Schools make Madison. Advocate for our students.
Madison’s students need the community behind them. We connect you to the tools, data, and resources to make your voice heard. Find your legislator’s contact information, track pressing legislation, and stay current on the issues shaping our schools today.
Our Advocacy Efforts
Strong public schools are built by communities that show up for them.
All of Madison’s students deserve well-funded schools. Decisions made at the state level have made it difficult to respond to rising costs and urgent needs. The Madison Public Schools Foundation is committed to providing data and resources to promote transparency and meaningful discussion on the conditions facing our schools, students, and families.
Behind the Bill: The Increasing Burden of Diverted School Funds
The 2025 City of Madison property tax bills show “Madison Schools” as the recipient of 51% of those taxes. The Madison Metropolitan School District is the largest recipient of funding, but a rapidly growing portion of those taxes is being diverted to voucher schools and independent charter schools (ICS). State law mandates the Department of Public Instruction to deduct funding from school districts where students attending these types of schools live.
Voting ‘yes’ for our Schools is an investment for our future
In January 2020, the Madison Public Schools Foundation launched Schools Make Madison Advocates, our 501c4 advocacy arm. Later that same year, SMMA successfully led the Vote Yes 2 Invest campaign in support of MMSD’s $350M Future Ready referenda request. As a result, today students of our four comprehensive high schools experience modern, renovated spaces.
MPSF Advocacy & Strategy Committees
A dedicated, passionate team of professionals promoting progress.
Our committees work with schools, the community and legislators to determine priorities and areas of action that will impact our students.
In The News
Have a voice. Be heard. It drives change.
Evers vetoes bill to join federal tax credit program, citing concerns over expansion of school vouchers
Want to get involved? Let us help.
Partners Make Our Work Possible
Engaged, local organizations are critical to our mission to advocate on behalf of Madison’s public schools and students.
Additional Resources
Information That Makes It Easy To Get Involved
Find Your Legislator
Reaching out to your local legislators lets them know you care about public schools. It also helps them determine how to vote and what to prioritize.
Stay Up On Local Legislation
It’s easy to get Wisconsin legislative updates sent to your email, and it’s free.
Build Relationships With Local Lawmakers
Change in our community requires a conversation between voters and legislators. See how you can start connecting with those impacting the future of our schools and students.
Write A Letter To Your Legislator
It’s fast, free and effective. We can help you craft a compelling, concise letter that will have an impact.