Building the Foundation for the Future
The Madison Public Schools Foundation is embarking on a collaborative and forward-looking strategic planning process grounded in Appreciative Inquiry—a strengths-based approach that invites our community to imagine what’s possible. This page serves as a central hub for volunteers, partners, and community members to learn about our process, access key tools and resources, and explore the data that will inform our shared vision for the future. Together, we aim to elevate what already works, uncover new opportunities, and build a plan that reflects the voices and aspirations of the many people who care deeply about our schools.
With MMSD and MSCR refreshing their strategic initiatives, we are intentionally aligning our own planning to amplify shared goals and create a unified, community-centered path forward.
Our Approach
Using the 5-D Appreciative Inquiry model, we engage diverse stakeholders to identify strengths, share stories, and envision what’s possible for Madison’s public schools. This process ensures our strategic direction is community-driven, aligned, and built on what already works.
Grounded in our greatest strength—relationships—we are using Appreciative Inquiry to explore four focus areas: revenue generation, programming and partnerships, advocacy, and strategic communications. This inquiry helps us understand what’s working and where we can deepen impact in alignment with MMSD.
Stakeholder Engagement
We are intentionally engaging a wide and diverse set of stakeholders so our strategic decisions are informed by the full range of experiences, perspectives, and aspirations across our community. A stronger, more inclusive data set leads to a stronger, more effective plan.
Our Data
Because Appreciative Inquiry centers on stories and lived experiences, our data collection is qualitative and naturally “messy.” This approach creates deeper insight, richer understanding, and meaningful change as participants reflect and share.