Madison Reporter

The recent Board of Education meeting provided several updates on district initiatives and programs. Superintendent Dr. Dana Monogue began by congratulating winter sports athletes and encouraging participation in the Annual Family Engagement Survey, which closes on March 28. She also thanked Governor Tony Evers for visiting Sunset Ridge Elementary.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on "A Cardinal's Journey," a framework developed to define essential skills and attributes for graduates. The system includes two components: Cardinal Mindset and Cardinal Foundations, aiming to integrate these into various student learning aspects.

Updates were also given on the 4K and Early Childhood programs by Principal Katie Kavanaugh, Director Cindy Malcheski, Interventionist Gina Steele, and Deputy Superintendent Sherri Cyra. The MCPASD 4K program is a voluntary play-based initiative for four-year-olds, with discussions underway about a full-day pilot program for the 2026-2027 school year.

Middle schools Glacier Creek and Kromrey reported on strategic improvements, focusing on literacy, teacher collaboration, social-emotional learning (SEL), and schedule adjustments planned for Fall 2025. These changes aim to increase instructional time and align more closely with high school structures.

Board Vice President Bob Green and Member Jim Coursey attended the Wisconsin Association of School Boards’ Day at the Capitol. Discussions there included special education funding proposals from both the Governor and DPI.

The Board approved several items including an amended Youth Center Agreement with the City of Middleton, the meeting calendar for 2025-2026, policy revisions' first reading, and authorized Superintendent Monogue to notify Dane County School Consortium of withdrawal intentions.

Overall, these updates reflect ongoing efforts to enhance educational quality across MCPASD schools through strategic planning and community engagement.