MADISON, Wis. — Voters in Madison, Wis., approved more than $600 million in funding via referendums during Tuesday’s election, a historic move set to bring significant changes to the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) and the city at large.
The largest of these referendums — $507 million — will go toward replacing and renovating MMSD schools. Another $100 million operations referendum will fund essential services within the district. The community also passed a $22 million city referendum aimed at addressing a deficit in Madison’s operating budget.
At Sherman Middle School, the need for modernizing the 1928 building is clear.
“There are people who went through this building who fought in World War II,” said Principal Alex Thompson, who noted that the structure was long past its prime. “It’s overdue. It’s overdue.”
With the referendum’s approval, Sherman Middle School will be replaced with a new, climate-controlled building.
“It would be nice to have that climate-controlled space so that we have an optimal learning environment,” Thompson said, emphasizing the benefits of a new, efficient space.
The impact of the referendum will extend across MMSD, funding not only infrastructure improvements but also new initiatives supporting students and teachers.
Madison Public Schools Foundation President Melinda Heinritz shared her gratitude for the community’s support. She also highlighted her team’s volunteer efforts, which included distributing 4,500 yard signs to promote the initiative.
“Madison does have a track record of stepping up and supporting public schools,” she said. “I so appreciate that because I talked to colleagues in my role in other parts of the country, and that just isn’t the case everywhere.”
The referendum will also help fund teacher retention efforts, early literacy programs and additional all-day 4K classes.
“It’s really important when we’re struggling with child care access and affordability,” Heinritz said, noting that all-day programs allow children to stay in school during the workday, easing the burden on families.
The Boys & Girls Club of Dane County President Michael Johnson also backed the referendum, believing it will help address longstanding facility and funding issues. “Think about the number of facilities, the aging of our buildings,” he said. “You know what happened during Act 10? There was a disinvestment in our schools. And so this allows our schools to catch up.”
Thompson shared a vision for what this funding could achieve.
“We all want what’s best for our kids. And when those things are true, then we don’t have a problem with investing in their future,” Thompson said.
Take a look at other major school referendums around the Badger State: