Madison Reporter

The Board of Education of the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District convened on April 7, 2025, to discuss various topics affecting the district.

Superintendent Dr. Dana Monogue addressed the board, opening her report by congratulating successful school board candidates Bob Hesselbein, Tabitha Hansen, Jim Coursey, and Emily Evans. Dr. Monogue shared her excitement about collaborating with them to continue serving students, staff, and families. She also highlighted a significant achievement — MCPASD has been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Wisconsin State Journal.

Dr. Monogue encouraged community members to attend the Middleton High School Theatre's spring musical "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown" from April 9 to April 11. She expressed gratitude to the communications team for a successful Realtor Breakfast, where local real estate professionals learned about the district. A new webpage, Realtor Resources, was launched to assist families moving to the area.

Additionally, she thanked Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski for visiting Sauk Trail Elementary School, emphasizing the vital role of the Common School Fund in supporting public school libraries.

At the meeting, Director of Employee Services Barb Buffington and Talent Recruitment and Retention Coordinator Sherry Smith updated the board on leave requests, attendance trends, and substitute fill rates. The district’s general leave system, now in its second year, has improved the approval process, reducing absences and making coverage management more efficient. The average substitute fill rate has improved to 82%, attributed to the district's partnership with EDUStaff, providing 307 substitutes and on-site support.

Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Jan Chynoweth, alongside other district staff, outlined the district's AI strategic approach, which includes tools such as Brisk and Gemini to facilitate educational efficiency. Professional development and cross-level collaboration are ongoing to ensure effective AI implementation.

Assistant Superintendent Jerrud Rossing presented the projected enrollment for 2025–2026, anticipating a slight decrease overall but open enrollment could offset this with up to 181 new students. Sauk Trail Elementary School will maintain smaller class sizes with additional state funding.

Board President Sheila Dahmen Hibner will decide on Board Member Representatives for MEA negotiations in consultation with Superintendent Monogue. The board approved the Portrait of a Graduate framework, a vision to equip students with essential skills and mindsets. It was developed by a team including students, parents, and educators.

The board also approved the teacher contracts for 2025-2026 and the Wisconsin School Nutrition Purchasing Cooperative agreement. The second reading of board policy revisions also received approval.