This year, the excitement goes even deeper. Across the district, we are doing important work to make sure every student receives the very best education possible. At the elementary level, we continue the implementation of updated curriculum resources in literacy and math — Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) and Bridges Math — both grounded in research and designed to support strong foundational skills. At the middle and high school levels, we continue to invest in professional development and collaboration focused on improving math instruction and ensuring our instructional priorities are aligned with what will have the biggest impact on student learning and engagement. Our teachers and administrators are working together to create classrooms where skills are developed, curiosity is sparked, challenges are embraced, and every child is supported to grow and thrive.

The work we have been doing has yielded incredible academic progress across the district. All three of our elementary schools — Northside, Parkside, and Abraham Lincoln — earned the highest rating on the most recent Wisconsin School Report Cards, a testament to the hard work of our students, teachers, and families. Monroe Middle School and Monroe High School also realized significant gains, improving their overall scores and elevating their accountability ratings to Exceeds Expectations and Meets Expectations, respectively — an important step forward for both schools. These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our entire school community and remind us that our focus on instructional improvement is making a real difference in the lives of students.

While we are proud of our accomplishments, it is also important to acknowledge some of the challenges we face. Over the last two years, we have had to reduce our district budget by nearly $2 million. These reductions have not been easy and have led to the elimination of valued programs and support services. They have also stretched our staff in ways that are not sustainable long-term. I want to recognize the incredible efforts of our teachers, support staff, and administrators, who continue to go above and beyond to keep our schools running efficiently while prioritizing student success. Efficiency is important — and we are committed to being responsible stewards of public resources — but there is a limit. When stretched too far, even the most efficient systems begin to see critical services for students erode. We are entering a time when community voice and shared decision-making will be more important than ever. As we look ahead, there will be important community conversations about what kind of educational experience we want for our children, and how we can work together to ensure those opportunities remain available for generations to come.

Thank you for being our partners in education, and for believing in the potential of every student who walks through our doors. As your Interim Superintendent, I remain committed to open and transparent communication. I will do everything I can to keep you informed about our progress, our challenges, and our plans for the future.

Here’s to a school year filled with learning, growth, and joy. I can’t wait to see all the wonderful things we will accomplish together in 2025-26!

We are pleased to share some good news on the special education front. After decades of declining support, the state has increased the reimbursement rate for special education costs to an estimated 40-42%. This is up from 30% in 2024-25 and represents a significant improvement from a historic low of 24.85% in 2018-19.

This funding will help reduce the local financial burden for special education services and is expected to decrease the district’s overall budget deficit.

The state chose not to increase general equalized aid, which typically helps offset revenue limit increases and reduce property tax pressures. Instead, the focus was placed on income tax reductions.

As a result, while some residents may see lower income taxes, most property tax bills are expected to rise across Wisconsin.

Despite making nearly $2.5 million in budget reductions over the past four years, the district is still facing a deficit of nearly $2.5 million. With the increase in special education aid, we hope to bring that number closer to $2 million as we finalize our 2025-26 budget this fall.

This ongoing structural deficit reflects a deeper issue: the gap between state funding and the actual cost of educating our students continues to grow.

In light of these challenges, the Board of Education has begun discussing the possibility of an operating referendum for spring 2026. A final decision is expected between November and January.

More than 80% of Wisconsin school districts have had to pursue an operational referendum—this has unfortunately become a common and necessary part of public school funding in our state.

We are committed to transparent communication and community involvement as we navigate this process. More information and opportunities for input will be shared in the coming months.

Above all, we remain focused on what matters most: supporting student learning, achievement, and growth. Thank you for standing with us as we work through these challenges together.

We are now entering the second year of Evidence-Based Teaching and Learning (EBTL) in grades 6–12. This shift is designed to give families, students, and teachers a clearer and more accurate picture of student learning.

Instead of focusing on points or task completion, EBTL demonstrates how well a student has learned the key skills and knowledge taught in each course. Grades are a reflection of how well students demonstrate their proficiency with each essential skill. These skills are carefully selected to develop real-world abilities students need to succeed, such as problem-solving, clear communication, and critical thinking.

Clarity is key. Students are assessed using specific success criteria, along with tools like proficiency scales and rubrics, so they always know what is expected and how to improve. This helps students take greater ownership of their learning and gives teachers better information to support each student’s growth.

Students who are proficient in each of the course skills (earning 3s-proficient or 4s-exceeds expectations) will receive an A in the class. This unified 6–12 grading scale sends a clear message: learning is the goal, not chasing points.

We’ll also begin using our Citizenship Rubric more frequently to provide feedback on important learning behaviors that align with respect and responsibility skills. These skills are not part of academic grades but are reported separately at Weeks 4 and 12 of each trimester. This gives students the opportunity to reflect on how their actions—such as following expectations, staying organized, and contributing positively to the learning environment—support their growth and success.

The rubric highlights how students demonstrate kindness, empathy, preparedness, initiative, and accountability—skills that contribute to a positive classroom culture. These behaviors support academic achievement and reflect the qualities we value in confident, well-rounded graduates. By speaking kindly, listening actively, staying organized, and taking ownership of their actions, students are building habits that will serve them well in school and in whatever future path they pursue.

We are expanding our Bridges in Mathematics program to 4th and 5th grades after a successful implementation in 4K–3 last year. Bridges focuses on building number sense, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving skills through hands-on, engaging instruction. With consistent instruction across K–5, students develop a strong mathematical foundation that prepares them for success in later grades.

This year, we’re launching a K–12 writing focus across all content areas. Strong writing supports thinking and learning in every subject. Teachers will use shared rubrics and progressions to provide consistent feedback, helping students grow as communicators. Writing will be more of an integral and consistent part of instruction across all levels, with intentional time built in for students to practice different types of writing independently to strengthen their skills.

Everything we do is guided by our shared vision of developing skilled, engaged, and empowered learners. By providing clarity, focusing on essential learning, and connecting instruction to real-world skills, we’re preparing students not just for academic success—but for life.

My focus this year is to be a visible and engaged presence in all five school buildings by listening, learning, and collaborating with our incredible staff, specialists, and administrators. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of our current strengths, identify areas for continued growth, and ensure that every student is supported academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. Areas that I will be specifically targeting include attendance rates and chronic absenteeism, special education services and supports, and our tiered academic and behavioral systems.

It is a true honor to serve in this role, and I am eager to continue building on the many successes already in motion. I look forward to a year of collaboration, growth, and continued commitment to the success of every student in our district!

Over the past few years, the School District of Monroe has been working diligently to rebuild and improve student attendance rates following the disruption of the pandemic. While we’ve seen encouraging signs of growth in some areas, there is still work to be done to ensure all of our students are showing up and thriving.

The research is clear: when students attend school regularly, they are more likely to be engaged, achieve academic success, and build strong connections with their peers and teachers. Consistent attendance helps create a sense of belonging, supports emotional well-being, and builds habits that last a lifetime.

While our overall district attendance rate of 93.7% is slightly above the state average, nearly 4 in 10 students in our district are still considered chronically absent. That means they’ve missed more than 10 days of school during the year—and those days add up fast.

We believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed—and showing up is the first step. Let’s work together to make attendance a priority and give all our students the strong start they need.

If you have questions or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s school. We are here to help.

But just as Monroe has grown and evolved, so too must the spaces in which our students learn and grow.

The new Monroe High School, set to open next year, will represent a dramatic leap forward in how we think about education. Designed with student-centered learning at its core, the new facility will feature flexible learning environments, cutting-edge technology, and collaborative spaces that foster creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. It will be a school built not just for today—but for the future.

Classrooms will no longer be confined by the traditional model. Instead, students will learn in spaces that adapt to their needs, where group work, hands-on exploration, and real-world problem solving take center stage. Hallways and common areas will double as learning zones. Labs and studios will empower students to engage deeply with STEM, the arts, and career pathways. The new campus will reflect the ways young people learn best—and will support teachers in designing engaging, meaningful instruction.

Yet, even with all the exciting new features, the heart of Monroe High School will remain unchanged. Our identity is not just about a building—it’s about people. The students who will be the last to graduate from the “old” MHS and the first to step into the new one will carry that legacy with them. They’ll link the past to the future, becoming living bridges between tradition and progress.

This final year in the current building will be a time of remembrance and celebration. Plans are underway to honor the history of Monroe High School throughout the school year—with events, storytelling, and opportunities for alumni and the community to walk the halls one last time. It’s important that we take the time to say goodbye the right way—to pay tribute to a place that has shaped so many lives.

At the same time, we’ll also begin building new traditions—ones that will take root in the new school and carry us forward for generations to come.

Change is never easy, especially when it involves a place so woven into the fabric of a community. But it’s also an opportunity. An opportunity to dream bigger, to provide our students with the tools they need to thrive, and to create a space that reflects the values and aspirations of Monroe.

So, here’s to a year of celebration, reflection, and anticipation. We will walk the familiar halls one last time with pride, gratitude, and a touch of bittersweetness. And then, together, we will open the doors to something extraordinary.

The best days of Monroe High School are not behind us—they are still ahead.

Through the Power of WE and our CHEESE Expectations, we can help every student grow into the best version of themselves, everywhere they go. We recognize that every student, staff member, and family plays a vital role in building a culture where being present matters. Together, by encouraging consistent attendance and supporting one another with our common language, we can build the habits and connections that lead to success—not just at school, but in life.

We sincerely value your partnership in helping us launch the 2025–2026 school year with a strong and positive start. One of our key building goals is to achieve a 97% attendance rate, and we will be monitoring attendance daily during homeroom to help us stay on track. We recognize that consistent attendance can sometimes present challenges, and we are fully committed to working alongside students and families to overcome any barriers. If attendance concerns arise, we are more than willing to meet, problem-solve, and identify solutions together, because every student deserves the opportunity to start every day on time and ready to learn.

Even though the award is for the 2023-24 school year, the school was officially notified of the honor in June 2025, following DPI’s revival of the program after a multi-year pause due to the pandemic. The announcement allows us to celebrate now and reflect on the impactful work that led to this recognition.

I am incredibly proud of our students and staff for their commitment to excellence! This recognition reflects the hard work and support of our entire school community, including educators, families, and students, who work together every day to help all learners grow and achieve.

A special shout-out goes to our outstanding teachers and staff members, whose dedication, expertise, and tireless effort make such a strong impact on our students' academic growth. Through strong, caring relationships and a deep belief in each student’s potential, our staff creates a school environment where all children feel seen, supported, and capable of success. Their daily commitment to instructional excellence and to nurturing the whole child is the heart of everything we do at Abe Lincoln.

The Wisconsin Schools of Recognition program honors Title I schools that demonstrate sustained success in supporting student learning. Abraham Lincoln Elementary’s designation as a High Progress School affirms the school’s focus on high expectations, targeted supports, and a strong culture of learning.

This award comes on the heels of another extraordinary accomplishment, Abraham Lincoln Elementary was also named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, a national honor awarded to schools for overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps.

These recognitions reflect the broader efforts of the School District of Monroe, where a consistent focus on instructional priorities, equity, and student-centered practices has helped drive achievement across all schools.

To learn more about the Schools of Recognition program in Wisconsin and view a full list of honorees, visit the DPI website:

My husband Scott and I have been married for 17 years. We have three daughters, Mackenzie, Maddie, and Makayla, all proud Northside Elementary alumni. Having experienced Northside as both an educator and a parent, I know firsthand what a warm, welcoming, and enriching place this is for families. That connection gives me a deeper understanding of what makes Northside so special and strengthens my commitment to continuing its strong traditions and student-centered culture.

Northside is a place full of joy, care, and community spirit. Whether it’s root beer floats on the first day of school, the fun-filled Sock Hop, the beloved Kindergarten Circus, or our Open House and basket raffle, these traditions create lasting memories and foster a strong sense of belonging. We are also fortunate to have an active and supportive PTO that not only provides amazing events for students and families but also partners closely with staff to support classroom needs throughout the year.

I have always been passionate about supporting every learner, and my years as a special education teacher were deeply rewarding. I love working closely with students and families to create inclusive, individualized learning experiences that help students grow both academically and socially. That same commitment carries into my leadership, ensuring all children feel valued, supported, and challenged.

Before my time in the classroom, I served as the District’s Summer School Coordinator for seven years. This role strengthened my skills in coordinating programs, managing logistics, and building strong partnerships with families. I’ve also been an active member of building and district-level Professional Learning Communities, collaborating with colleagues to analyze student data, strengthen instructional practices, and foster continuous improvement across classrooms.

At Northside, we believe in nurturing not only academic achievement but also social-emotional growth to set the foundation for lifelong success. As the saying goes, “It’s the people, not the programs,” that make the biggest difference, and I am proud to work alongside such a passionate, dedicated, and talented team of educators and support staff.

I look forward to partnering with families, empowering staff, and continuing the legacy of excellence that defines Northside. It’s truly an honor to serve the community that has educated me, my daughters, and so many others.

Families played a crucial role in supporting their children’s learning adventures. To make the process interactive and community-oriented, Parkside held designated Bingo Card Turn-In Days in the school library. During these days, families could visit Parkside to turn in completed Bingo cards, pick up new ones and celebrate their children’s efforts. It was a wonderful opportunity for families to connect with staff and school friends during the summer!

Students that attended received tokens and books from the school’s book vending machine and could choose from a variety of books that suited their interests. The book vending machine turns the simple act of reading into a fun and rewarding experience.

Additionally, students also enjoyed making book character treats—delicious snacks inspired by their favorite stories—and exploring the Makerspace activities in the library. Makerspace activities included building projects, creative play and lots of hands-on problem-solving, collaboration, innovation and fun!

A special thank you goes to the PTO for sponsoring the tokens, books, and supplies that made these events possible.

Research emphasizes the importance of continued academic practice over the summer to prevent learning loss and keep students engaged. Summer learning activities not only support academic progress but also promote confidence, independence, and a love of learning—all qualities that will serve students well in the upcoming school year.

We are proud of our students’ enthusiasm and dedication this summer, and we look forward to welcoming them back, ready for more exploration, growth, and achievement.

Thank you to everyone—students, families, staff, and PTO—for making Summer Learning Bingo a meaningful and enjoyable experience. Here’s to an exciting year ahead at Parkside Elementary!

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