Madison Reporter

The Board of Education meeting commenced with Superintendent Dr. Dana Monogue commending the efforts of the summer academy and high school summer staff, expressing gratitude for their dedication.

Dr. Barb Buffington, Director of Employee Services, and Sherry Smith, Talent Recruitment and Retention Specialist, provided an update on District leave requests for the 2023-2024 school year. They presented attendance data and substitute fill rates, marking the final report for the first year of the General Leave plan. Despite positive percentages in absences and substitute coverage, concerns were raised about the low number of substitutes at Glacier Creek Middle School and West Middleton Elementary. To address this issue, a new partnership with substitute provider Edustaff will commence in the 2024-2025 school year. Natalie Graham from Edustaff will be stationed at the District Services Center to assist.

Assistant Superintendent of Operations Jerrud Rossing reviewed updated enrollment numbers for the 2024-2025 school year. Overall enrollment has increased by 18 students since last month, excluding open enrollment figures. Historically, enrollment stabilizes in August and September, with final numbers becoming clear in late August. Currently, K–12 enrollment is 109 students above projections.

Rossing also reviewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with McKinstry Essention, LLC., outlining a partnership aimed at modernizing elementary school classrooms through the "Classroom of the Future" (CoF) initiative. This project seeks to upgrade classroom infrastructure with advanced technology to promote educational equity across the District. The MOU details three main workstreams: technical solution validation, funding and procurement approach assessment, and pilot project development.

The Board approved all seven items presented for consideration:

1. Preliminary Budget: Director of Finance Erin Wheeler and Assistant Superintendent Rossing highlighted key points including a $325 per-pupil funding increase for 2024-25.

2. Revised Certified Staff Compensation: A proposal was made to move Social Workers, Speech and Language Pathologists, and Counselors to Lane 3 due to market changes.

3. Academic Standards: Approval was secured for district academic standards for 2024-2025.

4. Strategy Map: The Strategy Map for 2024-2025 was developed to outline goals and efforts.

5. Independent Hearing Officer: An agreement ensures a qualified professional oversees expulsion hearings.

6. Membership in Greater Dane County School Governance Consortium: The Board approved membership to strengthen coordination among school districts in Dane County.

Further information can be accessed via agendas or minutes available online.