By Jill Jokela
Madison Public Schools Foundation
The Madison Public Schools Foundation held their third annual Schools Make Madison Summit April 30 at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Over 150 school district supporters — elected officials, educators, business representatives and parents/community members — came together to learn about district efforts to improve student attendance and literacy.
To open the Summit, attendees were treated to a surprise appearance by Governor Tony Evers, who addressed the gathering to emphasize his commitment to our kids, educators and schools. Governor Evers wants to ensure that school districts have the resources they need to be successful and has included an overall state investment of more than $3.1 billion in general and categorical aid for public schools in his proposed biennial budget.
Two panels provided insight into this year’s themes:
The Improving School Attendance panel featured insights from Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) staff and community school leaders on how relational, real-time supports — including foundation resources like school endowments and Adopt-a-School partnerships — strengthen school engagement and student connection.
Alex Thompson, principal of Sherman Middle School, underscored the broader impact: “The strength of our community is truly in how we take care of the kids that are in it. The work we put in today is an investment in their future so that the grand vision we have for our community can truly be realized.”
The Building Literacy Through Community Partnerships panel spotlighted Thoreau Elementary School’s comprehensive literacy efforts, including a summer reading program supported by Westminster Presbyterian Church and generous material support from American Printing Company, which provides paper products like flip cards for EL teachers, school signage, envelopes and paper, directly fueling literacy efforts at Thoreau. The panel underscored how attendance and literacy are inextricably linked, and how community support can break down barriers to student success.
Summit attendees were also treated to musical performances by Vel Phillips Memorial High School’s rock band LFC and solo cellist Daniel Quainoo; and an entertaining lightning-round spelling challenge moderated by O’Keeffe Middle School 7th-grader Benjamin Tekin, the 2025 Madison All-City Spelling Bee champion.
Another highlight of the program included recognition of Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin, the foundation’s first Adopt-a-School partner, celebrating 20 years of continuous and exemplary support.
Dr. Joe Gothard, superintendent of MMSD, closed the program by reaffirming the district’s commitment to student achievement and thanking the foundation for its ongoing impact.
The Schools Make Madison Summit continues to serve as a catalyst for collective action, reminding us all that public education is a shared responsibility, and every student deserves to be seen, supported and successful. Look for the fourth annual Schools Make Madison Summit next spring.
