Photo by Richard Hurd
Dr. Tracey Scherr Named District’s Next Director of Mental Health and Well-Being
MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has named Dr. Tracey Scherr as its new director of mental health and well-being, effective immediately. Scherr previously served as MMSD’s mental health partnerships coordinator and brings more than two decades of experience in school psychology, higher education and community collaboration to the role.
In her new position, Scherr will lead the District’s comprehensive student mental health strategy, overseeing system-wide trauma and depression screening, school-based mental health interventions, professional learning for educators and key partnerships with healthcare providers and universities. She will also coordinate the integration of behavioral and social-emotional supports across departments, with a continued focus on equity and access for historically marginalized student populations.
“Dr. Scherr brings to this important position a deep understanding of school systems and student support, combined with an unwavering commitment to equity,” said Dr. Carlettra Stanford, assistant superintendent of schools and learning. “Her leadership will help ensure that every student in our district has access to mental health supports that are not only effective, but affirming and culturally responsive.”
Before joining MMSD in 2022, Scherr served as assistant coordinator of the school psychology program at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she spent 18 years preparing the next generation of school psychologists, some of whom now serve within MMSD. She has also worked closely with K–12 schools throughout her career, including helping to lead a substitute teaching program that gave aspiring educators valuable classroom experience.
Scherr holds a bachelor of arts degree from Colorado Mesa University, as well as a master of arts degree in psychology and a doctorate in school psychology from the University of Northern Colorado. She is a licensed and nationally certified school psychologist and has held leadership roles at the state, national and international levels. Her advocacy, legislative work, and numerous publications have consistently focused on improving school-based mental health services, especially for underserved and underrepresented student populations.
“Dr. Scherr has the rare ability to build bridges between schools, families and the mental health community,” said Leia Esser, executive director of student and staff supports. “Her background in higher education and deep ties to MMSD uniquely position her to lead this work with both expertise and heart.”
Scherr succeeds Dr. Kristen Guetschow, who retired last month after years of dedicated service to the district.
For more information about MMSD’s approach to mental health and related supports, please visit the District’s website.
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About the Madison Metropolitan School DistrictThe 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 4,500 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.