MMSD: Building for the Future

media release: The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is inviting the community to weigh in on draft map scenarios of its school attendance areas, as part of the second round of input sessions for its “Building for the Future” boundary review, beginning Monday, Sept. 28.

The scenarios incorporate feedback gleaned from the district’s first round of public engagement sessions, which took place throughout April and May, and will afford attendees the opportunity to ask questions about and offer opinions on changes that MMSD is considering making to its attendance area maps.

The review is intended to help MMSD plan for future enrollment, strengthen neighborhood schools and ensure students across Madison have access to high-quality educational opportunities.

No final decisions have been made about school attendance areas or boundaries. This second round of engagement is one of several opportunities for the public to help inform the review before recommendations are presented to the Board of Education in February of 2027.

“Building for the Future is about proactively planning and making thoughtful decisions that help MMSD remain a strong destination school district for all as our community grows and changes,” said Cindy Green, MMSD assistant superintendent of strategy and innovation. “We want families and community members to be part of that work. Their experiences and perspectives are essential as we consider how our schools can best serve students and families in the years ahead.”

The review is examining how attendance areas can support five guiding principles: balancing building capacity, promoting diverse student bodies and equitable access, prioritizing walkability and neighborhood school cohesion, minimizing disruption to students and families, and supporting access to specialized programming such as dual language immersion, STEAM and special education.

The majority (11) of sessions will be held at school and community locations throughout the district; three will take place virtually, via Zoom. Food and language interpretation services (in American Sign Language, Spanish and Hmong) will be offered at each in-person session, and childcare will be provided for select dates.

In-person sessions

Monday, Sept. 28, 5:30 p.m., Steamfitters Local 601, 6310 Town Center Drive (Note: Childcare will not be available at this session)

Tuesday, Sept. 29, 5:30 p.m., Dr. Virginia Henderson Elementary School, 1201 Tompkins Drive

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 5:30 p.m., Velma B. Hamilton Middle School, 4801 Waukesha St. (Note: Childcare will not be available at this session)

Thursday, Oct. 1, 5:30 p.m., Samuel Gompers Elementary School, 1502 Wyoming Way (Note: Childcare will not be available at this session)

Thursday, Oct. 1, 5:30 p.m., Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, 4619 Jenewein Road

Monday, Oct. 5, 5:30 p.m., Lake View Elementary School, 1802 Tennyson Lane

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6 p.m., Glenn Stephens Elementary School, 120 S. Rosa Road (Note: Childcare will not be available at this session)

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 5:30 p.m., Paul J. Olson Elementary School, 801 Redan Drive

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 5:30 p.m., Warner Park Community Recreation Center, 1625 Northport Drive

Thursday, Oct. 8, 5:30 p.m., CENTRO, 2403 Cypress Way (Note: This presentation will be Spanish, with English interpretation provided)

Monday, Oct. 12, 5:30 p.m., Meadowlands Apartment Complex, 6834 Milwaukee St. (Note: Childcare will not be available at this session)

Virtual sessions

Friday, Oct. 2, noon (RSVP required)

Wednesday, Oct. 7, noon (RSVP required)

Monday, Oct. 12, noon (RSVP required)

Additional information about the sessions, the boundary review process and opportunities to provide feedback is available on the MMSD website.