Shelley Weiss, the military families liaison and safety consultant for the Sun Prairie Area School District, was recognized on April 6 at a regular Board of Education meeting for her work supporting military children and their families.
Weiss’s recognition comes during April, which is observed as the Month of the Military Child. The acknowledgment highlights ongoing efforts within the district to support students from military backgrounds and address their unique needs.
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning and Equity Stephanie Leonard introduced Weiss at the meeting. Weiss has served as director of summer school since 2014 and was named a Hometown Hero at the State Capitol in January. Her career includes 33 years with the Wisconsin Air National Guard, where she retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after holding positions such as Chief of Military Opportunities.
In her remarks to the board, Weiss said, “We wear purple in the month of April. I see one of my colleagues from the Army here tonight. We support all the branches of the military and all the children. We have more than 10,000 children who are military children in Wisconsin. Every community has military children.”
Weiss also noted challenges faced by these students: “Right now is a challenging time. Our schools have done such a phenomenal job of supporting military families. One in four need food support. Here in our district we recognize that. Children are worried about their family member who is deployed right now. Steph and Brad (Superintendent Saron) have been so supportive. I’m so appreciative of working in a district that is so supportive.”
Weiss’s background includes teaching roles at various institutions such as Academy of Military Science and National Guard Professional Education Center, along with leadership training at several national defense schools before retiring from service.
She continues to serve on boards including for school safety coordination and brings over four decades’ experience across educational levels.
