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.

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.

Nominations open for In Business Madison’s Health Care Heroes awards program

In Business Madison is accepting nominations for Health Care Heroes, an awards program that will be held in conjunction with this year’s IB Health Care Summit in October.

Health Care Heroes will recognize a variety of health professionals who have provided exemplary services to patients in Wisconsin’s Capital Region. Award nominations are open through Sept. 4.

The summit, returning for its second year, will be held at the Best Western Premier Park Hotel at 22 S. Carroll St. in Madison Oct. 2 from 9 a.m.-noon. Additional event information will be released soon.