On April 30, 2026, the Madison Public Schools Foundation welcomed educators, business leaders, civic partners, and community advocates to the 4th Annual Schools Make Madison Summit at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Fitchburg.
Over the course of a dynamic morning, attendees gathered not just to discuss the future of Madison’s public schools, but to actively shape it. With a shared commitment to student success, the Summit once again demonstrated what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose.
A Morning Rooted in Connection and Action
From the moment guests arrived, the energy in the room reflected a shared understanding: strong public schools are essential to a strong Madison.
Attendees were welcomed by live background music performed by high school student musicians, setting a warm and inspiring tone for the day. The performance showcased the creativity and talent within Madison’s schools while reinforcing the purpose behind the gathering.
Throughout the morning, leaders from across sectors engaged in programming designed to move beyond conversation and into action. Through collaboration and honest dialogue, participants explored how community investment, partnership, and innovation can strengthen outcomes for students across the district.
Setting the Stage
The program opened with welcome remarks from Foundation Board President, Jill Jokela, underscoring the critical role partnerships play in supporting today’s public schools. Her remarks reinforced a central theme that carried throughout the Summit: meaningful progress requires collective effort and sustained commitment.
“Our public schools are asked to do more than ever before—and they’re proud to meet that challenge. But they can’t do it alone,” said Romolino. “That’s why this Summit exists—to bring together our community in shared purpose.”
A Vision for the Future
A highlight of the morning was the keynote address from Cindy Green, Assistant Superintendent of Strategy and Innovation.
Green shared updates on the district’s boundary review and long-range planning efforts, offering a forward-looking perspective on how Madison is preparing to meet the evolving needs of its students and families.
Her message emphasized the importance of thoughtful planning, community input, and innovation in building a more equitable and effective school system.
Partnerships in Action
A central highlight of the Summit was the Adopt-a-School panel, introduced by MMSD Superintendent, Dr. Joe Gothard, and Josh Gustafson of Dean Health Plan by Medica.
Grounding the discussion in purpose, Dr. Gothard reflected on the importance of community collaboration, emphasizing that having partners to lean on, and knowing the community stands behind educators, is invaluable to teachers and staff.
Gustafson followed with an overview of the Adopt-a-School program, which connects local organizations with schools through meaningful, sustained partnerships. Guided by the Foundation, partners are thoughtfully matched with schools based on shared interests, location, and the unique strengths they bring. With a focus on long-term engagement, partners commit to working alongside school leadership and contributing time, expertise, and resources in ways that directly support students.
“The strength of our community is truly in how we take care of the kids that are in it. The work we put in today is an investment in their future—so that the grand vision we have for our community can truly be realized.”
Real Partnerships, Real Impact
Panelists brought these ideas to life through powerful examples:
Panelists:
Anana Elementary — Exact Sciences
- Exact Sciences: Stefanie Berg, Lead Community and Employee Volunteer Manager
- School: Principal Chelsea Elliott
Toki Middle School — Illumina & Huffman Keel
- Illumina: Steve Caldwell, Associate Director Engineering Services
- Huffman Keel: Amber Burton, Marketing and Communications Manager, Huffman Keel Partners
- School: Principal Sheba Mays
La Follette High School Athletics— Ingold Family Foundation
- Ingold Family Foundation: Karisa Trudgeon, Managing Director
- School: Scott Swanson Athletic Director
Moderator: Josh Gustafson, President, Dean Health Plan by Medica
At Milele Chikasa Anana Elementary, Principal Chelsea Elliott described a school culture rooted in belonging, where students and staff are “crew, not passengers,” working together for the common good.
Through its long-standing partnership with Exact Sciences, represented by Stefanie Berg, the school has gained access to critical resources and opportunities. From classroom materials and literacy tools to social-emotional learning supports and staff collaboration space, the partnership demonstrates how sustained engagement can meaningfully enhance a school environment.
At Akira Toki Middle School, Principal Sheba Mays shared how newer partnerships are already creating momentum. With a focus on equity and systems-based leadership, these collaborations are helping expand access to STEM learning, career exposure, and enrichment opportunities.
Akira Toki partners Steve Caldwell and Amber Burton described hands-on engagement—from engineering workshops and science labs to volunteer support and student experiences—that is already shaping how students connect learning to real-world possibilities.
At La Follette High School, Athletic Director Scott Swanson highlighted the impact of partnership on student-athletes. Through collaboration with Karisa Trudgeon and the Ingold Family Foundation, students have gained access to meals, camps, and life-skills programming that extend beyond athletics and into long-term success.
Together, these stories illustrated a shared truth: when partnerships are rooted in trust, alignment, and consistency, they create lasting impact.
Student Talent on Display
Students played an essential role in shaping both the tone and experience of the Summit.
The morning began with live musical performances from high school students, creating a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere as guests arrived.
Later in the program, attendees were treated to an energetic dance performance by elementary students from Trinity Irish Dance Academy. Their lively routine brought a sense of joy and celebration to the event, highlighting the richness of student extracurricular opportunities across Madison. These performances served as a powerful reminder of the talent, creativity, and potential that exist across the district and why continued investment in students matters.
Moving Forward, Together
As the morning concluded, one message was clear: the Schools Make Madison Summit is more than an event, it’s a catalyst.
Joe Gothard, provided an update on district priorities, offering insight into both the challenges and opportunities ahead. In closing reflections, Gothard spoke to the urgency of this moment for public education, emphasizing why community investment in public schools matters now more than ever. His remarks underscored the reality that schools cannot do this work alone and that lasting progress depends on strong, sustained partnerships.
Building on that message, Foundation President, Melinda Heinritz, shared the Foundation’s vision for its next chapter—one focused on deepening partnerships, expanding impact, and ensuring every student in Madison has access to opportunity. Because when a community shows up for its schools, students feel the direct impact in their classrooms and with their futures.
Together, their perspectives reinforced both the responsibility and the opportunity ahead and the successful partnership that continues with MMSD and MPSF.
“Most of you know our tagline—Schools Make Madison. But what we hope you’ll carry with you today is this: Madisonians, we make our schools.”
Looking Ahead. Now’s the Time to Take the Next Step
With momentum building and partnerships continuing to grow, the work does not stop here.
The Madison Public Schools Foundation remains committed to supporting the students, educators, and schools that make Madison strong and to bringing the community together in that shared mission.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thermo Fisher Scientific continued as the presenting sponsor and venue host for the 2026 Schools Make Madison Summit and serves as an active Adopt-a-School partner.
Heid Music sponsored the student musical performances at the summit and provided gift bags for all performers.
Additional support for this year’s Summit was provided by Horace Mann.
