A Principal Experience: Step Into Our Schools. Invest in Their Future.
A Principal Experience returns.
October 28, 2027
What is A Principal Experience?
A Principal Experience offers Madison-area business and community leaders a unique, behind-the-scenes opportunity to step into the role of a Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) principal.
As a Principal Partner, you’ll spend the morning alongside a principal in one of Madison’s 52 public schools. From classroom visits to leadership meetings and hallway conversations, you’ll gain a firsthand view of the daily decisions, challenges, and triumphs that define our public schools.
After your school visit, all Principal Partners and their host principals will gather for a luncheon and program at the TruStage Lighthouse, joined by MMSD leadership and members of the Madison Public Schools Foundation (MPSF) Board.
“The day in the life of a principal. From greeting students, to reading to two classrooms, to recess, to the magic of lunch duty.”
Angela Davis, 2026 Principal Partner
Director of Grantmaking
Madison Community Foundation
A Madison Tradition Since 2004
Madison Public Schools Foundation has hosted A Principal Experience since 2004, when it began as Principal for a Day. For more than two decades, the event has given community and business leaders a personal look inside Madison’s public schools and introduced them to the principals who lead them.
In 2026, the Foundation’s 25th anniversary year, 77 Principal Partners joined principals at 50 schools. TruStage, the event’s sponsor since the beginning, hosted the luncheon at the TruStage Lighthouse. Principal Partners leave with a firsthand view of what Madison’s schools do well and a clear sense of where they fit.
“I couldn’t express enough how impactful this day and event was.”
Leslie Gagnon, 2026 Principal Partner
Population Health Specialist
Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin
Why Participate?
A Principal Experience connects community leaders to public education and the people who lead Madison’s schools.
This event is designed for community members who have the capacity and potential to become long-term champions for Madison’s schools, including:
- Leadership from current Adopt-a-School partners
- Business leaders connected to Schools Make Madison and other sponsor programs
- MMSD alumni and community influencers who want to give back in meaningful ways
- Individuals ready to build stronger ties between the private sector and our public schools
By participating, you will:
- Understand the strengths and systemic challenges of public education
- Discover how your organization or network can invest in Madison’s schools
- Build relationships with MMSD leaders, educators, and fellow community partners
2026 Principal Partners
In 2026, leaders from banking, higher education, technology, health care, nonprofits and local business spent the morning as Principal Partners. Here is what they saw.
“How hard the staff works, how many hats they wear, and how much they truly care about their students.”
Teri Erickson
VP Treasury Management Business Development
One Community Bank
“Everyone would realize that these students are gifted in ways and it is our responsibility to see it.”
Beth Giles
Vice Provost
Madison College
“An amazing culture of engagement by the school leadership and the staff. It was clear how much care goes into the day to day from each stakeholder.”
Kevin Bettelli
Regional Sales Director
Demco
“The Q+A with the student council, Future City and AVID students was invaluable.”
Karim Habib
President and CEO
WEA Member Benefits
“How engaged the students are when they have support, rules, resources and community.”
Sara Shoys
Senior Engineering Department Manager
Raven Software
“I wish everyone could witness the engaged, rigorous classes I was able to witness.”
Alyssa Ivy
CCS Service Facilitator
SonderCove Wellness
The Luncheon: Where Connections Become Commitments
While the morning at school provides a powerful experience, the luncheon is where reflection turns into action. Principal Partners and host principals gather for lunch at the TruStage Lighthouse.
During lunch, Principal Partners will:
- Reflect on their experiences alongside fellow participants and school principals
- Hear from MMSD leadership and Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard about district goals and needs
- Share insights, ideas, and feedback that help shape future partnerships
- Learn how to become an Advocate, Sponsor, or Adopt-a-School partner
The luncheon brings partners and principals together to plan what comes next.
Ready to Take Part?
MPSF invites community and business leaders to save the date, October 28, 2027, and join as Principal Partners. Returning partners and first-time participants alike help shape a stronger future for Madison’s students, educators, and schools.
Questions? Contact Mary Bartzen at 608-210-6909 or mbartzen@SchoolsMakeMadison.org.