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An Education Destination

As Madison residents we are fortunate to be part of a community that highly values public education. The beginning of each school-year represents a fresh start. This Sept. 3 ends the nearly two-year process of contracting our district footprint from six to five schools. Almost a quarter of our teachers have been reassigned to a new grade level, school, or classroom. These new grade groupings and teaching and administrative assignments will make this year more challenging than typical. I am extremely confident that the administration, teachers, and staff will handle these challenges with their usual grace.

In an effort to smooth these transitions, several new initiatives deserve mention. The district recently appointed its first communications specialist. (Many will remember Zoe Roos from her time as a staff reporter at The Source.) This new position will serve as a conduit of information from the administration and the Board of Education (BOE) and should ensure our community is well informed regarding the challenges and successes of our school district.

Another newsworthy accomplishment with a similar aim is the development and “go-live” of the new Madison Public School (MPS) District app. This is currently available for download on mobile devices. This app will allow easy interface and provides another means of communication with the Madison community. The goal is to keep the Madison community as well informed as possible so that we can work collaboratively.

There will be more to report as the year progresses—including a detailed discussion of the recommendations of the Tri-board and BOE on the status and future of our facilities and these communication resources will prove invaluable throughout the process. Be assured that the BOE is doing everything necessary to preserve Madison’s status as an education destination.

Katie Stein, Chair

Madison Board of Education

Democrat Katie Stein is seeking re-election in the November elections.