MMSD Phase 1 Referendum Projects Honored as Dane County Climate Champions

MADISON, Wis.—Two Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) referendum projects—Samuel Gompers Elementary/Black Hawk Middle schools, and Sherman Middle/Malcolm Shabazz City High schools—have earned 2025 Dane County Climate Champion awards, receiving four-star recognition in the Building Design category. The awards highlight MMSD’s commitment to building sustainable, energy-efficient learning environments for students and staff.

The two projects are part of Phase 1 of MMSD’s voter-approved 2024 facilities referendum and reflect the district’s focus on modernizing schools while reducing environmental impact. In addition to supporting 21st Century programming, teaching and learning, each is being designed with high-performance energy standards, efficient mechanical systems and building envelopes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

“This recognition reinforces that our referendum projects are not only addressing critical facility needs, but also leading the way in sustainable school design,” said Scott Chehak, MMSD’s senior executive director of building services. “By integrating efficiency and sustainability into every stage of planning, we’re ensuring our schools are healthier, more comfortable and more cost-effective to operate for years to come.”

The Climate Champion awards are presented annually by Dane County’s Office of Energy and Climate Change to organizations that make measurable progress toward the goals of the county’s Climate Action Plan. MMSD joins a diverse group of businesses, nonprofits and public entities recognized for reducing emissions and promoting sustainable practices.

Bryanna Krekeler, MMSD’s sustainability manager, said the honor reflects a strong partnership between school leaders, project team members and community stakeholders. “We are proud to see our projects recognized at this level,” Krekeler said. “Our work demonstrates what’s possible when school districts take bold steps to align educational spaces with climate responsibility. These buildings are a model for what sustainable learning environments can and should be.”

The referendum projects also aim to serve as a teaching tool for students, providing real-world examples of climate solutions in action. Energy-efficient design, renewable-ready infrastructure and improved indoor air quality will create healthier environments while inspiring students to think critically about sustainability in their own lives.

MMSD leaders emphasized that the recognition is both a milestone and a motivator. “The Climate Champion awards validate our efforts so far, but also remind us of the responsibility we carry,” Chehak said. “We will continue to innovate and push for even greater efficiency and sustainability as we plan future projects.”

For information regarding 2024 referendum work, please visit 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.

MMSD Launches “Building for the Future” Boundary Review

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has launched “Building for the Future,” a comprehensive two-year review of the district’s boundary and school attendance areas. This plan, which is being undertaken in consultation with MGT, a nationally recognized firm specializing in enrollment and boundary studies, will take place between 2025 and 2027.

The review will: 

• Assess current school attendance areas and MMSD’s district boundary.
• Establish attendance areas where development is occurring in areas near land owned by MMSD
• Evaluate current programs and choices to ensure MMSD schools remain responsive to the needs of the city’s rapidly changing community. 

Madison is projected to gain more than 100,000 residents by 2050, making this process a critical step in ensuring every student has access to equitable, well-rounded educational opportunities.

“Our attendance areas shape everything from enrollment and programming to how we distribute resources equitably across our schools,” said Cindy Green, MMSD’s assistant superintendent of strategy and innovation. “Building for the Future allows us to be proactive in planning for growth while honoring what families value in their child’s educational experience.”

Community engagement will be central throughout the process. MMSD will host public forums and share regular updates to ensure transparency and collaboration. The district has also created an open-to-the-community survey that seeks to gather respondents’ insights, to help inform the overall process.

“Families, staff and community members will play an essential role in this process,” Green added. “We are committed to listening carefully and working together to design attendance areas that reflect Madison’s growth while supporting inclusive, thriving schools across every area of our city.”

The review will also consider how MMSD’s land holdings, including two plots at Acacia Ridge and Sprecher Road that collectively total 29 acres, might support future schools or programming as Madison grows.

More information, including an interactive attendance area map and details on upcoming community sessions, is available on MMSD’s website. Community members and district stakeholders are invited to ask questions and share feedback via MMSD’s Let’s Talk platform.

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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.

In Business Magazine Seeking Nominations for Business of the Year

In Business Madison is honoring organizations that have shown outstanding performance and made a positive impact on Wisconsin’s Capital Region at the 3rd annual Business of the Year Awards! 

IB Madison is seeking companies and individuals demonstrating exceptional performance and growth, innovation, positive community impact, outstanding customer service, and strong workplace culture in the following categories:

• Business of the Year – Small (1-50 employees)
• Business of the Year – Medium (51-100 employees)
• Business of the Year – Large (101+ employees)
• Charitable Nonprofit Business of the Year
• Executive of the Year
• Family Business of the Year

Submit a Nomination

All finalists will be honored at an awards dinner on December 11 at Monona Terrace.

Everlight Solar Hosting Community Blood Drive

Everlight Solar is proud to partner with the American Red Cross to host a community blood drive. Donating blood is a simple act that can help save up to three lives. We invite all eligible donors to join us in making a life-saving impact.

Click Here to schedule your appointment today!

A standard blood donation takes about one hour and Power Red donations take approximately 1.5 hours. See below for additional details.

Blood Drive Details:

Date: Monday, September 29, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Location:

Everlight Solar

1155 Ambition St, Suite 100

Verona, WI 53593

Per Mar Security Services Launches New Website

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Per Mar Security is proud to announce the launch of its redesigned website, a step forward in its commitment to leveraging technology for a seamless customer experience. The new platform, found at the same website address, permarsecurity.com, offers an intuitive interface optimized for all devices.

Designed with a user-first approach, the updated site makes it easier for both potential and current customers to find the information and support they need efficiently. The new homepage now features a security quiz to help site visitors make an informed decision about their security needs, whether for their home and/or business.

In addition, the support page is now streamlined to prioritize items that visitors engage with the most. Users have quick access to guides, manuals, and YouTube videos for equipment, as well as account management tools.

Brian Duffy, Chief Executive Officer of Per Mar, commented on the launch: “We’re excited for the launch of our new website. The site was designed for an improved user experience, so customers have easy access to self-service tools and resources to find the support and information they need.”

Beyond services and support, the new website provides insight into Per Mar’s 70+ years of history, offers information on career opportunities, and features the latest company news and valuable safety tips for both homes and businesses.

About Per Mar Security Services

Established in 1953, Per Mar Security Services is the largest, family-owned, full-service security company in the Midwest with more than 3,000 team members, operating in 27 branch locations. The company provides full-service security solutions for homes and businesses including live video monitoring, security officer services, smart home automation, burglar and fire alarms, access control, security cameras, alarm monitoring, investigative services and background checks. For more information about Per Mar Security Services, please visit permarsecurity.com.