Madison Reporter

The Board of Education meeting on June 10, 2024, began with Superintendent Dr. Dana Monogue congratulating the Middleton High School lacrosse team for winning the state championship on June 8, marking the fifth state championship for the school in the 2023-2024 year. Dr. Monogue also expressed gratitude to school communities for their contributions throughout the year.

Principal Chris Dahlk and Reading and Math Specialist Rebecca Saeman presented a report on Sauk Trail Elementary's use of Achievement Gap Reduction (AGR) program funding, highlighting improvements in standardized test scores and increased growth rates on the ACCESS exam.

A review of District engagement survey results was conducted by a team of administrators. The surveys covered student, family, and staff engagement, revealing strengths in student-teacher relationships and areas needing improvement such as peer-to-peer respect. Family participation increased notably among Indigenous, Black, and People of Color families.

Deputy Superintendent Sherri Cyra presented enrollment projections indicating an expected increase of 1,127 K-12 students by 2040 due to residential development and demographic changes.

Director Tony Dugas reviewed his first year focusing on relationship-building and diversity in recruitment. Initiatives included student listening sessions and developing a 'Sensitive Topics Guide' for staff.

Two new admission pathways were announced by Universities of Wisconsin: Direct Admit Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Guarantee, aimed at increasing access to higher education for high school students starting August 1, 2024.

The Board approved updates to the Employee Handbook based on staff feedback regarding procedures like time-off requests. Superintendent Monogue outlined priorities for the 2024-2025 Strategy Map focusing on literacy curriculum, support systems, special education plans, diversity in recruitment, capital improvement plans, and crisis response training.

A revised compensation plan for certified staff positions requiring master's degrees was recommended to ensure competitive salaries. The Board will vote on this revision in July 2024.

An update from the Greater Dane County School District Governance Consortium highlighted collaboration efforts among 16 districts focused on advocacy and effective governance practices.

Four items were approved by the Board:

1. A proposed pay increase for all support staff employee groups.

2. Final budget adjustments for the 2023-2024 school year.

3. An intergovernmental agreement with the City of Middleton for crossing guard services.

4. Approval of public depositories for fiscal year 2024-25 including Lake Ridge Bank as primary depository.

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