Wisconsin Education News

December 16, 2025

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

This Year’s Most Important Educational Research Findings

St. Croix Central School District earns ESPN and Special Olympics recognition

In celebration of its program, the St. Croix Central School District received a national banner and plaque from the Special Olympics and ESPN on Dec. 12. The district hosted an assembly Friday featuring the Mountain Movers, a group of students who participate in adaptive skiing and the Unified Champions. They’re also a group committed to spreading inclusion and awareness through various activities and events. A Special Olympics Unified Champion School achieves national banner recognition by meeting 10 standards of excellence around a commitment to inclusion.

Templeton students build connections through outdoor STEM adventure

LISBON — Templeton Middle School’s entire seventh-grade class got the chance to connect with nature, and with one another, during a team-building field trip to Camp Whitcomb/Mason the week of Nov. 3. It was the first time seventh graders visited the 300-acre Hartland site with their classmates, kicking off what TMS hopes will become a new tradition focused on helping students build relationships as they begin their middle school journey.

Madison schools account for 17% of rise in statewide K-12 tax levies

As Madison property owners receive their tax bills this month, a new report finds the Madison school district’s property tax increase accounts for 17% of the rise in total tax levies for K-12 schools statewide.For the average home in the Madison Metropolitan School District, valued at $481,300, the district had projected homeowners would see their school-related property taxes increase by about 16% or $684 this year — lower than initial estimates of $1,000.

Northwestern High School students bridging generation gap

MAPLE — A student group dedicated to volunteering is seeking Douglas County seniors upon whom they can pay social visits. Members of the National Honor Society at Northwestern High School are being matched with older residents in the School District of Maple through a program that started in late October. The teens meet with seniors at their homes or in community spaces like churches and town halls. The monthly visits can involve activities such as games, puzzles, baking, crafts or looking through photo albums, program organizers say.

Dane County school safety group grew after Abundant Life shooting

When Dane County Emergency Management first convened a forum about school safety more than a decade ago, the small group talked about issues like corralling rowdy crowds at football games and utilizing PA systems to blast out messages about bad weather. But over the years, the group’s focus shifted to the increasing threat of school shootings.

$32 million bid accepted by La Crosse School Board for new elementary

The new elementary school that will be constructed to replace the old Hogan school in La Crosse will cost just over $32 million. The La Crosse School Board accepted the bid from Market and Johnson on Monday night, with three offers from local companies to choose from. The new school is expected to open within two years, at the location of the former Hogan School, which closed in 1980 and has been used as the school district headquarters since then.

Watertown school district eyes $4.5 million April referendum

WATERTOWN — If it pursued a $3 million referendum, rather than $4.5 million, the district could be forced to close more schools, Watertown School Board President Craig Wortman said at a meeting last week. The school board is considering multiple options as it prepares to ask the public to approve an increase to the levy limit as part of an April referendum. “I think the $4.5 referendum gives us the best chance to retain as many buildings as we can in a responsible way. It’s not perfect, but it still allows for the community to grow,” Wortman said.

Wisconsin officials emphasize importance of reporting threats after Platteville incident

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. (WMTV) - The Platteville School District canceled all classes on Monday after a student received online messages containing a potential threat to their school. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office determined the threat was not credible and said, ‘there was never an actual bomb threat toward the school or any other location’. The investigation revealed the student was being extorted by the person online. Officials are continuing to investigate the extortion.

Virtual clinics to open at Superior, Maple schools

SUPERIOR — In-school, on-site virtual health care clinics are being rolled out in the Maple and Superior school districts through a partnership with Essentia Health. Spartan Clinics at Superior High School and Superior Middle School will open for appointments the week of Jan. 5, according to a Dec. 15 news release from the School District of Superior. No start date has been determined for the Tiger Clinic at Northwestern High School.

Lodi School Board accepts five-year strategic plan

The Lodi School Board approved an updated five-year strategic plan based on the work of a special community steering committee. At the board’s Dec.8 meeting, representatives from the committee presented their results and recommendations including a focus on job training and career preparedness, and de-emphasizing efforts surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion.

Madison Metropolitan School District hires new executive director of schools

MADISON, Wis. — A new senior executive director of schools and learning at the Madison Metropolitan School District has been hired, according to officials. Dr. Keona S. Jones brings nearly three decades of experience as an administrator and educator. Jones was most recently the assistant state superintendent for the Division for Student and School Success at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. She was first appointed in 2019 and reappointed two years later.

Monroe seeking 4-year referendum

MONROE — The public would never support a so-called “recurring” school operating referendum and so the School District of Monroe has agreed to ask voters this spring to approve a one-time referendum that spans four years and raises $2.75 million. Though it might seem less disruptive for the referendum question not to come up again during annual budget talks four years from now, the board during its Dec. 8 meeting agreed on the one-time option to close the district’s current budget hole and avoid drastic cuts.

Elf on an elementary school

GRAFTON — Frigid temperatures did not keep Woodview Elementary School Principal Jill Schwenzen from fulfilling one of her favorite annual traditions Monday — Elf on a shelf, Principal Schwenzen style.

Milwaukee Public Schools and Milwaukee Recreation announce MPS Drive Milestone

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) and Milwaukee Recreation announced that more than 10,000 young people have earned their probationary driver’s licenses and completed safe-driving instruction through the MPS Drive initiative since its launch in 2016.

Packers players read to elementary students as part of free book fair

NORTHEAST, Wis. (WBAY) - Local students received free books Monday as part of a special book fair hosted by the Green Bay Packers. Players John Fitzpatrick, Lecitus Smith and Dalton Cooper visited Oneida Nation and Doty Elementary Schools to read to students. Each student was also able to pick out three new books to take home.

Union Grove High School Carolers mark 10th season of holiday performances

UNION GROVE — Union Grove High School is celebrating the 10th season of its student Carolers program, a holiday tradition that began in 2016 and has grown from a 10-student ensemble into a 44-singer group that performs around the region. The Carolers were created after Superintendent Al Mollerskov proposed an ensemble that would take student music beyond school events and into the community, according to the announcement. Former school board member Dawn Van Ess provided funding support to help launch the program.