MMSD Details Phase 1 Referendum Progress and Upcoming Phase 2 Input Sessions

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) continues to make steady progress on its Phase 1 facilities referendum projects, advancing planning, design and early construction work while preparing for formal groundbreakings on March 20, 2026.

Phase 1 projects include replacement of the buildings that house Sherman Middle School and Malcolm Shabazz City High School, and Samuel Gompers Elementary School and Black Hawk Middle School. Work at each site is focused on modernizing learning environments, improving safety and accessibility, and supporting long-term sustainability.

“As we move closer to construction, our focus remains on delivering high-quality facilities that reflect the needs of students, staff and the broader community,” said Scott Chehak, MMSD senior executive director of building services. “This work represents years of planning and community input, and we are excited to see these projects begin to take shape.”

The projects remain on time and on budget. So far, MMSD has invested more than $6.7 million in referendum-related work across the district. Spending by site includes:

• Sherman Middle School/Malcolm Shabazz City High School: $2,510,790.19
• Samuel Gompers Elementary School/Black Hawk Middle School: $2,029,780.33
• Orchard Ridge Elementary School/Akira R. Toki Middle School: $492,039.29
• Ray F. Sennett Middle School: $403,697.05
• Cherokee Heights Middle School: $358,104.89

These investments support early planning, site preparation, design development and project management as work advances across both phases of the referendum.

“Careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars is central to this work,” Chehak said. “We are committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility and making sure each project delivers lasting value for students and neighborhoods.”

As planning continues for Phase 2 projects, MMSD will host a series of public input sessions later this month to engage the community and gather feedback on proposed improvements. Families, staff and members of the public are encouraged to attend to learn more directly from the project team.

Upcoming public input sessions:

• Orchard Ridge Elementary School/Akira R. Toki Middle School
  5602 Russett Rd., Madison, WI 53711
  Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Cafeteria
• Cherokee Heights Middle School
  4301 Cherokee Dr., Madison, WI 53711
  Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Library
• Ray F. Sennett Middle School
  502 Pflaum Rd., Madison, WI 53716
  Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Cafeteria

Additional information about MMSD’s facilities referendum projects, including timelines and design updates, is available on the district’s website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

All Four MMSD Comprehensive High Schools Earn AP School Honor Roll Recognition

MADISON, Wis.—All four comprehensive high schools in the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) have been named to the College Board’s AP School Honor Roll, a national distinction that reflects strong student participation and success in Advanced Placement coursework.

West High School earned Silver-level recognition, while East, Robert M. La Follette and Vel Phillips Memorial high schools were each named at the Bronze level. The honor is based on three key measures: the percentage of seniors who took at least one AP exam, the percentage who earned a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam, and the percentage who took five or more AP exams during high school, including at least one in ninth or 10th grade.

“This is a meaningful milestone for our district,” said Tim Peterson, MMSD director of assessment. “Having all four comprehensive high schools earn a place on the AP School Honor Roll at the same time speaks to years of intentional work to expand access, encourage participation and support students once they’re enrolled in these courses.”

The recognition builds on a year of record-setting AP achievement across MMSD. This past spring, more than 2,000 students completed over 4,500 AP exams districtwide, marking significant increases in both participation and total exams taken. Student performance also continued to rise, with more than 80% of exams earning a score of 3 or higher and the district’s average AP score reaching its highest level to date.

“Students are increasingly seeing AP as an opportunity that belongs to them, and our schools are backing that belief with strong instruction and support,” Peterson said. “These results reflect both student determination and the collective efforts of educators across our high schools.”

AP courses mirror the rigor of introductory college classes and can allow students to earn college credit or advanced standing, depending on postsecondary policies. Research also shows that participation in AP coursework is associated with improved college enrollment and persistence, regardless of exam score.

“This honor reflects our commitment to academic excellence and to creating pathways that challenge and support students from all backgrounds,” said Dr. Carlettra Stanford, assistant superintendent of schools and learning. “When students are encouraged, prepared and supported, they rise to the occasion. We are proud of our schools and the work they continue to do on behalf of students.”

MMSD offers a wide range of AP courses across subject areas, including math, science, English, history and the arts. The district continues to focus on expanding access, strengthening instructional supports and ensuring that students are prepared to succeed in advanced coursework.

Families interested in learning more about AP opportunities are encouraged to review their high school’s course catalog or connect with a school counselor.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

WisDOT study comment period extended to Jan. 31

Due to the high volume of comments received so far, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is extending the public comment period to January 31, 2026, for the recent public meeting held for the Beltline Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) Study.

The Study covers approximately 20 miles of US 12/14/18/151 (Beltline) from US 14 (city of Middleton) to County N (town of Cottage Grove) in Dane County. At the meeting the study team presented an overview of the information included in the Draft Beltline PEL Study Summary Report and the Preferred Strategy Package. The materials from the meeting, including the recorded presentation, meeting handout, and exhibits can be found on the public involvement (PI) page of the study website at the link below.

Beltline PEL PI Page

If you haven’t already, please consider providing feedback by filling out the online comment form. A direct link to the comment form can be found on the public involvement page of the study website.

MMSD High Schools to Host Transition Nights for Rising Freshmen

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) will host a series of transition nights in January for current eighth-grade students and their families as they prepare to enter high school in the 2026–27 school year.

Held at each of the district’s four comprehensive high schools, these events offer incoming freshmen and their families an opportunity to learn more about academic programs, extracurricular activities and student supports available at each school. Families will also have the chance to meet teachers and staff, ask questions, connect with other rising freshmen and become familiar with the buildings where students will spend the next four years of their academic journey.

“High school is a pivotal time in a student’s life, and we want families to feel welcomed and supported from the very beginning,” said Dr. Carlettra Stanford, assistant superintendent of schools and learning. “These nights help students see themselves as part of a school community and understand the many ways they can grow, contribute and succeed.”

Each event will include information on coursework, clubs, athletics and student services, along with opportunities to engage directly with school staff and administrators.

“Transition nights are an important step in helping students and families feel informed, confident and connected as they move into high school,” said Mary Jankovich, executive director of college, career and community readiness. “They provide a space to explore opportunities, build relationships and begin imagining the paths students can take toward graduation and beyond.”

Event details are as follows:

• East High School
  Preppin’ to Be a Purgolder Night
  6–8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026
  2222 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53704
  
• Vel Phillips Memorial High School
  Vel Phillips Memorial Night
  6–7:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 12, 2026
  201 S. Gammon Rd., Madison, WI 53717
  
• West High School
  Welcome to West High School
  7–8:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 12, 2026
  30 Ash St., Madison, WI 53726
  
• Robert M. La Follette High School
  Future La Follette Lancer Night
  6–8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026
  702 Pflaum Rd., Madison, WI 53716

Families are encouraged to attend the event for the high school their student will enter next year. Additional information is available on the MMSD website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

Oak Bank Welcomes Aeron Polodna as Mortgage Loan Specialist

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank, a locally owned community bank committed to exceptional client service and community giving, is pleased to announce the addition of Aeron Polodna as its new Mortgage Loan Specialist.

In this key role, Aeron will execute both secondary market and in-house residential loans, contributing to all stages of the lending process. Aeron’s extensive background uniquely positions her to lead processing efforts, deliver excellent client service, and strengthen relationships with internal and external partners.

Aeron brings more than 15 years of experience specializing in consumer and mortgage lending. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, further grounding her professional expertise with a strong academic foundation.

Aeron shared , “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting borrowers while working alongside a team that truly values community impact. I look forward to contributing to Oak Bank’s mission and making a positive difference for our clients.”

Living on Madison’s west side with her husband, Patrick, and their Westie mix, Dot, Aeron volunteers as a chef with Lasagna Love, preparing and delivering home-cooked meals to neighbors in need. When she’s not assisting clients or cooking up a batch of lasagna, Aeron enjoys traveling, baking, and catching up on her favorite true-crime podcasts.

Melissa Torres, Vice President – Loan Operations, looks forward to the expertise, energy, and community spirit she brings to the organization noting, “Aeron’s depth of experience and passion for helping others make her an outstanding addition to our team. We are thrilled to welcome her to Oak
Bank.”

About Oak Bank
Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for over 25 years, meeting the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick answers, and creative solutions, all while supporting over 135 local nonprofits each year. Visit oak.bank to learn more.