MMSD Advances Phase 1 Facilities Referendum Projects

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has entered the next phase of planning and design for its first major capital projects funded by the 2024 facilities referendum, Samuel Gompers Elementary School/Black Hawk Middle School and Sherman Middle School/Malcolm Shabazz City High School.

The schematic design phase for both campuses wrapped this summer, defining building layout and programmatic elements based on deep engagement with school staff and district leadership. The projects have since moved into design development, which is expected to run through the fall and is where details related to materials, systems and finishes will be further refined.

“These schools represent not just bricks and mortar, but a deeper investment in the future of Madison’s students, families and communities,” said Scott Chehak, MMSD’s senior executive director of building services. “We are proud to be moving forward in close partnership with our educators, community members and design teams to deliver learning environments in line with our values and our vision.”

The developing designs include secure, flexible learning spaces equipped with mobile technology, outdoor learning areas, and layout improvements that promote collaboration, accessibility and community use. Both projects are on track to break ground in March 2026.

Following are updated renderings for each of the schools: 

• Samuel Gompers Elementary School
• Black Hawk Middle School
• Sherman Middle School
• Malcolm Shabazz City High School

Extensive staff, student and community engagement was critically important in helping to shape the designs. Over the past six months, the project team has held 149 meetings totaling more than 300 hours with students, families and school staff. This comprised 38 core team meetings, 46 design team sessions, 42 programming discussions, and 23 targeted user input gatherings.

“We would not be at this point in the process without the thoughtful and consistent feedback we’ve received from those who know these schools best: the people who learn and work in them every day,” Chehak said. “Their voices have been instrumental in helping us to define the form that these projects will ultimately take.”

Further community engagement opportunities are scheduled to take place in September at both Phase 1 sites. Phase 2 work is set to start in September, with staff input sessions for Cherokee Heights marking the official kickoff of this next step in the process.

For more information and project updates, please visit the 2024 Facilities Referendum page of 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.

Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge campus marks 25 years of meeting needs in Madison

State, county and local leaders gathered at Oakwood Village’s Prairie Ridge campus on Wednesday, July 30 to mark a quarter century for this community that serves older adults.

In 2000, longtime local nonprofit Oakwood Village responded to growing demand with the launch of a new continuing care community, on an 18-acre site 10 miles east of downtown Madison. Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge has expanded in the years since, and now offers nearly 300 apartments, multiple stages of assisted living support, memory care, and skilled nursing. Residents also enjoy a gym, salon, outdoor spaces, a volunteer-run store, and multiple restaurants.

Dane County Executive Melissa Agard, Congressman Mark Pocan, and Madison Deputy Mayor Katie Crawley joined Oakwood leadership and residents for a joyful celebration in the campus’ Tree of Life Chapel. A highlight was the multiple residents in attendance who have lived at Prairie Ridge since its founding.

“Over the past quarter century, this campus has served as a cornerstone for countless families across Dane County,” Agard said. “… As County Executive, I’m especially grateful for partners like Oakwood Village, who share in our mission of building a Dane County where everyone can thrive.”

President and CEO Jan Hamilton-Crawford emphasized that Prairie Ridge is more than just buildings: It’s a living community of laughter, friendships, dedicated caregivers, and peaceful surroundings, a place where dignity and independence take center stage. The ceremony was a chance not just to reflect on the past, she said, but to renew a commitment to a future that prioritizes well-being and happiness.

“I am grateful today that our community, this greater Madison area, gets to have such a beautiful facility that continues to understand the needs of our community and the needs of the residents who come here,” Joy Mortensen-Wiebe, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America South Central Synod, said in a recorded message for those in attendance.

About Oakwood Village

Oakwood Village is a nonprofit, continuing care community with two campuses in Madison, Wisconsin. For over 75 years, this community has helped older adults lead lives of personal growth, happiness, health, and security.

Oak Bank Welcomes Starr Camacho as Deposit Operations Specialist

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank welcomes Starr Camacho as our newest Deposit Operations
Specialist. In this important role, Starr will support a wide range of banking operations that
ensure the efficiency and accuracy of Oak Bank’s internal systems and client services. From
managing account reconciliation and balancing activities within the bank’s core system to
assisting clients with electronic banking services, Starr’s attention to detail and drive for
excellence will make a meaningful impact on our operations.

Starr, a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, earned her degree in
Finance and brings with her a passion for both numbers and problem-solving. Originally from
Arena, Wisconsin, she is excited to begin her professional career with an organization known
for its strong community values and client-focused mission.

“I was immediately drawn to Oak Bank’s vision of being the best place to work and the
company that matters most to the community,” Starr shared. “It’s inspiring to be part of a team
that supports one another while also making a real difference for our clients.”

Cristie Hansen, VP Deposit Operations, expressed, “Starr brings a fresh perspective and a great
enthusiasm for learning. Her strong academic foundation in finance and eagerness to
contribute make her a great fit for our team. We’re excited to see the growth and innovation
she’ll bring to our operations.”

Outside of the office, Starr enjoys staying active and is an avid soccer fan. Whether she’s
playing a pickup game or cheering from the sidelines, she brings the same energy and focus to
the field as she does to her work.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Starr Camacho as she begins her journey with Oak
Bank!

About Oak Bank
Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for 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.

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BOSP Bancshares, Inc. to Acquire Banner Banks

New Organization to have Eight Locations in Six Wisconsin Communities

Birnamwood and Sun Prairie, Wis. — BOSP Bancshares, Inc., the holding company of Bank of Sun Prairie, Sun Prairie, Wis. and Banner Bancorp, Ltd. the holding company and sole shareholder of Banner Banks, Birnamwood, Wis., are pleased to announce they have entered into a definitive agreement where BOSP Bancshares, Inc. will acquire all of Banner Bancorp, Ltd.’s ownership interest in Banner Banks. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, has been unanimously approved by both the company’s and bank’s boards of directors and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025. Post-closing, it is anticipated that Banner Banks will be moved onto the Bank of Sun Prairie core system in the second quarter of 2026.

Following the future merger of the banks, the combined institution will have eight locations in six Wisconsin communities and total assets based on December 31, 2024, regulatory reporting of approximately $868 million. Jimmy Kauffman will serve as president and CEO and D. Shannon Blakley, president and CEO of Banner Banks, will continue to lend his expertise and provide guidance as a consultant. All Banner Banks’ employees will be offered continued employment with the combined institution.

“I look forward to welcoming our new colleagues and the customers of Banner Banks to our banking family and working with the entire Banner Banks’ team to bring the two banking organizations together as seamlessly as possible for the benefit of the bank’s customers and staff,” shared Jimmy Kauffman, president and CEO of Bank of Sun Prairie. “This is a great opportunity for Bank of Sun Prairie to diversify our balance sheet and expand our footprint. Alignment with another community bank with similar values and a long-standing track record in their community is a perfect fit for us,” added Kauffman.

D. Shannon Blakley, president and CEO of Banner Banks agrees, “We were looking for another community bank to partner with that has a dedicated commitment to serving their communities and deeply values their customers and employees, we believe we have found such a partner in Bank of Sun Prairie! We are also excited to know our customers will soon have access to new technologies, expanded loan products and enhanced deposit capabilities‒well beyond what we offer today.” He continued, “We’ll also have access to a wider range of agricultural customers as we expand into all the markets the bank will operate in.”

About Banner Banks. Banner Banks is a full-service community bank which was founded in 1900 and chartered in 1903. Through the operation of four bank office locations in the communities of Birnamwood, Hatley, Antigo and Wittenberg, Wisconsin, the bank offers an array of traditional loan and deposit products and maintains an agricultural loan specialty. As of Dec. 31, 2024, the bank had $126 million in assets and 23 full-time equivalent employees. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

About Bank of Sun Prairie. Bank of Sun Prairie was founded in 1897 and also chartered in 1903. The bank is a full-service community bank and presently operates three office locations and a Financial Literacy Outlet inside Sun Prairie West High School, in the communities of Sun Prairie and Cottage Grove, Wisconsin. In addition to offering a full suite of lending and deposit products, the bank also provides wealth management, trust services and expanded business solutions. As of Dec. 31, 2024, the bank had assets of $742 million and 99 full-time equivalent employees. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

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Dale Lewis Joins Boldt as Director of Data Centers

The Boldt Company is proud to announce the appointment of Dale Lewis as Director of Data Centers, a strategic leadership role focused on driving project development and expanding Boldt’s presence in this dynamic sector.

Dale joins Boldt from Microsoft, where he served as Director of Construction for the company’s Milwaukee (MKE) campus. In that role, he led complex mission-critical projects, overseeing the delivery of cutting-edge infrastructure to support Microsoft’s growing data and technology needs. His leadership and expertise in managing high-stakes, technically demanding projects make him a valuable addition to the Boldt team.

“Dale offers extensive expertise and a thorough understanding of the market,” stated John Huggett, Vice President at Boldt. “His familiarity with Boldt’s strengths and culture, coupled with his experience on the owner’s side, positions him to align our strategic vision with client needs effectively. Dale will undoubtedly be a significant asset as we continue to grow in the Data Center sector.”

As Director, Dale will lead data center business development efforts across the company and identify partnerships with owners and trade partners to drive value by guiding operational approaches to achieve client goals. Additionally, he will oversee preconstruction services and ensure project teams are set up for success from the outset.

With a keen eye on market trends, delivery models, and client expectations, Dale’s leadership will be instrumental in advancing Boldt’s focus to deliver innovative, reliable, and client-focused solutions in the mission-critical and industrial space.