We thank the following visionaries who worked through the summer of 2000 to establish the Madison Public Schools Foundation:
Alice Benn, Joann Elder, Mary Gulbrandsen, Don Hafeman, Carroll Heideman, Virginia Henderson, Howard Landsman, Elaine Lohr, Don McCloskey, John Matthews, John Olson, Art Rainwater, Doug Ritchie, and Len Rush.
In Wisconsin, state law caps how much school districts can spend per student—regardless of rising costs. Layer in the expanding use of private school vouchers and independent charter schools, and it becomes harder to see where your local tax dollars actually go. This post unpacks the basics—and shows how improving tax transparency can give Wisconsin families a clearer view and a stronger voice in school funding decisions.
For five years, the Teacher Support Network has been a vital lifeline for Madison schools — delivering more than $1.25 million in supplies, snacks, clothing, and support directly to classrooms. In 2024–25 alone, thanks to generous community and corporate partners like Lands’ End and EZ Office Products, the Network provided over $324,000 in resources that help teachers focus on teaching and students on learning.