MMSD Statement on State Budget Agreement

MADISON, Wis. (July 1, 2025)—The bipartisan state budget agreement, described as “pro-kid,” shows a strong commitment to Wisconsin’s early childhood learners, K-12 students and college scholars in public schools and institutions of higher education. The district anticipates an increase of approximately $12 million. The proposed budget establishes the highest reimbursement rate in 30 years and a larger increase for special education than the combined increases in the last three state budgets.

“We’re grateful to the legislators and advocates who supported this historic increase in reimbursement for special education funding,” said Dr. Joe Gothard, Superintendent. 

In addition, approximately $1.4 billion in spendable revenue is slated for K-12 public schools and funding for comprehensive school-based mental health services was doubled to $30 million, building on the “Get Kids Ahead.” However, no increase in general aid is expected. Madison is estimated to see a decrease in general aid of nearly $12 million as compared to last year, which will result in a $12 million increase in property taxes.

“We also want to thank our community for voting yes to the November referenda,” Gothard said. “Without the support of the referenda, MMSD’s budget would need to be significantly reduced, even with the state aid increase.”

The additional funding made possible through increased special education reimbursement enables MMSD to plan strategically to help close the gaps for all students. Additionally,  MMSD can maximize resources to ensure it can sustain programs, practices, and staffing for lasting, positive impacts. Furthermore, MMSD will not need to rely on one-time funds to balance its 2025-2026 budget. 

Although the increase in special education reimbursement represents a positive step forward, considerable work is required to ensure adequate funding for public schools. For example, public school districts statewide had originally advocated for a 90% special education reimbursement rate. Even with this increase, MMSD faces a $64 million shortfall for the upcoming school year. 

“Stable, ongoing funding is critical not only for our students, but students across the state,” Gothard said. “It’s an investment in the long-term sustainability of public education in Wisconsin.” 

Gothard added, “As always we center our work on our students. MMSD remains committed to investing in early learning, literacy, multilingual education, mental health supports and the well-rounded opportunities every child deserves.”

MMSD, along with districts throughout the state, has long been facing significant funding gaps in special education reimbursement. Last year, the gap was $64.8 million, and it was most recently expected to be $76 million. 

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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 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.

New Name, Same Mission

Madison, Wis. (July 1, 2025) – Edgewood University proudly raised the new flag above campus for the first time at a brief ceremony this morning.

“In January of this year, we announced that Edgewood College will be renamed Edgewood University. That day has now arrived,” President Manion, said. “The change comes about as we approach our centennial year, and as we continue to expand the reach of our mission as a Catholic institution of higher education in the Dominican tradition.”

The President spoke to an energized group of students, faculty, staff, and several Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa – the sponsoring order of Edgewood University.

Edgewood University has been effectively operating as a university since 1986, when Master of Science and Master of Arts degrees including Business Administration, Education, and Religious Studies were added to the academic portfolio. In 2001, the Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership was added. Since that time, the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and the Doctor of Business Administration have been added. The newest doctoral programs, the Doctor of Occupational Therapy, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Anesthesia, will welcome their first cohorts of students in Fall 2025.

Institutional partnerships and strategic use of technology are fueling significant enrollment growth. As of 2025, Edgewood University is now home to more than 1,300 graduate students from the U.S. and 37 other countries.

About Edgewood University
Located in Madison, Wis., Edgewood University is a comprehensive, Catholic university in the Dominican tradition. We serve approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Edgewood University offers more than 40 academic and professional programs, including master’s degrees in business, education, and nursing, and doctoral degrees in educational leadership, nursing practice, and business administration. Edgewood University is a member of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the National Collegiate Athletics Association and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information about Edgewood University, please visit www.edgewood.edu, or call Ed Taylor at 608-663-2333.

‘Stretched Thin’: A Brady Nichols Artist Talk/Demo

Carnelian Art Gallery has partnered with its downtown Madison neighbor and restaurant Lucille to bring you an unforgettable night of networking, creativity, and education about the process of relief printing and a local artist who fled a traumatic upbringing in favor of a better life.

From 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, you’ll be able to enjoy lovely refreshments from Lucille, as well as Carnelian Art Gallery’s collection of fine art.

The event is at the gallery, which is located at 221 King St. in Suite 102. Registration is required. There is no cost to attend the affair. You’ll be able to purchase food, beverages, and spirits, courtesy of Lucille.

Starting at 6 p.m., Madison artist and author Brady Nichols will deliver an artist talk regarding his book, “Stretched Thin,” which is a tale about his brother, as well as their respective comeuppances, which were violent. The brothers reflect on the different directions they took in their lives in the wake of profound turmoil.

“It was a very chaotic childhood where I was able to escape and go to college,” said Nichols. “He spent 18 years in prison.”

Nichols, in his talk, will also discuss six of his artworks that will be on display throughout the course of the event, as well as his years as a teacher and his artistic origin story.

He creates his pieces using a method called relief printing, a process where an image is created by cutting away parts of a surface and inking the raised areas, then transferring the ink to paper. Expect intricate, black and white images of birds, landscapes, and other things.

“I have been creating linoleum relief prints the last few years,” Nichols said. “Some of the pieces are illustrations related to my book, Stretched Thin; others are more investigative.

“I have always been invested in exploring such human conditions as isolation, using personal imagery, animals and natural structures as symbols. I enjoy weaving these things together in order to create a rich narrative.”

After the talk, which is set to last about 20 minutes, Nichols will do a live demonstration of the relief printing process, which is set to last until about 7-7:30 p.m. After the demonstration concludes, he will take questions from the audience.

Questions? Email marketing director, Emilie Heidemann, at carnelianartgallerymarketing@gmail.com.

Tee Up for a Cause at the 21st Annual Fore Friends Golf Outing!

Get ready for a fantastic day of golf and giving back! 

Join the Friends of MSCR on Wednesday, July 23, at The Oaks Golf Course for our 21st Annual Fore Friends Golf Outing.

This isn’t just your average day on the green – it’s an opportunity to support vital public recreation programs right here in Madison. Since 2003, Friends of MSCR has raised more than $640,000, funding everything from bringing free arts programs to community centers to a multitude of exciting afterschool clubs for grades K-12.

Grab Foursome and Register!

The scramble format makes it perfect for golfers of every level, from seasoned pros to those just starting out. A foursome includes 4 golfer registration includes: 18 holes, cart, lunch and a golfer gift. Learn more and register! The outing has plenty of fun games on the course.

Become a Valued Sponsor

The annual golf outing wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our local community sponsors. By sponsoring this event, sponsors are not only making a difference in public recreation but also showcasing your company to a great audience. Visit the event page for details on sponsorship levels and their benefits.

For any questions about sponsorships or to contribute gift cards or prizes, please reach out to Martha at mlhutchinson@madison.k12.wi.us or call 608-204-3045. 

Friends of MSCR are making a difference one swing at a time!

Learn more and Register

Friends of MSCR is a non-profit organization, providing financial support to Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) programs and services. MSCR’s proud history of service began in 1926, and Friends of MSCR is committed to ensuring that MSCR public recreation programs remain accessible and affordable.

REAP Food Group’s “Collard Fest” happening July 8

Join us Tuesday, July 8 from 6–9 PM at Olbrich Gardens for Collard Fest—a free community celebration of food, culture, and connection. Enjoy West African and Caribbean cuisine prepared by local chefs, explore a farm stand with fresh veggies from Firm Footing Farm, and experience an evening of storytelling, music, and garden learning.

6:00–8:30 PM
• Food Vendors: Enjoy collard greens and other dishes rooted in African diaspora foodways from Traderoots (Chef Yusuf Bin-Rella & REAP), Rasta Barista, and Woo’s Food to the Soul.
• Farm Stand: Stock up on fresh produce from Firm Footing Farm, a space cultivating equity and experimentation in agriculture.
• Discovery Cart & Companion Plantings: Learn how collards grow alongside celosia and calendula, and see how Olbrich’s Herb Garden is tracking pollinator activity.

6:30–7:00 PM
• Storytelling Pop-Up: Hosted by writer and educator Qwantese Winters, this storytelling session features first memories of collard greens shared by Vivian King and Charles Payne.

7:00–8:30 PM
• Live Music by Sinkane: Experience the genre-bending sounds of Sudanese-American artist Ahmed Gallab, fusing funk, Afro-beat, gospel, and soul in a joyful, high-energy concert.

Collard Fest is a vibrant gathering rooted in community, culture, and the shared nourishment of land and story. Reserve your free ticket at olbrich.org/calendar/collard-fest.