Madison Reporter

The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District has been recognized with the 2025 Wisconsin State Journal Top Workplaces Award, marking the first time a school district has received this honor. The award highlights employers that value accomplishments, provide work-life balance, and foster a supportive and transparent work environment.

"We’re thrilled to be recognized as a top place to work in Dane County," said Superintendent Dr. Dana Monogue. "It’s especially meaningful to be the first school district to receive this distinction. We strive to be a workplace where staff are empowered and supported, and this award shows we’re on the right track."

The selection of honorees is based on employee feedback regarding pay, benefits, professional development opportunities, workloads, and work-life balance.

The district employs 1,163 individuals in both full- and part-time roles, including 659 full-time teachers. Notably, 60% of the staff hold advanced degrees. The district is known for its diversity—64 languages are spoken at students' homes—and consistently receives praise for its academic, athletic, and arts programs serving 7,100 students.

"Our District offers an excellent benefits package to enable us to attract and retain top-tier teachers, administrators, and support staff," Monogue stated. "Our employees uphold the highest standards of educational excellence and embody the diverse backgrounds of our students. Our employees' devotion to their own continuous growth and professional development carries over to our students’ success."

Out of 1,416 organizations that began the process for this recognition, only 81 qualified for the honor.

"We want our employees to find meaning and purpose in their work," Monogue added. "We’re proud of our educators and staff for understanding the impact they have on the lives of our students. We’re incredibly grateful to our employees for their dedication and commitment to our students and schools."