Experience the celebration through our photo gallery. Click to scroll through!
On a beautiful day filled with nostalgia and pride, the Madison Metropolitan School District marked a historic moment in time with open houses and ribbon-cutting ceremonies at its four comprehensive high schools: La Follette, Madison East, Madison West, and Vel Phillips Memorial High Schools. These celebrations commemorated the community’s overwhelming support of the 2020 referendum, which provided essential facility upgrades and modern, 21st-century learning environments.
Throughout the day, we witnessed alumni, students, parents, district staff, and community members come together, eager to witness the transformations firsthand. Alumni found each other and reconnected with teachers, current students shared their talents and their experiences “doing school” during the renovations, and side-by-side we walked the halls to see the advancements that will shape our students’ experiences and benefit the community for years to come.
Through our 501(c)4, Schools Make Madison Advocates, Inc., the Foundation played a critical role, leading the 2020 “Vote Yes 2 Invest” campaign rallying support from across the community to secure the necessary funding for these improvements. We are proud to be part of a community that values innovative, equity-driven education in well-maintained facilities.
School Community Pride was Pervasive Throughout the Day
Each school has undergone extensive updates, including modernized restrooms, revamped locker rooms, theaters, music, art, and STEM labs, each offering opportunities for our students to discover interests and thrive academically. These renovations are not just about improving aesthetics—they’re about creating environments that enhance learning and well-being.
At La Follette High School, the excitement was palpable as senior Aisha Jabang reflected on her experience during the renovations. “During my time here as a sophomore, it was very hectic, especially with renovation and things like that,” she recalled. Now, as she prepares for her final year, Aisha can enjoy the benefits of the new and improved facilities. The open house was made even more special by the presence of the district’s new superintendent, Dr. Joe Gothard, who is a proud La Follette alum. Gothard, well-regarded in the Madison community, enjoyed being among his fellow Lancers as they celebrated the school’s transformation. L’s up!
At Madison East High School, alumni from the classes of 1966 and 1976 shared their awe at the changes. “I love the natural lighting they’ve done,” said Mary Boone, as she walked through the newly renovated spaces that still held so many memories for her. Edith Hilliard, another proud alumna, expressed joy in knowing that her family’s legacy at East would continue, with her great-grandchildren set to attend.
Madison West High School saw significant updates, including a new turf field that has thrilled the football team. “It’s been really nice to practice on because before we had a really old field where the tennis courts are,” said senior Jaden Hicks. “Now with the new turf field, it makes everything better.”
The school’s pool received an additional boost beyond the referenda support, thanks in large part to a $1.5 million gift from the Ragatz family and contributions from many other supporters, leading to the renaming of the facility as the Ragatz Family Pool. The facility now features eight lanes, a diving well, and expanded spectator space. Additional funds allowed for two extra lanes for warm-ups and cool-downs, enhancing the pool’s versatility and expanding opportunities for community use. “The benefits of this gift will reach far beyond West High School,” School Board member Cris Carusi noted.
At Vel Phillips Memorial High School, the renovations have created a welcoming and supportive learning environment. Parents like Lilian Kahite believe these changes will positively impact students’ focus and success. “Environments do matter,” she said. “This atrium, for example, is such a welcoming environment, and this will definitely help our students.”
The overwhelming success of the 2020 referenda campaign reflects our community’s strong belief in the power of education and its commitment to providing students with the best possible educational experience. The Madison Public Schools Foundation is proud to have led the charge through our 501(c)4, Schools Make Madison Advocates.
View the 2020 Referenda completion celebrations:
Building on Success
As we celebrate the remarkable transformations made possible by the 2020 referenda, our commitment to advancing and sustaining these gains remains strong. Building on this success, the MMSD Board of Education has approved two new referenda—one for operations and one for facilities—to appear on the November 5th ballot. Through our 501(c)4, Schools Make Madison Advocates, the Madison Public Schools Foundation is once again leading the charge with the Strong Schools, Strong Community campaign to rally support for these critical measures.
With Madison’s population set to grow, these referenda are essential to maintaining and enhancing our schools. The facilities referendum will fund necessary upgrades, while the operational referendum will help address funding gaps, ensuring we can attract top educators and provide vital services.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the community, construction crews, tradespeople, district staff, and everyone who contributed to these incredible renovations. Your hard work has laid the groundwork for a brighter future. As a new school gets underway, we’re filled with optimism and excitement. Together, we’ve created a lasting legacy that will benefit generations of students to come. But our work is not done yet. To continue this journey and ensure our schools remain strong and vibrant, we need your support once again. For more information on the upcoming referenda and how you can get involved, please visit strongschoolsformsn.org.
Thank you for your continued dedication to Madison’s public schools!
