More MMSD Students Taking, Passing AP Courses Than Ever

MADISON, Wis.—Students across the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) achieved record levels of success on Advanced Placement (AP) exams this year, reflecting steady growth in both participation and performance.

This spring, 2,043 MMSD high schoolers completed a total of 4,521 AP exams, reflecting a 10.7% rise in student participation and an 18.9% increase in total exams taken over the previous year. Even more impressive: 80.2% of students scored a 3 or higher, up from 76% the year before. The average exam score also climbed from 3.40 to 3.54, out of a maximum score of 5.

“These are the strongest AP results we’ve seen to date, and they’re evidence of what’s possible when high expectations are paired with high levels of support,” said Tim Peterson, MMSD’s director of assessment. “Our students are continuing to take on academic challenges, and they’re delivering. That speaks volumes about their drive to achieve, as well the commitment of MMSD teachers and school leaders to their success.”

AP courses are designed to reflect the rigor of introductory college classes. Students who score a 3 or higher may earn college credit or advanced standing, depending on the policies of the colleges they attend. Participation alone has also been linked to improved postsecondary enrollment and persistence.

The sustained upward trends are the result of both student effort and years of intentional work to expand access across the district’s comprehensive high schools.

“More students are seeing AP as an option that belongs to them,” Peterson added. “We’ve invested in outreach, academic coaching and AVID, and it’s making a difference. Our educators have built a foundation that allows students from all backgrounds to succeed in these courses.”

MMSD offers a wide range of AP classes across its high schools, covering subjects in math, science, English, history and music theory, among others. The district has also partnered with schools to remove barriers to entry and to ensure that historically underrepresented students are supported throughout their AP experience.

Families interested in learning more about Advanced Placement offerings are encouraged to review course catalogs on their high school’s website or speak with their 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.

Mead & Hunt Announces Brian Till as Greenhouse Gas Reduction Group Leader

Mead & Hunt has announced that Brian Till is the company’s new Greenhouse Gas Reduction Group Leader, following the retirement of longtime leader Tom Bachman.

“We’re excited for what lies ahead,” said Amy Squitieri, Mead & Hunt’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer-elect. “Brian’s vision and leadership will be instrumental in shaping a more sustainable future for our clients and communities.”

Till brings extensive technical expertise and leadership to this pivotal role. He has led multidisciplinary teams in delivering engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) solutions across the renewable energy, wastewater, and water treatment sectors. His strategic vision and client-focused approach have consistently driven innovation and efficiency in complex infrastructure projects.

Bachman, a longtime colleague of Till’s, shared his confidence in the transition. “Few people can match Brian’s technical expertise, work ethic, and organizational skills. Having worked closely with him for the past 25 years, I can attest to his commitment to renewable energy solutions—not only in the greenhouse gas reduction market but also in wastewater treatment.”

Till’s leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement. As GHGR Group Leader, he aims to expand the group’s impact by advancing cutting-edge energy projects and mentoring the next generation of industry leaders. His thoughtful, practical approach to challenges and innovative solutions will help guide the team toward further market growth, providing turnkey EPC solutions that streamline delivery and maximize value for energy developers, manufacturers, municipalities, and other partners.

Mead & Hunt is a national, full-service engineering, architectural, planning, and construction services firm that has been serving clients for 125 years. Since its founding, Mead & Hunt has grown significantly in

size and diversity. Today, the firm employs more than 1,400 people and works in a variety of markets, including federal, state and local governments, cultural resources, transportation, aviation, food and beverage, private, renewable energy, and water.

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Fall Athletics Season Kicks Off for MMSD Student-Athletes

MADISON, Wis.—Student-athletes across the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) will take to the fields, courts and courses starting today—Tuesday, Aug. 5—marking the beginning of the 2025 fall high school athletics season. Practices for football, cheer and pom open first, with additional sports launching over the next two weeks. The season ushers in a period of teamwork, community pride and academic growth for hundreds of students.

Key start dates include:

• Aug. 5 – Football, Cheer, Pom
• Aug. 11 – Girls Golf
• Aug. 12 – Girls Swim, Girls Tennis
• Aug. 18 – Boys and Girls Cross Country, Boys and Girls Volleyball, Boys Soccer

“Our student-athletes continue to impress us not just with their athletic talent, but with their dedication, leadership and impact on our school communities,” said Jeremy Schlitz, MMSD’s athletics director. “Fall sports are more than a tradition in Madison; they’re an essential part of how we build relationships, resilience and a sense of belonging for our students.”

Participation in high school athletics has long been linked to positive academic outcomes. Research from the National Federation of State High School Associations and the Journal of School Health shows that students who participate in school sports tend to have higher GPAs, better attendance and stronger graduation rates than their non-athlete peers. Athletics also foster time management, goal setting and social connection, skills that extend well beyond the season.

“Sports provide an unparalleled opportunity for students to grow in confidence, in character and in connection with their school,” Schlitz added. “Whether they’re suiting up for varsity or trying something new at another level, we want every student to feel like they have a place in our programs.”

To participate, students must have a valid sports physical on file. MMSD is offering free physical clinics at its four comprehensive high schools in August. Students should contact their school’s athletic office to schedule an appointment.

Free Physical Clinics:

• Aug. 6 – East
• Aug. 7 & 8 – La Follette
• Aug. 18 – West
• Aug. 19 – Memorial
• Aug. 20 – East
• Aug. 21 & 22 – La Follette

This year, many MMSD athletes will also compete and train in newly upgraded facilities brought online last year following the district’s 2020 capital referendum. Renovations across all four comprehensive high schools included turf fields, tracks, tennis courts, gymnasiums and enhanced training spaces, part of MMSD’s commitment to safe, equitable and high-quality athletic environments.

“Our goal is to ensure every student has access to modern spaces that support physical activity, teamwork and excellence,” Schlitz said. “The community’s investment in these facilities is an investment in our students, and we’re proud to see it paying off.”

Families and fans can find eligibility information, links to team schedules and updates by visiting the Athletics page 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.

QTI’s 2026 HR Trends Survey Now Open

For over 15 years, QTI has surveyed businesses and organizations across Wisconsin to create a unique, localized picture of Wisconsin’s evolving HR landscape. QTI’s 2026 HR Trends Survey covers topics such as talent attraction, total rewards, the future of work, AI, and more.

The QTI Group invites you to participate in the survey and lend your unique perspective and insights into key HR topics, helping your organization and others make informed decisions as you look towards 2026.

It is anticipated that the survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.  All individual participant responses will be kept confidential and participants will receive an aggregate question-by-question summary of survey results.

• Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QTIHRTRENDS2026
• Survey Deadline: August 22, 2025

QTI will share key findings and the top HR challenges for 2026 in an exclusive webinar on October 28, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. You can preregister for the event at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ci5SEf7IRaaYwygglZ9TTA.

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact QTI’s Senior Marketing Director, Jill Dohnal, at jill.dohnal@qtigroup.com or 608.257.1057.

Online Enrollment for 2025–26 MMSD School Year Opens August 6

MADISON, Wis.—Online enrollment for the Madison Metropolitan School District’s (MMSD) 2025–26 school year opens Wednesday, Aug. 6. Families enrolling for the first time or updating information for returning students may complete the process through MMSD’s online enrollment platform.

The enrollment page of the MMSD site provides families with detailed information about required documentation, language support services and school assignment and transportation. Whether registering a kindergartener for the first time or updating information for a returning student, families will find the tools they need to prepare for the start of the academic year.

Families with students already enrolled in MMSD should verify or update their information by completing the online enrollment application (without having to create a new account). New-to-MMSD families will be guided through creating an account and uploading key paperwork and should also review the enrollment checklist to ensure they have the necessary verification documents ready before submitting an online application or meeting with school staff. Enrollment staff are available to assist by phone (608-663-4957), in person or through language-specific support as needed.

“Online enrollment helps us better prepare for each student’s arrival, academically, socially and logistically,” said Dr. Carlettra Stanford, MMSD assistant superintendent of schools and learning. “It also allows us to more seamlessly coordinate essential systems such as transportation, staffing and academic programming, clearing the way for a smooth transition to the school year for our families.” 

The 2025–26 school year begins Tuesday, Sept. 2 for four-year-old (4K) and five-year old kindergarten, grade 6, grade 9 and early childhood students; all other students start Wednesday. Sept. 3.

For more information, FAQs, and step-by-step enrollment instructions, families should visit www.madison.k12.wi.us/registration-enrollment.

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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.