Highlights / Opportunity

WISCONSIN EXAMINER - Public education supporters’ summit highlights school funding, ways to advocate for more

Anne Chapman, research director with the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials, informed attendees on the issue during a session that focused on what schools might want to consider in the leadup to the next budget. Chapman told the Examiner that her job is to help people, especially when they are looking to advocate for their schools, understand how funding works and the problems and challenges that presents for districts. 

“My hope is that wherever you sit on the spectrum of what school funding should be like, in Wisconsin, you do have the facts,” Chapman said. 

Submit your Salute to Local Government award nominations

The WISCONSIN POLICY FORUM is now accepting nominations for our 32nd annual Salute to Local Government awards. The Salute recognizes public sector innovation, excellence, and collaboration by governments, school districts, and individuals. We welcome nominations for worthy candidates across Wisconsin.

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WISCONSIN POLICY FORUM

Municipal DataTool - Examining and comparing Wisconsin cities and villages - August 2024

• The 2024 Municipal DataTool provides 10 years of data on Wisconsin’s 604 cities and villages, allowing users to see trends over time.

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Dr. Melissa Sadorf our NREA President
was recently interviewed in the The
Daily Yonder about the importance
of supporting rural school leaders,
drawing on her experience as a rural
superintendent in Stanfield, AZ.

Q&A: What’s Special about Rural Educators?

Dr. Melissa Sadorf was recently interviewed in the The Daily Yonder about the importance of supporting rural school leaders, drawing on her experience as a rural superintendent in Stanfield, AZ. She also discusses her new book, The Resilient Rural Leader: Rising to the Challenges of Rural Education.

Dr. Sadorf is the Executive Director of NREA State Affiliate Arizona Rural Schools Association and the current NREA President.

Read More

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ENGAGE ROCKET - PRESENTS
PODCAST - Real-World Strategies for Attracting Top Talent to Small Towns

Join Dr. Jim as he explores the unique strategies employed by WiRSA member Rob Stewart, district administrator for the Alma school district in Wisconsin, to attract and retain talent in a rural setting. Discover how community integration, a comprehensive mentorship program, hands-on professional development, and a strong cultural foundation can make all the difference. Learn valuable lessons on visibility, collaborative learning, and the importance of recognition in building a high-performing team, offering applicable insights for leaders in any rural organization.

Key Takeaways:

• Local Talent Integration: Nearly 50% of Alma’s staff are former students, demonstrating strong community ties as a key element in their recruitment strategy.

• Community Relations: Initiatives like Alma Area Community Fest and local beautification projects integrate the school and local community, fostering a supportive environment.

• Mentorship Program: A detailed, multi-year mentoring structure for new teachers ensures they are well integrated, supported, and retained.

• Professional Development: A three-pronged professional development system ensures staff growth, leveraging in-house, systematic outside resources, and open-concept approaches.

• Cultural Simplicity: A simplified mission and vision centered on the acronym “WHY” (What is your purpose, How do you achieve it, and You decide every day) creates a clear, actionable culture within the district.

AI Guidance for Enhancing K-12 and Library Education