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.

Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin Welcomes New Board Members

Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is thrilled to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors. Their diverse backgrounds and dedication to serving our community will help guide the Foodbank’s mission of ending hunger in southern Wisconsin.

Kelliann Blazek (she/her) – Hailing from Mauston, WI, Kelliann brings a wealth of experience in food systems, nutrition, and agriculture. Her prior role with the White House Domestic Policy Council during the Biden-Harris Administration and as the first Director of Wisconsin’s Office of Rural Prosperity demonstrates her commitment to rural policy strategy. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School and a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, Kelliann also offers valuable lived experience.

Valerie Chesnik (she/her) – Valerie, a Madison native, currently serves as the Director of Development with the UW College of Engineering at the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association. With nearly a decade of experience in the non-profit and development fields, she is also a founding member of NRSSH (Next Rising Stars of Second Harvest), a group that engaged young professionals in the organization’s mission.

Jessica Dale (she/her) – Based in DeForest, WI, Jessica is a healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience. As a doctoral-level nurse with a strong background in leadership and administration, she brings not only her expertise but also personal insights into the challenges faced by those experiencing food insecurity.

“Each of our new board members brings unique skills and perspectives that will enhance our ability to serve our community better,” said Michelle Orge, President and Executive Director of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. “We are excited to have them support our vision of a community where everyone has enough nutritious food to thrive.”

The Board of Directors at Second Harvest Foodbank is committed to supporting the organization on our journey toward our strategic goals of nutrition security and food equity for everyone in the communities we support. With these new members, the organization is poised to continue expanding its impact across southern Wisconsin.

For more information about Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin and our initiatives, please visit SecondHarvestSW.org.

Apply for Midwest Mujeres Spanish Story Time Training Program

Are you a creative, playful person who loves to work with children? Are you passionate about sharing the richness of the Spanish language and la cultura latina with the next generation? Buscamos hispanohablantes to present Spanish story time programs for young children in the Dane County public libraries. Bicultural heritage speakers preferred. This is an excellent opportunity for those with flexible schedules and reliable transportation looking for fun and rewarding part-time work.

Join our FREE 6-week training program and apprenticeship to learn:

• The building blocks of pre-literacy and early literacy
• Elements of library story time programs
• Sharing Spanish language, stories, songs, and culture with diverse audiences
• How to develop your personal presentation style
• Entrepreneurial skills, including marketing your program and writing contracts

After the initial training period, partner with Spanish story time presenter Ricardo Marroquin of Dane County Library Service to visit Dane County public libraries. The apprenticeship period will include three phases: observation, co-presenting, and solo presenting with support and feedback.

At the end of the training and apprenticeship, you will receive a certificate of completion. Beyond the Page will provide support to connect you with presenting opportunities in the Dane County public libraries, but you will be qualified to take your program anywhere (museums, community centers, YouTube, etc.).

Apply here by July 25. 
¡Gracias por su interés!
Thank you for your interest!

This application process has two parts:
1. Answer the required questions in this Google Form.
2. Submit a video file of yourself reading a children’s story or singing a children’s song in Spanish
(Here is a sample children’s story you can use. Here is a sample children’s song you can use.)

When submitting your application, below are the requirements to keep in mind:

Required:

• Confident speaking and reading in Spanish and English
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with kids (doesn’t need to be formal)
• Comfortable with public speaking
• Interested in early childhood education and literacy
• Independent self-starter comfortable with leading a project and a group
• Creative
• Reliable access to transportation

Strongly Preferred:

• Interested in passing on cultural traditions (songs, stories, dances, games…)
• Native or heritage Spanish speaker

If you have any questions at all about the program or the application process, we are only too happy to help! Contact Alicia Treviño-Murphy at trevino-murphy@dcls.info or call/text (608) 217-0451.

Kickoff Event for Incoming Trainees: Tuesday, August 19th, 6-7:30p

Training dates: Tuesdays, September 9th – October 14th, 6-8pm

Training location: Dane County Library Service (1874 S. Stoughton Rd. Madison, Wisconsin 53716)

WisDOT Seeking Input on US 51 (Stoughton Rd) South Study

WisDOT is conducting a study along US 51 (Stoughton Road) South from Voges Road/Terminal Drive (just south of the Beltline) to north of Milwaukee Street (just south of WIS 30).

WisDOT held a public involvement meeting for the US 51 (Stoughton Rd) South Corridor Study on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Meeting materials, including details about the proposed intersection conceptual alternatives and an online survey, can be found on the study website: tinyurl.com/US51SouthPI.

Those who could not attend are encouraged to provide feedback by filling out the survey which will remain open until August 15, 2025.

Madison Black Restaurant Week Celebrates 10 Years of Flavor & Community

MADISON, WI – The Madison Black Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 10th annual Madison Black Restaurant Week, taking place August 10–17, 2025. This milestone celebration spotlights Black-owned restaurants, food trucks, caterers, dessert specialists, and culinary entrepreneurs throughout Madison and Dane County. 

Coinciding with Black Business Month in August, this week-long culinary event is designed to elevate Black food entrepreneurs, to showcase cultural heritage, and to foster economic empowerment in our vibrant community.

What to Expect:

• Special Offers & Featured Menus: From August 10 – 17, 2025, participating restaurants, food carts, and caterers will offer unique menu items, special prix-fixe deals, and limited-time BRW Specials – from soulful comfort food to Afro‑Caribbean fusion cuisine. 
• People’s Choice Voting: Throughout the week, the public can cast votes throughout the week at https://bit.ly/25VOTEMBRW for favorites in categories like restaurant, food truck, dessert, and more.
• $5 Food Taste Jamboree Kickoff: Ribbon Cutting: In honor of the Madison Black Restaurant Week’s ten-year anniversary, the event will open a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local dignitaries and community leaders at Warner Park on Sunday, August 10, 2025 from 1:30 – 2 PM. After the ribbon-cutting, from 2 – 6 PM, attendees can sample small $5 plates from top Black-owned caterers, food carts, restaurants, and producers. A curated marketplace of non-food vendors and community resource partners will also be featured.
• Community Events: In addition to the $5 Food Taste Jamboree, look forward to other pop-up markets and food-related events throughout the week, including:
  • Heirloom Collard Greens Tasting Network Mixer, on the 4^th Floor of the Black Business Hub from 5 – 7 PM on Thursday, August 14, 2025;
  • Farm‑to‑Table Soul Food Brunch Fundraiser at the Madison Labor Temple from 1 – 3 PM on Sunday, August 17, 2025 to close the week;
  • Amateur Dessert Competition Network Mixer announcing the Madison Black Restaurant Week Winners at the 4^th Floor Rooftop Terrace of US Bank Plaza, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 5:30 – 7:30 PM.  

Quotes from Leadership:
“Black Restaurant Week has proven to be a vital campaign that boosts visibility, drives economic impact, and connects Black-owned culinary businesses with new customers, partners, and media opportunities,” said Camille Carter, President & CEO of the Madison Black Chamber.

About the Chamber:
With over 700 member businesses, the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit member organization that empowers businesses through education, advocacy, promotion, and community building throughout South Central Wisconsin.

For the full event schedule, the list of participating venues, or to purchase $25 Madison Black Restaurant Week gift certificates and $5 Food Taste Jamboree tickets, visit https://mbrw.madisonblackchamber.com

Social media updates available at https://www.facebook.com/MBCofC and https://instagram.com/madisonbcc, #MBRW2025