District overview
Madison Public Schools
How Madison is funded, governed, and changing through the 2026–27 school year.
What shapes Madison's budget?
Madison's adopted 2026–27 general fund is $60.0 million, with $52.0 million to be raised through the general-fund tax levy. The district says rising health-benefit costs, declining fund balance and reserves, and lower state and federal revenue forced a mix of higher taxes and staffing reductions.
Health benefits are the immediate cost pressure
The adopted budget includes a $2.43 million adjustment for increased health-benefit costs; the district's presentation projects employee-benefit spending rising 23.4%.
The budget uses less accumulated balance
The public presentation shows fund balance falling from $2.56 million in 2025–26 to $1.24 million in 2026–27, with no withdrawal from capital or maintenance reserves in the new plan.
Staffing absorbs part of the gap
The district describes $1 million in staffing cuts, including six employee reductions, four partial reductions, and other reductions through attrition across multiple schools.
A separate referendum funds major construction
The $79.36 million referendum program is distinct from ordinary operations; as of April 2026, the district reported $31.26 million spent, $15.02 million encumbered, and $33.08 million remaining.
The presentation says the reductions were targeted to avoid disrupting educational programs, but it does not establish how class sizes, course access, or services will change once the staffing plan is implemented.
Where the district stands
Adopted April 28, 2026; excludes special revenues and debt service.
Includes $51.95 million for the general fund and $5.99 million for debt service.
Down from 2,537 students in 2020–21 in the district's October snapshot series.
The presentation also lists four partial reductions and says the remaining reductions occur through attrition.
As reported April 28, 2026, after expenditures and current encumbrances.
Major projects
Superintendent transition
New superintendent began July 2026After acting and interim appointments and a community search process, the Board appointed John N. Connolly to a term running through June 2031.
- Donna Gallo appointed acting superintendent
- Board presents the superintendent search process
- Board appoints John N. Connolly
- Connolly's appointment takes effect on or about this date
Funding
District operating budget
The employment agreement was approved by the Executive County Superintendent before the Board vote.
Referendum construction program
Multiple projects underwayThe district is delivering a $79.36 million multi-school program covering additions, roofs, HVAC and electrical work, learning spaces, accessibility, and asbestos abatement.
- Board approves $686,189 of asbestos abatement at MHS and TJS
- Board awards four major contracts ranging from $825,500 to $1.6 million
- District reports $31.26 million spent and $15.02 million encumbered
- Weekly report places the CAS and KRS additions in commissioning and punch-list stages
Funding
Voter-approved referendum financing
$33.08 million remained for upcoming projects as of April 28, 2026.
District solar procurement
Request for proposals authorizedThe Board moved a district solar project from feasibility review into procurement under a third-party-financed power purchase agreement structure.
- Board receives the solar feasibility assessment
- Board approves consulting work and authorizes a solar PPA request for proposals
Funding
Proposed third-party power purchase agreement
The May resolution describes developer financing, ownership, operation, and maintenance; it does not select a developer or establish final savings.
2026–27 budget and staffing plan
Adopted; implementation underwayThe Board adopted a $68.79 million all-funds budget while the district identified $1 million in staffing cuts and a 7% increase in the general-fund tax levy.
- Board adopts the tentative budget
- Board adopts the final budget after a public hearing
- 2026–27 fiscal year begins
Funding
Local tax levy, state and federal sources, tuition, local revenue, and fund balance
The plan raises $57.94 million in total school taxes and appropriates $1.24 million of fund balance.
Recent news
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Updated from an independent review of 115 official district records covering August 14, 2025 through August 14, 2026. The collection now includes recent agenda attachments; calculations and interpretation are labeled as context.
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