Wisconsin Education News

September 21, 2026

A daily update of education news and events that are taking place around Wisconsin. 

David Martin Richmond Obituary
David Martin Richmond passed away peacefully on September 16, 2026, at the age of 89, surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 8, 1937, in Warrens, Wisconsin, he lived with purpose, generosity, humor, and an enthusiasm for making the most of every day. His faith, family, and friends were at the heart of his life.

Janesville superintendent retiring at end of year
Janesville superintendent Mark Holzman is retiring at the end of the year.

Letter goes out to parents about homecoming
Past years where homecoming shenanigans in Shawano have gone horribly awry have prompted school and law enforcement leaders to issue a joint letter urging families to keep their children in line.

Construction advances on Madison school referendum projects
Construction is underway on the first phase of the Madison Metropolitan School District’s $507 million facilities referendum, with new buildings taking shape at sites serving Blackhawk Middle School and Samuel Gompers Elementary School, and Sherman Middle School and Malcolm Shabazz City High School.

Horicon School District anticipates lower mill rate and levy despite larger budget deficit
The Horicon School District is anticipating a lower mill rate and property tax levy this year, even as rising operating expenses are expected to leave the district with a larger budget deficit.

'Being like a star': Janesville students with disabilities get their own sports league this fall
The School District of Beloit Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously approved 2.63% raises for both members of the Beloit Education Association as well as employees not covered by the BEA union.

MPS High School Enrollment Fair on Sept. 26 Is Open to All 8th Graders and Families
Milwaukee Public Schools is kicking off its annual high school enrollment period on September 26 with a fair where all 8th graders and their families can explore schools and programs. The district also warmly welcomes families of younger students ready to start exploring options.

UW-Milwaukee could offer teachers a 3-year degree to help MPS teacher shortage
Chancellor Thomas Gibson said discussions are currently underway with the School of Education to move the reduced-credit degree forward, but there is not a definite timeline.

Rhinelander High School upgrades to be celebrated with ribbon cutting ceremony
The School District of Rhinelander will celebrate completion of some major upgrades today (Monday, 9/21).

New digital tool helps Madison’s young students assess their mental health
The Madison School District is beginning to incorporate a new computer-based check-in tool to help elementary school students track their mental health.

Madison schools’ budget banks on more state aid after fall elections
Ahead of this fall’s elections for governor and state Legislature, the leaders of Madison’s public schools staked out a claim on the future of state funding for special education.

Fiscal Facts: Wisconsin’s total tax levy sees largest increase in nearly two decades
Gross property tax levies across Wisconsin collectively grew by 5.8% on December 2025 tax bills, easily outpacing inflation as the largest increase in nearly two decades.

School District of Thorp looking for $8.5 million capital referendum
Many local school districts have a referendum on the ballot for the upcoming general election. That includes the School District of Thorp.

Luxemburg-Casco School District Claims Operation Referendum Will Not Impact Mill Rate
An area school district with an operational referendum on the November ballot is giving some additional details.

UW System Moves Toward Permanent End To SAT, ACT Requirement
The Universities of Wisconsin may permanently eliminate college entrance exams scores as a required part of the first year student admission processes.