MMSD Announces Dr. Keona S. Jones as Senior Executive Director of Schools and Learning

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has hired Dr. Keona S. Jones as its new Senior Executive Director of Schools and Learning, bringing nearly three decades of experience as an educator, administrator and statewide leader to the role.

Jones most recently served as the Assistant State Superintendent for the Division for Student and School Success at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. First appointed in 2019 and reappointed in 2021, she oversaw statewide efforts related to educational accountability, Title I programs, the Wisconsin Urban Leadership Institute and federal Education Stabilization Funds.

Her career includes more than 28 years of service in public, private and higher education settings. Jones has been a special education teacher, assistant principal, principal, early childhood education director, executive director, consultant, district administrator and adjunct lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. She has also supported doctoral candidates as a dissertation advisor at Alverno College. She was named Administrator of the Year by the Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted for her leadership and commitment to student success.

“Dr. Jones brings a deep understanding of instructional excellence, student and staff supports, and the systems that help schools and students thrive,” said Dr. Carlettra Stanford, assistant superintendent of schools and learning. “Her experience positions her well to advance our strategic priorities and strengthen the structures that support our school communities. We are excited to welcome her to MMSD.”

Dr. Jones said she is excited to join the district and to continue her commitment to serving students, families and educators.

“I am honored to join MMSD and to partner with school communities that are deeply invested in student learning,” Jones said. “Throughout my career, I have believed in the power of strong relationships, equitable access and high expectations. I look forward to supporting leaders and teachers as we work together to ensure every student is known, challenged and supported.”

Jones earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. She holds a master’s degree in educational leadership with curriculum and instruction and a doctoral degree in leadership, learning and service, both from Cardinal Stritch University.

For a complete listing of all available career opportunities with MMSD, please visit the district’s job portal.

###

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.

East High School Counselor Honored with Inaugural AVID Global Achievement Award

MADISON, Wis.—Sarah Elmore of the Madison Metropolitan School District’s (MMSD) East High School has been selected as an inaugural recipient of AVID’s Global Achievement Award – Counselor of the Year, a national honor recognizing educators who exemplify AVID’s mission of believing in students and preparing them for college, career and life.

As East High’s AVID counselor, Elmore blends a global perspective with deep care for students. Her background as both a teacher and counselor allows her to support students holistically, helping them build confidence, develop strong academic habits and navigate their paths to graduation and beyond.

“Sarah is an extraordinary advocate for students,” said Patrice Haste, East High School principal. “She believes in their potential, pushes them to challenge themselves and celebrates every step of their growth. Her impact on our school community is tremendous, and we are incredibly proud to see her recognized at the national level.”

At East, Elmore creates supportive structures to help students succeed in rigorous courses and prepare for college and career success.

“Sarah’s work shows exactly why AVID matters,” said Mary Jankovich, MMSD executive director of college, career and community readiness. “She helps students build the skills, confidence and vision they need for life after high school, and she does it with such heart. This award reflects the difference she makes every day.”

AVID, short for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a college and career readiness system used in school districts across the country. The program provides students with academic support, structured skill-building and a strong network of adult advocates, helping them succeed in advanced coursework and prepare for postsecondary opportunities.

Elmore was honored Dec. 11 during AVID’s Global Achievement Awards ceremony at the AVID National Conference in San Diego. Launched in celebration of AVID’s 45th anniversary, the awards highlight educators who turn high expectations into meaningful outcomes and who consistently help students see what is possible for their futures. Elmore’s recognition places East High and MMSD among the first recipients of AVID’s new Global Achievement Awards, celebrating educators who demonstrate unwavering belief in students and act on that belief in transformative ways.

For more information about AVID in MMSD, please visit the district’s website.

###

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.

Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District featured in Business View Magazine

We are excited to announce that the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District has been recently featured in Business View Magazine.

The Feature is based on an interview between Superintendent, Dr. Dana Monogue and Business View Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Karen Surca as part of our series covering economic growth and best city practices.

Business View Magazine is a global leader in multi‐platform Business to Business profiles, news and opinion with over 840,000 executive subscribers across North America. To learn more and view a current issue, please visit our website at www.businessviewmagazine.com.

Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District | Business View Magazine

Application Window Open for MMSD’s Early College Academies

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is now accepting applications for its Early College Academies, a set of tuition-free dual-enrollment programs offered in partnership with Madison College that allow students to earn high school and college credit at the same time. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 29.

“These pathways are designed to meet students where they are and help them see what’s possible,” Mary Jankovich, MMSD executive director of career, community and college readiness said. “When students participate in Early College Academies, they gain confidence, earn valuable credits and build a strong foundation for whatever they choose next.”

The academies provide students hands-on experience, industry-relevant coursework and a head start on postsecondary education. Each academy includes dedicated support, small cohorts and real-world learning opportunities tied to high-demand career areas.

“Young people in the Early College Academies prove what is possible when they are given access, support, and the chance to earn college credit tuition-free,” said Tina Ahedo, Madison College Vice President of Student Success Pathways. “Their accomplishments inspire us, and we’re eager to see even more students step into these programs and build on this growing legacy of success.”

Since their inception in 2018, the Early College Academies have welcomed more than 700 MMSD students, helping them graduate with not only the lived experience of having taken part in college-level coursework in an actual college environment, but also with credits that they have been able to apply toward their post-secondary careers.

All academies operate on a cohort model; virtual information sessions will be held on Dec. 10 and Jan. 15.

• STEM Academy: Open to students who apply in their sophomore year for enrollment during their junior and senior years. The academy focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics and gives students access to lab-based coursework and college-level STEM experiences.
  
• Education Academy: Open to students who apply in their junior year for their senior-year participation. Students explore careers in education, gain early teaching experience and complete coursework that supports future studies in the field.
  
• Networking and Cybersecurity Academy: Open to students applying in their junior year. This academy introduces students to IT systems, security fundamentals and hands-on technical skills aligned with a fast-growing sector.
  
• Biotechnology Academy: Open to students applying in their junior year. Students participate in lab-based biotechnology coursework and explore pathways in biomedical research, lab sciences and related careers.
  
• Running Start – Personalized Academy: Open to students applying in their junior year. Running Start allows students to enroll full-time at Madison College during their senior year and earn up to a full year of transferable college credit.

“Early College Academies provide students with the opportunity to engage in college-level learning, develop essential real-world skills and begin mapping their paths toward high-demand careers—all before they graduate from high school,” said Schauna Rasmussen, Madison College Dean of Early College and Workforce Strategy. “This opportunity is exactly the kind of access and momentum we want for every learner who aspires to lead a fulfilled life.”

For more information on Early College Academies, including application links and details about upcoming information sessions, visit MMSD’s Early College Opportunities webpage.

###

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.

Read(y) to Wear designer outfits now on display at Dane County Regional Airport

A display of 20 unique creations from each year of Read(y) to Wear, Madison Reading Project’s preeminent paper fashion design competition supporting local literacy, is now enlivening Dane County Regional Airport’s Art Court.

Until mid-June, the detailed and handmade paper clothing designed by local teams of individuals, students, businesses, artists, and nonprofits is showcased for viewing for all travelers and visitors to the airport. The designs highlight some of the best creativity from the eight years the local nonprofit has produced the annual fashion design show.

Paula Panczenko and Andreé Valley curated the exhibit. Travelers, fashion, and art lovers can get a sneak peek at what’s in store at the 2026 event. “This nonprofit has blown me away at every level,” says Panczenko. “This fundraiser is not just a show using fabrics, every costume must be made of 90% paper. The results are breathtaking and unbelievably imaginative!” 

“The hours of design and fabrication time to make wearable paper fashion are not overlooked,” says Rowan Childs, the nonprofit’s co-executive director and founder. “Not only does it need to look good, but it needs to hold together while the model wears it all night, walking the stage and strutting on the catwalk. The airport display allows many more people to see unique, local creativity and learn about our nonprofit work and mission.” 

With a nod to the reality TV show “Project Runway,” Read(y) to Wear incorporates original designs made from all kinds of paper materials, conforming to a literacy theme. The 2025 theme was Legend and Fairy Tales; the 2026 theme will be announced in January. The volunteer hours for the nonprofit show are donated to Madison Reading Project through a team’s design time and the day of the event, creating a unique, one-of-a-kind fundraiser. 

“This year, we had a sell-out crowd of more than 500 attend Read(y) to Wear,” Childs adds. “The 2026 fashion show/literacy fundraiser is June 11 at The Sylvee. We appreciate the spirit and enthusiasm of our contestants as this wonderful event couldn’t happen without them.”

“In early spring, design sign-ups begin,” Childs adds. “Anyone can put a design team together and join the competition. At showtime, each team competes in front of the audience and a panel of local celebrity judges, who vote to select the winners. All proceeds go to Madison Reading Project to further our mission of providing free books to area kids and literacy support.”

Since 2014, Madison Reading Project has worked with children, families, and educators and  engaged annually with more than 250 area partners, connecting the community with free, new books and literacy resources to ignite a love for reading and affirm and reflect the diversity of young readers. With multiple programs in order to reach many children, families, and educators, the nonprofit has given more than 885,000 books to communities across greater Dane County and in working with Dolly Parton Imagination Library program an additional 155,000 per year since 2022.

 More info at madisonreadingproject.com/readytowear2025