy Diagnostic Assessment Reimbursement (ELDAR) application is now open for reimbursement requests related to approved early literacy diagnostic assessment purchases. Applications must be submitted by May 22, 2026, to allow for processing before the end of the fiscal year. ‘Blockbuster’ budget surplus deal dies in state Senate MADISON, Wis. (Gray) - The Wisconsin legislature rejected Gov. Tony Evers’ bipartisan tax deal, ending months of negotiations between the governor and Republican leadership. The $1.8 billion deal passed in the Assembly but failed in the state Senate 15 to 18 late Wednesday night. All Democrats and three Republicans voted to kill the bill. The agreement would have given money back to Wisconsin schools and taxpayers. It included $850 million in direct payments to people living in Wisconsin and $600 million for K-12 education. MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers tonight blasted Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) and Republican and Democratic members of the Wisconsin State Legislature who tanked the bipartisan plan the governor and Republican leaders spent months working on to use a portion of the state’s readily available state surplus to invest in Wisconsin’s kids and K-12 schools, provide property tax relief statewide, and help working families afford rising costs. Madison school district eyes building new east side elementary school The Madison school district’s first draft of new attendance area maps proposes changes for 20 elementary schools and floats constructing another elementary school to alleviate overcrowding. School district officials also acknowledge a property tax referendum may be needed to build the new school, which could result in higher property taxes. MPS staff warn budget cuts could hurt equity, retention About two dozen Milwaukee Public Schools staff and other community members shared their hopes and concerns for next school year's $1.6 billion budget at a public hearing May 12. The proposed budget, which Superintendent Brenda Cassellius unveiled earlier this month, would reduce the district's expenditures by $26.2 million next year as MPS seeks to fill a structural deficit and address long-term financial concerns. Throughout more than an hour of testimony, several MPS families, staff and others said they understood the district's financial constraints but warned the budget would undermine efforts to retain educators and advance equity in schools. Marshall School District establishes AI advisory council Artificial intelligence is becoming more of a presence in the Marshall School District. To adapt to its increased use, an AI advisory council is being formed, with staff being asked to be a part of it. Corrie Becker, who is responsible for the district’s logistics and technology coordination, gave an update to the school board at its May 6 meeting. City, La Crosse school district host 3rd public session on north side indoor pool Another public meeting was held Wednesday on creating an indoor aquatic center in La Crosse. The school district and city, who are partnering on the project, held a virtual information session over the noon hour — the third of five scheduled meetings — to provide updates on the plan. If approved, the new year-round facility could be built at the current North Side Community Pool site, replacing the existing outdoor pool, which needs $1 million in repairs and is closed this season. Former director defends students and educators after Watertown school board bans LGBTQ+ linked song WATERTOWN — Students and community members are pushing back after the Watertown school board voted to ban a piece of music tied to the Stonewall uprising from the upcoming spring concert. Students at Watertown High School staged a walkout on Wednesday to protest the school board's decision to remove a song from the spring concert that is tied to LGBTQ+ history. The board voted Tuesday night to ban the piece. Manitowoc schools celebrate youth apprenticeship program; students and businesses benefit MANITOWOC (WLUK) -- Manitowoc honored its next generation of homegrown employees Wednesday night. The students are working toward careers in healthcare, construction and accounting. Home build program helps Green Bay students earn credit and hands-on construction skills GREEN BAY (WLUK) -- Green Bay high school students are constructing homes and building their resumes in one fell swoop. It's all part of the Bridges Construction & Renovation program -- a collaboration between the Green Bay Area Public School District, NeighborWorks Green Bay and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. ‘Transparency is important': New Sun Prairie superintendent shares vision for SPASD SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. (WMTV) -The Sun Prairie Area School District has selected Dr. Antoine Reed as its new superintendent, replacing Brad Saron, who has accepted a position in Chippewa Falls. Reed has served as the chief of culture and student engagement for Rockford Public Schools and previously served as chief of schools and high school principal for Milwaukee College Prep. Grand Opening held for Phillips School Forest Center The Phillips Public School District held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Forest Learning Center building on May 13, 2026. The center provides an all weather, indoor classroom space with electricity, water and restrooms that allow full-day activities on site, along with building rentals for the community. Cuts made at Butternut School District helps narrow passing of $500k referendum BUTTERNUT, Wis. (WJFW) — During the spring election April 7, many school districts asked voters to cover operational costs through a referendum. For the last three local elections Butternut School District has asked voters to pass a referendum but the first two failed. After making some cuts and changes to the district, the third time was the charm passing by the narrowest of margins — a single vote. District administrator, Carolyn Pollitt, says in order to cut down on expenses, eight full-time positions had to be removed. Community Voices: Proactively strengthening student safety The Verona Area School District (VASD) is committed to proactively strengthening the systems and practices that help keep students safe. In recent months, there has been increased media attention around the State of Wisconsin on the threat and reality of educator sexual misconduct. As educators, every member of the VASD staff has a responsibility to stay informed, vigilant, and proactive in protecting students. To deepen that work, VASD recently engaged central office administrators, school leaders, Board of Education members, union representatives, and department leaders in professional learning focused on preventing educator sexual misconduct and maintaining safe, appropriate boundaries with students. This initial training is part of a broader, ongoing effort to ensure our systems, expectations, and practices are clear, consistent, and centered on student safety. La Crosse teachers’ union president Jill Schams in the WIZM studio for the Rick Solem Show discussing how political groups like theirs needs to be, how things might be different without Act 10 and her thoughts on historic status of district buildings. Schams, who’s president of the La Crosse Education Association, also talks about the school cellphone ban, new names and mascots for the new and renovated elementary schools, and staffing as the district consolidates buildings. Mishicot students help build press boxes for new athletic complex MISHICOT (NBC 26) — Hammers, measuring tape, and math lessons have all come together inside Mishicot High School's Geometry in Construction course. The class started four years ago, but this year, students took on their biggest project yet, building press boxes for the district's new athletic complex, part of a nearly $30 million referendum. May 13 named ‘Education Foundation Day' to recognize the impact felt by Wisconsin public schools MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - On Wednesday, lawmakers recognized May 13 of next year as Education Foundation Day, a day to honor the large impact education foundations play in public schools across Wisconsin. Rebecca Ketelsen is the executive director for the Sun Prairie Education Foundation. She said they’re typically an organization that goes unnoticed. La Crosse Public Education Foundation awards over $40,000 in Gold Star Grants LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- The La Crosse Public Education Foundation has announced it will award more than $40,000 in Gold Star Grants to support innovative educational initiatives across the school district. The grants aim to enhance music education, improve inclusive access, and expand outdoor learning opportunities for students at all grade levels. Thirteen projects will receive funding through this grant cycle. AASD budget deficit larger than expected APPLETON, Wis. — The Appleton Area School District’s budget deficit keeps getting worse. The district now estimates it will be $1.3 million to $1.5 million in the red due to less-than-expected state funding for special education. Director of Finance Holly Burr says reduced rates of funding from the state for special education programs is adding to their deficit for this year. MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - The Monona Grove School Board approved an initiative to raise teacher salaries in hopes to improve staff retention and student achievement. The school district confirmed Wednesday that a preliminary budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year has been approved, aiming to bring district salaries from the median to the top quartile of regional benchmarks. The work was done in partnership with Monona Grove Education Association, the district’s bargaining unit. School meal prices to increase in 2026-27 The Oregon School District Board of Directors discussed the change and increase in price for school food service for the next school year at their Monday, May 11 meeting. Andy Weiland, the business manager of the district, presented about what the district has been doing to better change food service for the district in terms of how to provide for the students and how to help the budget. He outlined the proposal for the increase in price of school food services. Kiel Working With Education Company On Long-Term Facility Planning The Kiel Area School District is working with a new company on long-term facility planning. The district will be working with Nexus Solutions to shape the next chapter of its schools following two failed referendums on building repairs. Woodworth students could attend classes at Marian University after fire UPDATE: Officials say the school is discussing the possibility of Marian University hosting Woodworth students in some capacity in one of its buildings for a three-week period. As for school at Woodworth this week, the district is looking at keeping Woodworth closed Thursday as they continue to asses damage and alternative options. FFA members teach elementary students about agriculture MINDORO, Wis. (WEAU) - At Stello Farms in Mindoro, FFA students spent the day teaching Melrose-Mindoro Elementary students about agriculture. The day is part of the high school’s Food for America program. The program helps students develop leadership skills by engaging with peers and youth to share information about agriculture. Here's the pitch: Weather education meets baseball at Fox Cities Stadium GRAND CHUTE (WLUK) -- More than 3,000 students got a lesson in weather and then took in a baseball game Wednesday. FOX 11 Director of Meteorology Pete Petoniak, Chief Meteorologist Patrick Powell, Meteorologist Phil DeCastro and Meteorologist Audrey Leigh shared their knowledge during the annual FOX 11 Weather Day at the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers' stadium. Gov. Evers visits Oak Creek school as lawmakers vote on $1.8B tax bill OAK CREEK, Wis. — Democratic Gov. Tony Evers visited with students at Meadowview Elementary School in Oak Creek Wednesday morning, as the roughly $1.8 million tax relief deal negotiated by himself and Republican leaders was debated at the state assembly inside the Capitol Building in Madison. The state budget committee voted 12-4 Tuesday afternoon to approve the deal, sending it to the Assembly and Senate. All Republicans on the committee voted in favor; Democrats opposed. Gov. Evers called for an emergency special session Wednesday morning, starting at 10, for the two chambers to debate and vote.
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