Wisconsin Education NewsMay 11, 2026A daily update of education news and events that are taking place around Wisconsin. LC Summit 2026: Personalized by Design Three local schools win Time for Kids Earth Day contest MONROE, Wis. — Three schools across the News 3 Now viewing area have been recognized for their environmental stewardship efforts through the Time for Kids: A Recipe for Health Earth Day Contest, sponsored by News 3 Now and SSM Health. The contest invited schools to demonstrate how their classrooms and campuses are caring for the environment. Winners include Central Wisconsin Christian School in Waupun, the School District of Lodi, and Northside Young Leaders at Northside Elementary School in Monroe. Pulaski school district hosts 15th annual Goody Duathlon PULASKI, Wis. (WBAY) - Hundreds of students with disabilities packed Saputo Stadium in Pulaski for this year’s Goody Duathlon. More than 190 student athletes from 15 school districts raced with their mentors in the run-bike event. The organizer said what started as a small class project has grown into a regional event with staff, police, community groups and families all helping out. Oshkosh school district breaks ground on Franklin Elementary expansion OSHKOSH, Wis. (WBAY) - Several school expansions are on the horizon in Oshkosh as phase two of the district’s long-term facilities plan gets underway. Some students will attend new schools as a result. Construction has already begun on the playground at Franklin Elementary. The facilities plan is funded by the district’s 2025 capital referendum, which totals over $197 million. Canvas cyberattack hits Wisconsin schools during prep for final exams Students at Wisconsin’s K-12 schools and universities lost access to coursework Thursday after a cyberattack took the popular education app Canvas offline nationwide. Access to the cloud-based system was being restored Friday. Some schools, including the Eau Claire Area School District and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, reported Canvas was available for student use. Milton School District art teacher wins state Teacher of the Year award JANESVILLE — Little did Milton School District art teacher Devon Calvert know that when a reading assembly started Friday at Harmony Elementary School, he would be the guest of honor. Wisconsin State Superintendent Jill Underly came to the school to give Calvert, a Milton School District Teacher, one of five Department of Instruction Teacher of the Year awards awarded this year in the state. Raymond School’s 1st open enrollment lottery reveals budget risk as seat cuts take hold RAYMOND, Wis. — Raymond School District held its first-ever open enrollment lottery May 4, drawing 39 applications for a sharply reduced pool of seats with the district’s superintendent signaling that the board’s decision to cut those seats may force an impossible choice. New London bus driver praised for joining in on ‘Pigeon' fun NEW LONDON, Wis. (WFRV) – A bus driver in the New London School District is being recognized for joining in on the fun after students attended a performance based on a beloved children’s book. Kindergarten and second-grade students recently saw a play inspired by Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!. Southern Door school district to cut teachers and sports teams after failed referendum BRUSSELS, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — After voters turned down a referendum last month, the Southern Door County School District says it will have to make cuts. 56% of voters said “no” to a three-year operational referendum worth $3 million per year. Oshkosh schools say student data safe after Canvas outage OSHKOSH – The district’s student data appear to be safe. Oshkosh Area School District said there was no breach of its internal systems following an apparent cyberattack resulting in a nationwide outage of learning management system, Canvas, on May 7. From welding to plumbing, Waterloo students test out the trades Hooper Corporation welcomed students from Waterloo High School to its annual Skilled Trades Boot Camp on May 6 at the company’s DeForest Fabrication Facility. The event provided students with an inside look at career opportunities in the construction industry through demonstrations and interactive activities led by skilled trades professionals. Green Bay Southwest High School teacher receives award for helping close the literacy gap GREEN BAY (WLUK) -- A teacher at Green Bay Southwest High School was in the spotlight Friday for her dedication to improving student literacy. Nationwide K-12 learning company HMH presented Amanda Boerst with an award recognizing her work with Read 180. It's a comprehensive intervention program designed to assist students in grades 3-12 who are reading below grade level, as well as English language learners. Recreational rodeo teaches third graders outdoor skills for summer fun RHINELANDER (WJFW) — In a few weeks, students in Rhinelander will be saying goodbye to school and hello to summer. Before they go, Rhinelander Partners in Education is trying to make sure they learn one final lesson with its eighth annual Recreational Rodeo. WBHS Student Senate earns national award Almost 500 schools were recognized by the National Association of Secondary School Principals recently, and only one of those was from Wisconsin. The Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School Student Senate received a National Gold Council of Excellence Award, with officials noting that the school provides the student leaders with opportunities to make a difference in the community and beyond. Track and field meet in Menomonie held for students with disabilities MENOMONIE, Wis. (WEAU) - Two weeks ago, North High School in Eau Claire hosted an adaptive swim meet for students with disabilities. Since then, momentum has been building as the spotlight shifted to the track and field athletes. Menomonie High School hosted its annual Mighty Mustang Invite Friday. The event brought students with disabilities together to compete in a varsity style track meet. Residents tour Shapiro STEM Academy on farewell day, sharing decades of memories OSHKOSH (WLUK) -- Community members had the chance to say goodbye to an area elementary school Saturday morning. Oshkosh Area School District's Shapiro STEM Academy is closing its doors at the end of the current school year. Richard “Dick” James Dignan, age 91, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Verona, WI. He was born on April 26, 1935, to William and Audrey (Noiles) Dignan in Alpena, MI. He married Helen Miller on August 18, 1957, at St, Lukes Lutheran Church in Middleton, WI. Dick served his country in the US Army stationed in Alaska where he witnessed the framing of the Alaska State Constitution and earned the rank of Corporal. New learning center completed in Phillips School Forest PHILLIPS, Wis. (WJFW)—The School District of Phillips has completed construction on its new school forest learning center. The Phillips School Forest is around 230 acres of natural woods and trail systems for students and the community to use throughout the year. Just recently, construction was completed on a new learning center in the middle of the area, for not just students, but community events, as well. Packers donate to Green Bay school food pantry, call on businesses to support others GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - The Green Bay Packers are making a donation to Eisenhower Elementary School’s food pantry to keep it running through next school year. The team is calling on other businesses to support the Green Bay Area Public School District’s other pantries. The school district has about a dozen pantries that could use extra funding. One City Schools not closing, leader assures staff and supporters A few hours after the Cap Times reported on One City Schools’ efforts this spring to secure more public funding, the charter school’s CEO Kaleem Caire sought to assuage staff and volunteers. “One City is not closing,” he wrote in an April 29 email obtained by the Cap Times. “Not now, not next year, not in any scenario being discussed. The article describes the funding fight in front of us, and that fight is real. But our school is solid.” The Cap Times revealed the school’s affiliates spent $466,000 on lobbying efforts while seeking more state aid per student — and struggled to gain traction among lawmakers, including Gov. Tony Evers. Sun Prairie student services director receives statewide award SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. — The Sun Prairie Area School District director of student services was recognized and received a statewide award at a Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Special Services conference last week in La Crosse. This award, according to the school district, is also forwarded as a nomination for the national CASE awards. TRHS Honors Work-Based Learning Earlier this week, Two Rivers School District proudly hosted the Work-Based Learning Awards Breakfast at Two Rivers High School. This program is a celebration of the incredible achievements of Youth Apprenticeship and Co-op students. Tomah School District Announces Appointment of Next Principal of Robert Kupper Learning Center The Tomah Area School District is proud to announce the appointment of Jeff Adams as the next Principal of the Robert Kupper Learning Center, effective July 1. Adams brings 26 years of experience in education to his new role, along with a diverse background in teaching, leadership, and student support. He has spent the past 13 years serving as an Associate Principal at Tomah High School, following two years as the school’s Student Services Coordinator. Earlier in his career, Adams taught biology and environmental science at Tomah High School for 10 years and began his teaching career at Platteville High School. Sun Prairie West High School seniors give back through flag football auction SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. — Seniors from Sun Prairie West High School are continuing a tradition of giving back to their community through a special flag football experience offered as part of a school auction on Friday. Several varsity football players will host the event at Bank of Sun Prairie Stadium for the winning bidder and their invited guests. Middleton High School building solar kiln for woodworking classes MIDDLETON, Wis. — Funding is on the minds of many school district leaders, as districts try to work out how to afford extracurricular programs under what some call a “flawed” state funding model. At Middleton High School, two students and a teacher are working on a unique project to help cut costs for the woodworking program. Roundabout, earth work starting for new Kaukauna Middle School If you're driving down Outagamie County Road CE toward Kaukauna High School, you might have noticed construction to the south. That's the first steps of work on the new Kaukauna Middle School, which is starting to take shape. Near State 55 and Morningside Drive in Kaukauna, passersby can start to see a roundabout take shape. The final roundabout design is a work in progress, according to Kaukauna school finance director Chris McDaniel. Still, as of early May, construction crews are preparing the soil for when the roundabout is ready to be built. The crews are also getting the ground ready to build two access roads and the future middle school site. Rising fuel costs slamming already cash-strapped Wisconsin school districts Prices at the pump have everyone feeling uneasy, but the anxiety is 738 times worse in the Chequamegon School District. That’s how many square miles the district’s school buses cover every day. District administrator Kyle Cronan said the district’s nine buses use three types of fuel: gasoline, diesel or propane. Students return to Riverside Elementary School after Ringle tornado RINGLE – Over 460 Riverside Elementary School students and dozens of staff returned to the school May 4 following almost two weeks in a temporary location after an EF3 tornado on April 17 damaged the building. Students, school staff, district leaders and community members gathered in the school’s multi-purpose room for an all-school assembly on the afternoon of May 4 to celebrate the efforts of staff, students and the broader community in helping the school return from temporary classrooms at the Greenheck Turner Community Center, or GTCC. Shiocton asks for waiver to not have to make up flood days at school SHIOCTON, Wis. (WFRV) – School District of Shiocton officials are trying to avoid extending the school year so students can make up the 8 days they missed due to the severe flooding last month. On Monday night, the district’s school board unanimously approved a resolution allowing the district administrator to submit a waiver request to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. If the Wisconsin DPI approves the request, Shiocton students wouldn’t have to make up those eight days. Manitowoc continues to weigh options for Madison Elementary School property MANITOWOC, Wis. (WFRV) – Manitowoc officials are still weighing their options concerning the Madison Elementary School site and whether to purchase it for one singular ‘George Washington.’ The recommendation from the School District to the Board of Education is still to accept the city’s offer to buy the site for $1, and an informational meeting on Monday night gave residents an inside look at the proposal. Milwaukee Public Schools budget proposal adds teachers and reduces central office staff MILWAUKEE — A $1.6 billion budget proposal for the 2026-27 school year that adds teachers and cuts administrators is headed to the Milwaukee Board of School Directors. The proposal adds 150 classroom teachers and 138 paraprofessionals across Milwaukee Public Schools. Support for art, music and physical education remains relatively steady with six added positions. ECASD board approves cuts to teaching staff amid $10.5M deficit EAU CLAIRE (WQOW) - The Eau Claire Area School District board has approved a plan to cut the hourly equivalent of about 11 and a half certified teaching positions. The board voted unanimously to give 17 staff members final notice their positions will be entirely or partially cut for next school year. It includes eliminating positions in special education, instructional coaching, interventions, and art and significantly cutting hours for band, physical education, family consumer science teachers and more. Fremont STEM Academy expands learning space with new yurts WEYAUWEGA, Wis. (WBAY) — Fremont STEM Academy is using new yurts as expanded classroom space, giving students room to spread out beyond “our traditional space inside of the school,” according to Jennifer Steidtman, the coordinator and lead teacher at the academy in the Weyauwega-Fremont School District. SASD To Debut New On-Site Child Care Options Next School Year The Sheboygan Area School District will be unveiling new child care options next school year. The district has announced that beginning this fall, they will be offering TurtleTot Wraparound Care and 4K Kidstop Before- and After-School Care through the Community Recreation Department. Smith hired as Waunakee School District's new director of technology The Waunakee Community School District has announced the appointment of Philip Smith as director of technology. Mishicot School District To Break Ground And Cut Ribbon On Referendum Projects The School District of Mishicot will cut the ribbon and break ground on more referendum projects. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for Thursday, May 14th at 4:00 p.m. to celebrate the district’s newly completed athletic fields. Madison, WI – Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, Chair of the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL), completed a month-long statewide tour during National School Library Month to deliver a record breaking $73.5 million distribution from the Common School Fund to Wisconsin public schools. Since Godlewski has been chair, the distribution has grown by over 103%. Every public school in Wisconsin receives part of this funding and it often serves as the sole source of library funding for school districts across the state. These funds support library and media centers through the purchase of technology, books, and other learning resources. "All for One And One For All": Celebrating Jackson Elementary School An afternoon of memories was shared again at a second Manitowoc school that will close this year. Students sang the goodbye song, written by former Jackson Elementary School Teacher Tracy Schultz, as part of a presentation during yesterday afternoon’s school legacy celebration. The Manitowoc Public School District again opened the door for former students, staff, and parents to see the school one last time before its closure at the end of the school year. Teachers incorporate culture, life skills, personal experience into lessons To recognize Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8, journalists from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and USA Today Co. shadowed teachers around Wisconsin. Below are excerpts from the days we spent with teachers as they juggled the many duties that come with the job: delivering curriculum, leading extracurricular activities, noticing the students who need extra support, resolving conflicts and ultimately shaping the future character of our state. The full stories are available online. MPS proposes $1.6 billion budget for 2026-27 school year MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) Superintendent Brenda Cassellius announced the proposed budget for the 2026-27 school year Monday: $1.6 billion. The district says this budget addresses a $46 million deficit from 2024-25 while adding more teachers and classroom support and reducing administrative staff. La Crosse students prepare for plant sale from new greenhouse LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) – Coulee Montessori and Central High School are opening their greenhouses to the community with upcoming plant sales. The events showcase hands-on learning and strong community connections for students. The project allows everyone to play an important role. Mariah Bigelow, a teacher, said students find joy in caring for the plants. Oshkosh's Jacob Shapiro students, school staff look back Shapiro STEM Academy, or Jacob Shapiro Elementary School, is pictured on June 5, 2025. At the end of the 2025-26 school year, the school will close. RACINE, WI — It’s time to stop chasing the shiny new objects, and focus on long-term plans for better, more consistent student outcomes, Racine Unified (RUSD) Superintendent Soren Gajewski said at his “State of District” address April 29 at Schulte School. Specifically, he cited positive initiatives such as the Academies of Racine and early literacy, both of which have been in place for five-plus years. MADISON — Wisconsin proudly celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8, 2026, recognizing the significant impact educators have on the lives of students across the state. Teacher Appreciation Week is an opportunity to honor Wisconsin teachers’ deep commitment to their students’ academic growth, wellbeing and success—an impact that extends far beyond the classroom and helps shape the future of the state by empowering the next generation of citizens and leaders. MPSD Committee Approves Madison Elementary Sale A Manitowoc Public School District committee wants to move forward on the City of Manitowoc’s deal to purchase Madison Elementary School. The district’s Finance and Facilities Committee approved sending the $1.00 offer back to the full board for approval. 'It's so important': Parents fight to preserve Delavan-Darien Dual Language Program DELAVAN, Wis. — The Delavan-Darien School District (DDSD) offers a two-way Spanish/English Dual Language Immersion Program (DLI) designed for both native English and Spanish speakers. More than half of the students in the district are Hispanic. The program started 12 years ago. It starts in pre-kindergarten with daily instruction done 90% in Spanish and 10% in English. It gradually works up to half Spanish, half English instruction through 12th grade. But district leaders and the school board are talking about reducing the program so it ends in sixth grade instead of 12th grade. A Watertown High School student is speaking out after the school board began considering whether to pull a piece of music from an upcoming spring concert over its connection to LGBTQ+ history. Sophia Anderson is one of more than 30 students in the Watertown High School Wind Symphony who have been preparing for the concert. For the past couple months they've been practicing the piece "A Mother of A Revolution". Madison teachers bring joy of learning to young patients at American Family Children's Hospital MADISON (WKOW) -- Three teachers from the Madison Metropolitan School District work one-on-one with patients at American Family Children's Hospital, continuing an educational tradition that began more than a century ago when the first children's hospital opened on campus in 1920. EAU CLAIRE (WQOW) - 18 News is learning more information about how the Eau Claire Area School District reported a $10.5M budget deficit. On Monday night the school board took the first steps to cut into the deficit on Monday night. There's no question that this will have an impact because each of those educators has made an impact on our students and they have deep relationships with our students," said Board President Stephanie Farrar. Omro School District faces immense loss as 3 members of the community die in a week OMRO (WLUK) -- Three unrelated deaths in Omro are sending shockwaves through the school district community. A third grader, a kindergartener, and an athletic trainer died last week. The District didn't offer any additional details on the deaths, but FOX 11 learned the third grader was 10-year-old Levi. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2017. La Crosse foundation delivers breakfast to nearly 1,000 teachers for appreciation day LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Nearly 1,000 teachers across the La Crosse School District received a special breakfast delivery Tuesday as part of the annual Thank a Teacher Day celebration. The La Crosse Public Education Foundation organized the district-wide event, which takes place every year during Teacher Appreciation Week. Foundation volunteers delivered breakfast to all La Crosse district buildings, ensuring educators started their day with both nourishment and recognition. Andy Bradford appointed as De Pere interim superintendent DE PERE, Wis. (WFRV) – The Unified School District of De Pere Board of Education has found and appointed Andy Bradford as the district’s interim superintendent. According to a release, Bradford was appointed to the role during the Board of Education’s May 4 meeting in light of the vacancy created after former Superintendent Christopher Thompson chose to step down in late April. Madison school district floats all-day cell phone ban for K-8 students The Madison school district unveiled its proposal for a new cell phone policy at a School Board meeting Monday, recommending an all-day ban for students in grades K-8 while allowing more leniency for high school students to use their phones during passing time and lunch periods. At the meeting, some School Board members expressed trepidations about a full-day ban for K-8 students, while others questioned different aspects of the proposed policy. Farnsworth Middle School has long history in Sheboygan A panoramic exterior of Farnsworth Middle School as seen May 5, 2026, in Sheboygan, Wis. The school will undergo a rebuilding project soon. Rising Fuel Costs Slamming Wisconsin School Districts Prices at the pump have everyone feeling uneasy, but the anxiety is 738 times worse in the Chequamegon School District. That’s how many square miles the district’s school buses cover every day. District administrator Kyle Cronan said the district’s nine buses use three types of fuel: gasoline, diesel or propane. Propane and diesel are stored on site. The district, located in northern Wisconsin, is about 35 miles west of Lac Du Flambeau. WAUWATOSA — State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly today announced Jonathan Etter as the first of five 2026-27 Teachers of the Year. The announcement was made as part of a schoolwide surprise celebration at Wauwatosa East High School. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, in partnership with Herb Kohl Philanthropies, selects five Teachers of the Year annually to represent elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and special services. Wisconsin teachers praised amid school funding struggles Education advocates in Wisconsin are highlighting the efforts of local teachers amid funding issues affecting public schools statewide. In addition to educating students, advocates said local teachers are using their own money to buy supplies and necessities for their classrooms. Beloved educator who helped establish Shabazz High School leaves lasting legacy MADISON, Wis. (WKOW) — Stuart Dymzarov, who helped establish Malcolm Shabazz High School in 1971 as an alternative education option for at-risk students, died last week, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students. The school started by a Ford Foundation grant administered by the University of Wisconsin to establish a free alternative school. Lacrosse on the rise in Wisconsin: Appleton United drawing players from nine schools APPLETON, Wis. (WBAY) - Appleton United is helping lead lacrosse’s continued growth in Wisconsin high school sports — and some of its student-athletes are traveling an hour each way to be part of one of the state’s top teams. Now in the third year as a WIAA-sanctioned sport, boys lacrosse continues to expand across the state. Appleton United, a co-op program made up of students from nine area schools, has grown right alongside it. Students at Carver Academy are getting more than just new books—they’re gaining an opportunity to develop a lifelong love for reading. The effort is part of the Scripps Howard Fund’s “If You Give a Child a Book…” initiative, which is bringing a Scholastic Book Fair to the school at no cost to families. The goal is to remove barriers and make sure every child has access to books at home. Trempealeau Elementary students get down and dirty for playground fundraiser TREMPEALEAU, Wis. (WKBT) -- Trempealeau Elementary School students traded their typical classroom activities for a messier learning experience Tuesday, participating in a mud-themed fundraiser that had 330 children getting dirty for a good cause. The school's Parent-Teacher Organization hosted the Mud Fun Fundraiser, an all-day event designed to raise money for school activities throughout the year while giving students an unconventional way to start their day. Riverside Middle School awarded Doosan Bobcat Discovery Grant Riverside Middle School celebrated a Doosan Bobcat Discovery Grant for the purchase of a state-of-the-art Epilog Laser Engraver. This cutting-edge technology is already transforming student learning and expanding opportunities in design and pre-engineering/advanced manufacturing skills. Bobcat offers grants to schools to support STEM Education in communities where it has operating plants or offices. Cadott High School students host annual plant sale to support FFA CADOTT, Wis. (WEAU) - Cadott High School students are hosting their annual plant sale, with thousands of plants available for Mother’s Day gifts and backyard gardens. Since 2021, the sale has supported the school’s Future Farmers of America chapter, with proceeds funding leadership conferences and state and national competitions. Sun Prairie celebrates teachers at Guruvandana event hosted by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. (WKOW) — Families, students and community members gathered at Meadowview Elementary School over the weekend to celebrate Guruvandana, an event honoring teachers organized by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh. AMS awarded School of Recognition ANTIGO — Antigo Middle School was recently named a 2024-2025 School of Recognition by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). This is the second consecutive year the school has received the honor. The middle school was recognized in the high impact category, which honors schools that serve a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students that consistently demonstrate above-average achievement when compared to similar schools across the state.
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