Wisconsin Education NewsApril 17, 2026A daily update of education news and events that are taking place around Wisconsin. 2026 Elementary Principals’ Convention State fund distribution to fuel big boost for SDR’s libraries In a school library, young imaginations soar. Last Friday in Crescent Elementary School’s library, those imaginations got a huge boost of rocket fuel when Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski came by to announce the School District of Rhinelander’s $207,766 share of this year’s record $73.5 million Common School Fund annual Library Aid distribution — funds specifically for the state’s public school libraries. Wisconsin Republicans seek to dismiss public education funding lawsuit Legislative Republicans are asking the court to dismiss a lawsuit filed earlier this year by parents and educators from across Wisconsin alleging lawmakers have failed to adequately fund public schools. In February, 19 plaintiffs, led by the Wisconsin PTA, filed a complaint against the Legislature for “not meeting its constitutionally mandated obligation to provide all children with an equal opportunity for a sound basic education.” Wisconsin Heights staff members doing well following kidney transplant surgery MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Last week, the Wisconsin Heights School District held a surprise rally for two educators who were about to enter surgery for a kidney transplant. One of the teachers, Kim Houser, needed a kidney transplant. Another fellow staff member, Jayme O’Connell, stepped forward and was a perfect match. EAU CLAIRE (WQOW) - A "Welcome" mat greets you as you step into the Family Services room in the Eau Claire Area School District office. The room has low lighting and lots of plants and bookshelves. The room is meant to feel different from a typical office to help the students and families who come in looking for support feel at home. Rock County Christian officially buys McNeel BELOIT — Rock County Christian Schools made it official at the end of March when the 41-year-old private school became the owners of the former McNeel Middle School. According to Rock County records, on March 30 Rock County Christian Schools closed on the property, buying it from the School District of Beloit for $710,000. How Manitowoc schools are growing Youth Apprenticeship jobs MANITOWOC COUNTY – The Manitowoc Public School District was selected as a Career Pathways of Excellence Award honoree for the district's leadership and commitment to workforce development through its Youth Apprenticeship program. According to a news release: "What sets MPSD apart is not just participation in Youth Apprenticeship, but a commitment to creating real opportunities within its own schools. Students are not only exploring careers, they are actively contributing to the daily work of the district." Madison Metropolitan School District to change release time for middle schools starting next fall MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - The Madison Metropolitan School District announced on Thursday it is changing its middle school release time for the 2026-27 school year by 25 minutes. Middle school release time will go from 4:25 p.m. to 4 p.m. starting next school year. “The change is being made in response to a review of community survey feedback, which found that many families expressed a preference for an earlier dismissal time for their students,” Edell Fiedler, senior executive director of communications, said. “To achieve this, early release Mondays will be eliminated in favor of a consistent daily schedule for middle school students.” Aquatic Board financials discussed ANTIGO— The Antigo Board of Education — Clara R. McKenna Task Force on Monday discussed financials of operating the pool. Antigo School District Kelly Fassbender told Mary Jo Filbrandt, a member of the dissolved pool board and member of the task force, as well as other members said she would share the financial information regarding the pool with whomever would ask for it. Amery board to weigh salary increases in May amid financial review The Amery School Board voted unanimously Monday to delay action on proposed 2026-27 salary increases for certified staff, support staff and Clubhouse Childcare employees, citing the need for a more complete financial picture before moving forward with compensation changes that carry significant budget implications. Luxemburg-Casco School District bans caffeinated drinks for elementary-aged students (WFRV) – After a district employee sent a letter to families saying students in grades three through six could not bring highly caffeinated beverages to school, Luxemburg Casco School District sent out a follow-up letter. An employee with the Luxemburg-Casco School District sent a letter to parents saying elementary-aged students could not bring or drink highly caffeinated beverages to school. 61% of School Referendums in Wisconsin Passed Voters approved more than 60% of school district referendums last week as schools face declining enrollment, rising inflation and stagnant state funding. Over $1 billion in referendums from 73 school districts were on the ballot Tuesday. Wisconsin voters passed 46 out of 75 school referendums, totaling over $564 million in increased property taxes. La Crosse School District to get nearly $92,000 in state mental health initiative MADISON — The La Crosse School District is slated to get $91,779 to support mental health programs in the $15 million Get Kids Ahead initiative that Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced this week. The initiative, in which every public school district in the state will get at least $10,000, targets money “directly towards whatever mental health support and services our kids need so they can be successful both in and out of the classroom to help them grow, learn, and get ahead,” Evers said in announcing the effort last week. Dodgeville high school student, adviser earn national recognition MADISON, Wis. -- Dodgeville High School student Addy Hoyer and adviser Sarah James were selected by the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), for their outstanding service and leadership. Northwoods school districts collaborate on college and career pathways for students Northwoods school districts face challenges ranging from declining enrollment to fewer state dollars. Despite this, districts are finding ways to ensure students are educated and have a path after high school. Local school districts work to set students up for success after high school. This can be for those students who choose a four-year or two-year programs or go directly into the workforce. KENOSHA, Wis. – Carthage College and the Racine Unified School District have established the Racine Initiative for Special Education (RISE), a program designed to address the critical shortage of special education teachers in Racine. Through this partnership, RUSD is sponsoring a cohort of teachers in Carthage’s post-baccalaureate HyFlex Accelerated Certification for Teachers program. The coursework is tailored to prepare educators for cross-categorical special education licensure, aligned with the district’s staffing needs.
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