Madison Reporter

The School Board meeting on August 12, 2024, commenced with Superintendent Dr. Dana Monogue discussing the start of the fall athletic and marching band season. She also noted that over 200 staff members attended the Continuous Improvement Summit at Middleton High School to develop a comprehensive school improvement plan for the 2024—2025 academic year.

Superintendent Dr. Dana Monogue introduced four new administrators and supervisors:

- Asher Torbeck as Safety and Security Coordinator

- Katie Kavanaugh as 4K / Early Childhood Principal

- Mandy Harvey as West Middleton Elementary Principal

- Dr. Jan Chynoweth as Director of Secondary Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

In items for approval, the Board accepted a $68,985 donation from the Northside Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization for playground equipment. A ribbon-cutting event is scheduled for August 20, 2024.

A new district library plan was presented by MaryBeth Paulisse, Dr. Jan Chynoweth, and Christina Makos. The plan emphasizes learner-centered literacy across various focus areas such as curriculum, instruction, assessment, personalized professional learning, infrastructure, budget resources, community partnerships, data privacy, and use of time and space. The plan was approved and will be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

The DPI Food & Nutrition Contract for the 2024—2025 school year was also approved.

The Board discussed but did not motion to add a “Mindful Moment” to future meeting agendas.

Assistant Superintendent Jerrud Rossing provided an enrollment update indicating an anticipated total of 7,169 students for the upcoming school year—a change of 120 students since July 8, 2024. The District has 21 more students than initially projected with expected average class sizes.

Rossing also updated on athletic projects at Middleton High School: tennis court construction started in June but is delayed due to weather conditions; completion is now expected by late September. Construction on softball and baseball fields awaits zoning approval from the City of Middleton; plans include developing a natural grass softball field instead of artificial turf.