Access Board Meetings Online: Community members can stay informed by watching every board meeting on our YouTube channel, MCPASD TV. In the recap below, we have provided timestamps for the various sections of the meeting. These will help you follow along and jump directly to the parts of the video that interest you the most.
3:23 -The Board of Education meeting began with the Superintendent's Report. Dr. Dana Monogue extended her congratulations to the boys' soccer and volleyball teams for reaching their respective state tournaments this week. Go Cards! Be sure to check out the athletics website for more information!
She announced the upcoming fall musical production, "Beauty and the Beast," scheduled for November 14-17 at the Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available for purchase in advance via this link or at the door.
Dr. Monogue also invited the community to attend the Bloom event on November 14, sponsored by the Middleton Cross Plains Education Foundation. This event will be held at Blackhawk Country Club, with proceeds benefiting many of our programs.
5:25 - Summer School Report
K-8 Summer Academy Principal Brandon Tewalt, 9-12 Summer Program Principal Jennifer Zart, and Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Silvia Romero-Johnson presented their overview of the 2024 Summer Academy program, marking a significant transition point as the final year of ESSER funding support. The program, which operated at Kromrey Middle School for grades 1-8 and Middleton High School for grades 9-12, ran for six weeks from June 24 to August 1st. Operating on a four-day weekly schedule from Monday through Thursday, 8am to 12pm, the program included both breakfast and lunch services through the Summer Food Service Program.
The student selection process for grades 1-8 was carefully structured to target those most in need of additional support. Students were invited based on several key criteria, including Star Literacy scores, attendance rates, and participation in Tier 3 academic intervention. The selection process also took into consideration factors such as race/ethnicity, multilingual learners at English Proficiency Level #1, students with disabilities, and previous Summer Academy attendance.
The program maintained strong community partnerships, working collaboratively with the Middleton Recreation Department and Middleton Youth Center to enhance student engagement and learning opportunities. Throughout its implementation, the program remained focused on its core mission of developing early literacy skills and creating learning environments that foster a love of learning among students.
Looking ahead, the District is actively planning for the future of the program. With ESSER funding concluded, they are developing a three-year plan to continue programming under Act 20. For the high school level, there are plans to expand offerings beyond just credit recovery and to introduce additional enrichment opportunities. These forward-looking initiatives demonstrate the District's commitment to maintaining and enhancing their summer learning programs despite the funding transition.
48:09 - The Quarter 1 Strategy Map information was reviewed with the board, and Superintendent Dr. Dana Monogue provided progress information on each of the goals. The strategy map is a comprehensive guide outlining our core beliefs, commitments, and focus areas for the school year.
A District Where Students Belong and Thrive
Significant strides have been made with the K-8 literacy/biliteracy curriculum implementation, supported by three professional development days led by Savvas to equip educators effectively. District leaders and instructional coaches are collaborating closely, addressing challenges as they refine the rollout process. Additionally, the District joined a state-wide support group with other districts implementing the same curriculum, allowing for shared insights and best practices.
The Multi-Layered Systems of Supports (MLSS) framework is also being actively applied across schools. Student services professionals analyze data in NextPath to create targeted interventions, align lesson plans to student needs, and identify students requiring additional support. This approach is helping ensure that each student receives the necessary academic and behavioral support to succeed.
In line with its Special Education Program Evaluation Action Plan, the District developed and distributed a comprehensive Special Education Handbook to all staff. High school teachers participated in training on effective co-teaching practices, and special educators received professional development focused on specially designed instruction and standards-based IEP goals, supporting enhanced and consistent service for students with disabilities. An update on this work will be presented to the Board on January 13, 2025.
The District is revising the middle school schedule for the 2025-2026 school year. Presentations on proposed changes were shared with the Teaching and Learning Committee and the Board of Education. District administrators are working with school teams on developing an Academic and Career Planning (ACP) protocol, with a progress update planned for February. These efforts collectively aim to foster a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel they belong and are positioned to thrive academically and socially.
A District Where Staff are Supported and Empowered
The District is working to support staff through several key initiatives. A paraprofessional compensation committee will soon meet, and surveys are being sent to gather employee input for the next compensation model. To improve staff feedback, listening and “drop-in” sessions are underway, with insights guiding future feedback mechanisms.
The benefits planning process includes meetings with an insurance consultant, and a benefits workgroup meeting is set for November 13. Certified staff compensation is being benchmarked with other Dane County districts, with recommendations expected in January.
The three-year retention and recruitment plan, finalized last spring, includes the “Grow Your Own” program for diversity-focused certifications. New partnerships with the Black Men Coalition and HBCUs, as well as participation in diverse recruitment events, aim to increase staff diversity. Additionally, new hires and student teachers are receiving check-in support to ease their transition into the District.
A District That is Valued and Trusted
The District is actively developing a long-range capital improvement plan in collaboration with McKinstry, with a comprehensive assessment of all facilities underway. An engineering study for phase 1 of sustainability projects was approved by the Board on October 28, 2024.
The District is also evaluating the 4K program by analyzing current and historical enrollment data to inform future planning.
A cross-disciplinary AI workgroup is exploring AI policy and practice implications. After presenting initial findings to the Board in September, the team has begun a book study on AI in education, created next steps for staff and student guidelines, and started piloting the “Brisk” AI tool districtwide. Team members will attend the SLATE conference in December to deepen their understanding.
Safety protocols are a top priority, with drills scheduled and conducted across facilities, guided by the Coordinator of Safety and Security. The District also hosted a well-attended Safety and Security Information Night in October.
The communications team is refreshing district branding, starting with a brand guide for the District, then elementary schools, followed by athletics, middle schools, and high schools. A website is in development to provide access to logos and branding resources, set to launch after winter break.
1:02:43 - Renewal of US Cellular Lease
Assistant Superintendent Jerrud Rossing presented a new U.S. Cellular Tower Lease agreement to replace the original 1999 agreement. The presentation covered the updated terms and conditions of the new cellular tower lease arrangement, which will be located on District property. The Board of Education approved this item.
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