Annual Report 2024–2025

Dear Sun Prairie Area Community,

As we reflect on the 2024–2025 school year, I am proud to share this annual report that highlights both our accomplishments and the opportunities ahead. This publication tells the story of our School District— our committed educators and staff, our incredible students, and the families and caregivers who walk beside us every step of the way.

Last year’s theme, Like Nowhere Else, continues to guide our work. The progress we have made is a direct result of the strong partnership we have with you. The successes featured in this report reflect your support, and the challenges we face remind us that lasting change happens when we come together.

Our shared commitment to ensuring that every child has access to the tools, resources, and relationships they need to thrive remains at the heart of all we do. Thank you for being a part of this journey.

Dr. Brad Saron Superintendent

SCHOOL SAFETY

SPRING 2025 DATA SHOWS THAT OF SUN PRAIRIE STUDENTS REPORT FEELING SAFE IN OUR SCHOOLS.

84%

4,196 students took the survey in 2024–2025.

Ensuring a secure and welcoming environment for all students remains a top priority, and we continue to invest in safety measures, staff training, and student support programs. By working together—families, staff, and the community—we strive to create a positive learning environment where every student feels safe and supported. We will ask this question again this spring to measure our progress.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Sun Prairie Area School District Board of Education is the governing body of the Sun Prairie Area School District. The Board leads, directs, and supervises the affairs of the District through policy development and accountability. The Board serves and is accountable to the community it represents.

The Board is focused on improving student outcomes and holds itself and the Superintendent accountable through regular monitoring of Board policies. These policies outline expectations around student results, operations, Board governance, and the Board’s partnership with the Superintendent. By keeping a close eye on these expectations, the Board works to ensure strong leadership, clear roles, and continuous improvement across the District.

SPASD Board of Education meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at the Hilltop Campus at 220 Kroncke Drive (Board room) and typically start at 6:00 p.m.

These meetings may be streamed live via KSUN at sunprairiemediacenter.com. If live-streaming is not available, the recorded meeting is typically uploaded to the Sun Prairie Media Center’s website within 48 hours.

For the most up-to-date information about the location and timing of School Board meetings, please check the District’s website.

AT THE SUN PRAIRIE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT, WE STAND BY OUR STUDENTS, STAFF, AND FAMILIES.

The Mission of the Sun Prairie Area School District is to inspire and prepare every child, every day, by providing relevant, engaging, and innovative learning experiences in and out of the classroom. The SPASD celebrates and values our diverse community. We support and are inclusive of all students, staff, families, and community members of all races, ethnicities, faiths, national origins, home language(s), socioeconomic status, immigration status, political viewpoints, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. In order to realize our Mission, we are committed to changing the foundational inequities that we acknowledge exist in our system, and we unequivocally state as follows:

We stand by our Black and Brown students, staff, and families. We will continue to speak and act swiftly against statements of bigotry, social injustice, discrimination, racism, and hate that may plague members of our community. We are committed to developing and implementing strategies and best practices that dismantle racism, bigotry, and ethnic oppression within all aspects of our schools and School District.

We stand by our immigrant students, staff, and families. All are welcome and safe in our schools regardless of immigration status.

We stand by our students, staff, and families with disabilities. We will continue to staunchly protect the rights of people of all abilities and create educational environments in which all educators collaborate for high educational outcomes for all students.

We stand by our LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families. We take seriously our responsibility to provide safe, nondiscriminatory, and inclusive environments for people of all orientations and identities, as they reflect our diverse community.

We stand by our students, staff, and families of lower socioeconomic status. We will do all we can to meet the nutritional, physical, and emotional needs of all students regardless of their economic status.

ALL CHILDREN WILL BE SAFE AND LOVED IN OUR SCHOOLS.

. . EVERY CHILD, EVERY DAY.

HOW DID OUR STUDENTS

In response to feedback and in order to make our student results more transparent, we have condensed the data from each school’s scorecard into a one-page document. Each school’s Data Dashboard is available on the school web page, and the entire collection is available on the District’s Strategic Framework web page.

8,668 STUDENTS

15 SCHOOLS THE SP4K PROGRAM IS MADE UP OF AND Educating

438 SP4K LEARNERS

6 PARTNER SITES 5 SCHOOL SITES

DEMOGRAPHICS OF STUDENTS BY RACE PERCENT OF STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR FREE/REDUCED LUNCHES

71 LANGUAGE S REPRESENTED

5

2021–2022

2020–2021

459 STUDENTS FROM COUNTRIES OUTSIDE THE U.S.

7 BOARD MEMBERS AND 5 STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES OUR STUDENTS ARE SUPPORTED BY

4,300

STUDENTS RIDE THE BUS DAILY

1,552

483 ACRES OF LAND 22,000 HOURS OF COMMUNITY USE OF FACILITIES

2,262,735 SQUARE FEET OF FACILITIES

5 COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SITES

BREAKFASTS AND ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES LUNCHES SERVED PER DAY

1,786

STUDENTS IN GRADES 6–12 PARTICIPATED IN ONE OR MORE SCHOOL CHOIR, BAND, AND ORCHESTRA PROGRAMS.

19.9

22

30 4,342 DUAL-CREDIT COURSES

ACT SCORE ACROSS 11TH-GRADE STUDENTS UP FROM 19.6 IN 2023–2024

Our District’s Instructional Framework is an interrelated set of systems and expectations that guide curriculum, instruction, assessment, and learning climate. This framework combines the specific expectations for student learning with strategies and practices to guide teaching and assessment.

Educational experiences in Sun Prairie will be rigorous and aligned to standards. Exceptional experiences include student goal setting, active student participation in their learning, and multiple opportunities and means for students to demonstrate their learning.

The educational environment establishes the conditions in which every child feels welcome and able to succeed. In order to provide the necessary conditions for learning, educators create spaces where the classroom community accepts and supports the development of all students as people, where learning partnerships thrive between students and adults, and where there is an established culture of care.

ELEMENTARY READING GROWTH

We know that student growth is the path students must take to be at benchmark achievement expectations. This rate of growth across grades 2–5 and all 9 elementary schools represents gap-closing strategies and is a strong indicator that our universal curriculum (pacing guides, scope and sequence), our instructional materials (Amplify CKLA), Problems of Practice, and our robust instructional strategy (Instructional Framework) are working.

73.9% of Black students in grades 2–5 across 9 elementary schools had reading growth from their fall baseline (average to well above average).

49% of Black students in grades 2–5 across 9 elementary schools had accelerated/gap-closing growth toward benchmark.

OUR BLACK STUDENTS GREW TOWARD BENCHMARK AT A FASTER RATE THAN THE DISTRICT AVERAGE. 2.7% Our Black students increased just from winter to spring.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ACCELERATED BENCHMARK ACHIEVEMENT

IN READING AND MATH

Benchmark scores are up overall and are already higher than the District’s goal of 60%. Even more important is the accelerated rates of our Black students and our students with disabilities meeting benchmark in grades 6–8 at all three middle schools during the 2024–2025 school year. This is a clear example of how we can close achievement gaps in a school system. We believe this success comes from several key efforts: strong teaching strategies (Instructional Framework), high-quality materials (My Perspectives–Savvas), experienced teachers, targeted interventions, focus on solving real classroom challenges (Problems of Practice), improving attendance, and using Restorative Justice Practices in Education.

OUR BLACK STUDENTS & OUR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES GREW TOWARD BENCHMARK AT A SIGNIFICANTLY FASTER RATE.

of all students in grades 6–8 met the benchmark for reading in the spring of 2025.

of Black students in grades 6–8 met the benchmark for reading in the spring of 2025.

of students with disabilities in grades 6–8 met the benchmark for reading in the spring of 2025.

Data indicates that a District similar to SPASD would have meeting the Benchmark for reading, meaning that SPASD outperformed expectations by . 60%

HOW IS OUR DISTRICT DOING?

of all students in grades 6–8 met the benchmark for math in the spring of 2025.

of Black students in grades 6–8 met the benchmark for math in the spring of 2025.

While we still have work to do to improve results for our Black students and our students with disabilities, we are seeing evidence of growth that tells us we are on the right track to closing the gap.

17% During the 2024–2025 school year, the Leadership Collaborative (department and school leaders) worked across the District to set goals for each of the three Strategic Framework pillars. Most of these goals connect directly to the Board’s Student Results Policy Monitoring Reports. Anyone—Board members, staff, parents/ caregivers, and community members—can view our measurable goals and progress on the Strategic Framework page of the District website. Each goal is marked with a stoplight symbol that shows whether the goal was met. We also introduced Data Dashboards, a simpler version of each school’s scorecard, to help parents and the public more easily understand our progress and where we still need to grow.

View our measurable goals and progress on the Strategic Framework page of the District website.

WESTSIDE ELEMENTARY RECOGNIZED AS A MODEL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY AT WORK

90

69 students were provided with real-world experiences across multiple industries through partnerships with local businesses in 2024–2025.

Westside Elementary was recognized by Solution Tree for its sustained success in raising student achievement. The school and Principal Nikki Harcus’s successful implementation of the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work process was a major contributing factor in their improved student achievement. Westside was one of approximately 600 schools and districts in the US and Canada to receive this honor. PLCs are schools and school districts in which educators recognize that the key to improved learning for students is ongoing, job-embedded learning for the adults who serve those students. The three big ideas of a PLC call upon educators to focus on learning, build a collaborative culture, and create a results-oriented organization.

Program

Spotlight: THE YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM IS “NOT JUST ABOUT WORK—IT’S ABOUT BUILDING PURPOSE, COMMUNITY, AND OPPORTUNITY,” MAKING IT A TRUE COMMUNITY-WIDE INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE.

The Youth Apprenticeship Program (YAP) and WorkBased Learning initiatives had a powerful impact during the 2024–2025 school year at both Sun Prairie East and Sun Prairie West, providing more than 90 students with real-world experiences across multiple industries through partnerships with 69 local businesses. This program allowed students to explore career paths, earn school credit, get paid, and gain mentorship from professionals—all while still in high school.

One parent noted the value of outside support in helping their child find direction and confidence, while a student shared how the experience provided learning beyond the classroom. Employers, too, saw benefits: gaining fresh energy, mentoring future professionals, and giving back to the community.

YAP is successful because of the local businesses who provide these opportunities for students and the dedicated District staff, including Greg Granberg, Laura Leja, and Rebecca Griffin, who support students through job applications and workplace preparation.

In November 2024, Teddy’s Place at Prairie Phoenix Academy (PPA) celebrated its grand opening. This childcare center, located within the District, provides essential childcare services and parenting education for school-aged parents and District staff, addressing a critical need in the community. In addition, the District now offers a tailored “Parenting 101” curriculum to provide school-aged parents with valuable tools and knowledge

to enhance their parenting journey. In a further effort to meet the childcare needs of the District, Teddy’s Place at PPA also provides childcare for a limited number of District staff.

This initiative represents a pivotal step forward in supporting the diverse needs of Sun Prairie families, and it underscores the Sun Prairie Area School District’s dedication to supporting every child, every day.

DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION (DLI) PROGRAM GROWTH

The Sun Prairie Area School District is proud to offer a bilingual Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program in select schools. In 2024–2025, the program was offered to two cohorts of students in kindergarten and 1st grade. In 2025–2026, the program will add a third cohort and expand to 2nd grade.

For the 2025–2026 school year, the DLI program will be offered at Northside Elementary and Meadow View Elementary. (Westside Elementary was previously the host school, but this will shift to Meadow View to allow more space in 2025–2026 and beyond.)

In the 2025–2026 school year, the new DLI kindergarten cohort will be formed with interested families from both schools. Additionally, all kindergarten students with Spanish as their primary home language in any attendance area across the District will have the opportunity to participate in these programs at Northside or Meadow View.

ESSENTIALLY ELLINGTON

The Sun Prairie Jazz Ensemble I performed as 1 of 15 finalist bands at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York as a part of the 30th Annual Essentially Ellington Festival. They joined the other bands for three days of workshops, jam sessions, rehearsals, and performances.

The ensemble represented the community, the School District, and both East and West High Schools with tremendous pride and passion.

The Sound of Sun Prairie (SOSP), Sun Prairie’s voluntary summer marching band, brought energy, skill, and spirit to audiences near and far this season. Made up of students in grades 8–12 who perform on percussion and wind instruments or in the color guard, SOSP grew to 70 members this year—an increase of more than 20 from last season.

More than a music program, SOSP helps students develop teamwork skills, responsibility, a positive attitude, selfmotivation, and dedication—skills that last long after the final note.

SOUND OF SUN PRAIRIE

Rehearsals began June 15, leading up to the season finale on July 13 at Bank of Sun Prairie Stadium at Ashley Field during the annual Community Thank-You Show. Along the way, students performed in the Sun Prairie Memorial Day Parade and at events in Whitewater, East Troy, Dubuque (IA), Lisle (IL), and Traverse City (MI) for the National Cherry Festival, a favorite SOSP tradition.

Thank you to the parents, volunteers, fans, and, most important, the students and staff who made the 2025 season a resounding success.

PREPARING STUDENTS TO BE COLLEGE AND CAREER READY

A 2025 GRADUATE WITH A NURSING CAREER STARTING IN HIGH SCHOOL

Buie, a 2025 graduate of Sun Prairie West, finished his high school career with not only a high school diploma but also a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) technical diploma through a dual-enrollment program with Madison College, where students earn both high school and college credit. The program includes classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical experience, giving students early access to healthcare careers. Buie, who plans to study nursing and play football at St. Thomas University, said the program taught him both CNA and life skills. Due to its success, additional sections of the course have been added to meet growing student interest.

A FUTURE IN THE TRADES WITH A PASSION FOR WELDING

Wilson, a 2025 graduate of Sun Prairie East, thrived in the Metal Fabrication 2 welding course through Madison College’s dual-credit program, which allows students to earn both high school and college credit. Unsure of her exact path in the trades, Wilson said the high school class helped her discover a passion for welding, which she plans to continue studying at Madison College. Taught by Kyle Bliefernicht, the high school class gave Wilson hands-on experience and exposure to different welding techniques.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY

From our Board of Education and Strategic Plan to the strength of our schools and community partnerships, every part of our District is grounded in the belief that all students deserve the chance to succeed— especially those who have historically faced barriers to opportunity. We are deeply committed to recognizing and addressing the needs of students who have been marginalized or underserved in the public school system. The SPASD Equity Framework serves as our roadmap for turning that commitment into action and fulfilling our mission to reach every child, every day.

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE IN EDUCATION PRACTICES FULLY IMPLEMENTED

Over three years of hard work, learning, and training led to the Department of Systemic Equity and Inclusion successfully implementing Restorative Justice in Education practices across the District this year, resulting in a consistent decrease in exclusionary discipline at all levels.

Restorative Justice in Education practices foster a culture of care in schools that focuses on community and relationship building. This results in increased academic achievement and decreased student suspensions and expulsions. Restorative Justice teams work collaboratively with administration, teachers, students, and families to change the trajectory of students who would otherwise be more susceptible to suspension or expulsion while also increasing all students’ sense of safety and belonging in school. The program is founded on a holistic approach to crafting a caring school culture, not just a disciplinary system.

All of our schools have fully implemented Restorative Justice in Education practices and have Restorative Justice teams. All middle and high schools have one or more dedicated Restorative Justice coaches who serve as the building’s process lead.

DISTRICT-WIDE EQUITY TRAINING HIGHLIGHTS COMMITMENT TO DISRUPTING INEQUITY

As part of a District-wide initiative to advance equity and inclusion, staff across the Sun Prairie Area School District are participating in Courageous Conversations about Race (CCAR) training. This training is designed to equip participants with tools to engage in meaningful and impactful conversations about race, helping to address racial disparities that adversely affect our most marginalized students, staff, and communities.

In the 2024–2025 school year, our Facilities and Grounds Team and our School Nutrition Team completed their CCAR training, marking an important milestone in the District’s equity journey These teams, along with others that have received training, such as Athletics and Technology, play essential roles in our schools, even though they may not be the first to come to mind when thinking about daily student interactions. Their contributions significantly shape the student experience and school environment, making their participation in equity work vital. Acknowledging and addressing the racial disparities within our system is a critical step in fostering a truly inclusive and equitable District that reflects the cultures of our diverse community. By engaging in this training, staff are growing in their understanding of how to disrupt inequity and are contributing to a culture where every student, family, and colleague feels valued and supported.

Our District’s mission and vision call for creating spaces where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is practiced, and equity is a foundational principle so that we are supporting every child, every day. The Courageous Conversations about Race training is one of many efforts underway to ensure that all staff members, regardless of their roles, are empowered to help make our schools places where all students and staff can thrive.

SCHOOLS

The Read Your Heart Out (RYHO) event took place at all nine elementary schools as part of our Black History Month celebration. Each site was trained and certified to host the event by the founder of RYHO, Michelle Belnavis. This program promotes literacy through culturally relevant authors and stories, fostering a love for reading while honoring Black voices in literature. We are thankful to all of the volunteers from across our community who came to read to our students!

In January, the Big 8 Conference held its 4th annual MLK Basketball Showcase to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through sports and community. Boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, coaches, and athletes from across the conference came together at Sun Prairie West to reflect on Dr. King’s message of unity and inclusion. Girls’ varsity games were played at West, while boys’ varsity games took place at Sun Prairie East. The event mixed competitive basketball with opportunities to learn and reflect, focusing on personal growth, belonging, and resilience—values Dr. King stood for during the Civil Rights Movement.

MEADOW VIEW ELEMENTARY CELEBRATES CULTURE AND COMMUNITY AT FAMILY NIGHT

Meadow View Elementary School’s Multilingual Family Night had over 200 attendees. The school was filled with the vibrant spirit of cultural pride, community, and connection. Families shared dishes representing their heritage, students lit up the stage with cultural performances, and everyone came together in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Teachers even performed a Bollywood dance in traditional sari.

HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATIONS

We see you. We love you. We support you. Every student deserves to feel seen, respected, and reflected in their school experience. At the Sun Prairie Area School District, we believe that a sense of belonging is built through inclusive curriculum and culturally responsive teaching. Our educators are committed to providing engaging, meaningful instruction that honors the rich diversity of our students’ backgrounds. One way we do this is by continuing to recognize heritage and awareness months that uplift the voices and stories of historically marginalized students, families, and community members.

The Department of Systemic Equity and Inclusion works closely with every school to ensure that these months are thoughtfully acknowledged and celebrated, with a focus on highlighting the strengths, contributions, and cultures of those being honored. We encourage and support all schools in their efforts to bring visibility to heritage and awareness months so that every student feels a true sense of belonging in our District.

Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15)

Native American / Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month (Nov.)

Black History Month (Feb.)

Women’s History Month (Mar.)

(Apr.)

Asian American / Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May)

LGBTQIA+ Pride Month (Jun.)

Disability Pride Month (Jul.)

GROW YOUR OWN PROGRAM SUCCESS

Our District is committed to fostering a diverse and highly qualified workforce that reflects the students we serve. One of the initiatives supporting this mission is the Grow Your Own program, which provides employees with opportunities to

earn teaching certifications while continuing to work within our schools. This program not only helps us recruit and retain talented educators but also addresses staffing shortages in highneed areas.

Grow Your Own has demonstrated impressive retention and impact since 2018:

18

16 EMPLOYEES GRADUATED

REMAIN WITH THE DISTRICT A testament to the program’s effectiveness in fostering long-term commitment

7

EARNED CROSSCATEGORICAL (SPECIAL EDUCATION) CERTIFICATIONS

Filling a critical staffing need

Grow Your Own is more than just a pathway to certification—it is an investment in our District’s future. By nurturing talent from within, we not only fill hard-to-staff positions but also strengthen our commitment to hiring educators who reflect

2

PURSUED STUDENT SERVICES CERTIFICATIONS

Supporting students beyond the classroom

9 ARE EMPLOYEES OF COLOR

Helping our District better reflect the diversity of our student body

the rich diversity of our students. The success of this program underscores our dedication to providing high-quality education while supporting career growth for our employees.

In the spring, 32 students from all three Sun Prairie high schools, along with five chaperones, toured several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). These schools have a strong history of preparing Black students for success in careers like education, science, business, and law. They offer challenging classes, active campus life, and a welcoming environment where students feel supported and confident.

HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE STUDENT SURVEY RESPONSES THAT SHOW HOW POWERFUL THIS EXPERIENCE WAS:

INCREASE IN STUDENTS REPORTING CONFIDENCE THAT THEY WILL ATTEND COLLEGE AFTER THIS EXPERIENCE

EXPRESSING NEW OR INCREASED INTEREST IN ATTENDING AN HBCU

REPORTING SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN AWARENESS OF:

COLLEGE TOURS TO HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES 25% 83% 93%

• HBCUs’ purpose and history

• Admission processes and expectations

• Campus life and student organizations

• Scholarship and financial aid opportunities

EL DÍA DEL NIÑO Y EL LIBRO (THE DAY OF THE CHILD AND BOOK)

El Día del Niño y el Libro (Day of the Child and Book) is a celebration that promotes literacy and family engagement by connecting children with books that reflect diverse cultures and languages. Through special events, readings, and activities, it inspires a love of reading from an early age while fostering inclusivity and appreciation for different cultural perspectives. We hosted our first ever El Día del Niño y el Libro event to celebrate our students and the love of literacy and culture. The event showcased food, dancing, and art, as well as community resources. Thank you to our staff and community partners, Sunshine Place, Sun Prairie Public Library, Family Literacy Inquiry, and Sun Prairie Children’s Museum for making this event possible.

EQUITY IN ACTION

On November 7, 2024, the First Nations Intertribal Community of Sun Prairie, in partnership with the Department of Systemic Equity and Inclusion and Sun Prairie Community Schools, proudly hosted a First Nations Feast to honor and celebrate the rich heritage, culture, and invaluable contributions of Native American and Indigenous communities. This special evening featured traditional foods, stories, and activities that honored the traditions and wisdom of First Nations peoples. We are grateful to the elders, artists, and community members who shared their stories, wisdom, and culture, creating an immersive learning experience for all attendees.

Dr. Michael Morgan, our Director of Systemic Equity and Inclusion, hosted another series of Equity in Action: Community Conversations events to promote open dialogue. The conversations centered around Restorative Justice in Education practices, how our District is held accountable for equity initiatives, and ways we live out our District’s Equity Statement.

CELEBRATING HMONG HERITAGE MONTH

To celebrate Hmong Heritage Month, the SPASD hosted its second Hmong Heritage Night with over 200 attendees. The Sun Prairie community came together to honor the 50-year journey since the first Hmong families began resettling in the United States after the Vietnam War. The event included food, activities, music, and dancing.

HMONG STUDENT MONTHLY LUNCHEON MEETINGS

We launched Hmong Student Monthly Luncheon Meetings for high school students at Sun Prairie East and Sun Prairie West. These luncheons have allowed students to connect, share experiences, explore their identities, and develop leadership skills. With support from peers and community leaders, students are learning to advocate for themselves, strive for academic excellence, and empower one another.

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

The Community Schools strategy transforms a school into a place where educators, local community members, families, and students work together to strengthen conditions for student learning and healthy development.

As partners, they organize in- and outof-school resources, supports, and opportunities so that young people thrive.

to help

SCHOOL-BASED FOOD PANTRIES SERVED

INTEGRATED SYSTEMS OF SUPPORT

2,252

FUN FOOD FRIDAYS SERVED

9,381 1,483 6,000

CHILDREN AND WEEKEND FOOD BAGS TO KIDS

SCHOOL-BASED CLOTHING CLOSETS SERVED INDIVIDUALS WITH A TOTAL OF OVER HOUSEHOLDS VISITS

948

90 WE ENROLLED OVER THREE- AND FOUR-YEAR-OLDS IN OUR FREE EARLY LEARNING PLAYGROUPS.

WHAT DID THE PARENTS/CAREGIVERS HAVE TO SAY?

82% reported positive growth in their child’s ability to socially interact with their peers.

63% reported positive growth in their child’s communication (speaking and listening).

On a scale of 1–5 (5 being most impactful),

94% rated this experience a 4 or 5.

85% said this experience made them feel more connected to their school community.

“This is our second kid in playgroup. We have found it SO helpful for early learning, social skills, and building routines. We have gotten to know the teachers, other families, and Community Schools well thanks to this program. We are so grateful!”

BELONGING

75% OF STUDENTS ENROLLED IN SUN PRAIRIE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS OUT-OF-SCHOOL-TIME PROGRAMS REPORTED THAT THEY OFTEN OR ALMOST ALWAYS FEEL LIKE THEY BELONG AT THEIR SCHOOL.

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS IN COMMUNITY-WIDE CELEBRATIONS

Hispanic Heritage Celebration, in partnership with SPASD

Indigenous Peoples Day, in partnership with the First Nations Intertribal Community of Sun Prairie

Indigenous Peoples Feast, in partnership with the First Nations Intertribal Community of Sun Prairie

Mental Wellness Bazaar, led by Prairie Phoenix Academy students & staff

Summer Movie Kickoff Celebration, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club

Sun Prairie Juneteenth Celebration, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club, SPASD, City of Sun Prairie, and a community committee

Sun Prairie Pride Fest, in partnership with the Sun Prairie Pride Alliance, City of Sun Prairie, and SPASD

HOW IS COMMUNITY SCHOOLS FUNDED?

SOURCE

CHANGES TO COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

At the end of 2024–2025, the decision was made to discontinue the Community Schools program at the three middle schools. Instead, funding will be redirected to support the four elementary Community Schools and Prairie Phoenix Academy. The program will be reviewed again in 2025–2026 to determine how to expand it to more schools.

HERE ARE JUST A FEW EXAMPLES OF THE WORK THAT COMMUNITY SCHOOLS DOES:

COYOTE CLUB SEES SUCCESS IN ITS FIRST YEAR

Northside’s Community Garden is a beautiful example of the Community Schools’ key practice of rigorous, community-connected classroom instruction. Students in 5th grade grew vegetables from seeds, gathered plants from the Sun Prairie East plant sale, and created a beautiful garden. The produce is shared with families and the Sun Prairie Food Pantry.

Sun Prairie Pride Fest 2025 was a huge success with over 1,400 people in attendance. We hosted Jennifer Knapp and Mary Lambert in concert. Creating a sense of belonging, safety, and care for everyone in our community is a core value of the work we do in Community Schools. The event had a great impact on our community.

“This event allowed me to feel safe and part of my community for the first time ever.”

—Sun Prairie youth

“As a parent, I saw my child feel accepted. Lots of smiles and happiness were felt. I am crying inside with happiness.”

Sun Prairie parent

In Coyote Club at Creekside Elementary, students enjoyed dance, art, cooking, science, library visits, free haircuts, and lasting connections with peers and mentors. Students had improved math and literacy scores, stronger bonds, and a true sense of belonging. For many families with late work hours, Coyote Club provided a safe, structured, and caring environment, giving families peace of mind while their children thrived.

74 STUDENTS ENROLLED AT PEAK

6 LEADERS & COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Thanks to a great partnership with FoodWIse Extension Dane County, Westside Wildcats and their adults learned new recipes and nutrition skills together. Students made banana sushi while adults prepared tofu veggie stir fry. We are grateful for community partners who help us create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that bring families together, supporting our commitment to strong community connections.

CULTURE OF ENGAGEMENT & INCLUSION

COMMUNITY OF EXCEPTIONAL & DIVERSE EDUCATORS AND STAFF GOAL

We strive to proactively recruit, retain, and engage diverse and exceptional talent.

The Sun Prairie Area School District is proud to have a dedicated team of more than 1,400 professionals who make a lasting impact on our students, schools, and community every day. From passionate teachers and caring instructional aides to hard-working custodians, nutrition staff, administrative assistants, and grounds crew, every person plays a vital role in creating safe, welcoming, and effective learning environments.

DEVELOPING AND SUPPORTING OUR STAFF IS A PRIORITY. DURING THE 2024–2025 SCHOOL YEAR, WE OFFERED

278 PROFESSIONAL LEARNING WORKSHOPS TO OUR STAFF

5,717 PARTICIPATED

WE ARE PROUD THAT OUR RETENTION RATE CONTINUES TO GROW.

PERCENT OF STAFF RESPONDING “AGREE / STRONGLY AGREE” TO “ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, THE DISTRICT IS A GOOD PLACE TO WORK.”

1,020 employees took the survey in 2024–2025. That is a 76% engagement rate.

SUPPORT STAFF: 90% STAFF OF COLOR: 95% (duplicate count)

2024–2025 RETENTION RATES BY CATEGORY

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS: 93% ADMINISTRATORS: 90% ADMIN. SUPPORT: 96%

2024–2025: 92.1%

Our students benefit from consistency and stability, experienced staff teams, and strong relationships that grow over time—both between students and staff and among staff. This helps avoid disruptions and extra costs, supports a positive school culture built on collaboration and community, and ensures that our programs for students continue without interruption across the District.

FROM HIGHER MORALE AND ENGAGEMENT TO LOWER TURNOVER, AND FROM ATTRACTING TOP TALENT TO BUILDING STRONG, COLLABORATIVE TEAMS, THIS DATA SHOWS WE HAVE A POSITIVE SCHOOL CLIMATE.

THANK YOU TO OUR RETIREES!

We want to recognize and celebrate our retirees. Their years of service and unwavering dedication have made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless students and families. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes for a happy and well-deserved retirement.

Because of our District’s excellent teacher retention history, Sun Prairie was the host site of a press conference regarding the falling teacher retention rate in Wisconsin. With a teacher retention rate of 93%, we have a lot to be proud of! Our New Teacher Mentor Program is the gold standard and shows that teachers who are supported in their first three years are more likely to stay in the profession. We extend our thanks to our new teacher mentors, our administrators, and our School Board for the support they give our educators!

Stephanie Armstrong

Tim Bass

Lori Burns

Jean Bussler

Susan Cina Sullivan

Craig Coulthart

Phil Frei

Lori Garvey

Kenneth Mielke

Nancy Ohman

Andrea Schauer

Cindy Schmitz

Jacqueline Wallace

Dale Wiessinger

TEACHER AND STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS

WISCONSIN TEACHER OF THE YEAR

SUN PRAIRIE WEST

WINS NATIONAL AWARD IN HEALTH EDUCATION

Congratulations to Ms. Sandee Ortiz from Sun Prairie West on being named SHAPE America’s 2025 National Health Education Teacher of the Year. Sandee’s passion for empowering students with lifelong health knowledge makes her a vital part of our Sun Prairie community.

WISCONSIN BILINGUAL EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

Mr. Joel Coyne, business and marketing teacher at Sun Prairie East, was named the Wisconsin Teacher of the Year. Mr. Coyne has built a culture of connection in and out of the classroom. He not only provides his students with technical know-how but also empowers them with the tools and strategies to succeed once they leave school. On May 5th, a surprise assembly was held at Sun Prairie East to announce the honor, with State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly and representatives from the Department of Public Instruction in attendance.

Please join us in congratulating Alicia Rosas (left), kindergarten teacher at Northside Elementary School, for being named the Wisconsin Association for Bilingual Education (WIABE) Educator of the Year.

SUSTAIN DANE LIVE FORWARD AWARD NOMINATION

Kevin Splain, District Sustainability and Energy Manager, was nominated for a Sustain Dane Live Forward Award. This award acknowledges changemakers and inclusive leaders who locally promote thriving sustainability, community healing, and resiliency. This is Kevin’s eighth year as the Sustainability and Energy Manager for the Sun Prairie Area School District, where he monitors over 2 million square feet in 17 facilities and is a member of the City of Sun Prairie Sustainability Committee.

CULTURE OF ENGAGEMENT & INCLUSION

COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT GOAL

Excel in how we collaborate and communicate with all careholders, and build relationships that promote positive outcomes for students.

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN THE STEM PROGRAM — A PARTNERSHIP WITH SPASD AND MADISON COLLEGE. OF THESE STUDENTS ARE GOING ON TO ATTEND A 4-YEAR COLLEGE.

Patrick Marsh and Prairie View Middle Schools were awarded a Compeer Financial Agriculture Education and Classroom Equipment Grant. This grant will provide our students with food dehydrators, an ice cream freezer, a digital microscope, LED grow lights, stethoscopes, otoscopes, animal models, and hydroponic systems.

We have a very generous community that gives both time and resources to our District. Let us tell you about a few of these partners.

LOCAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS COMPANY SPONSORS A SUN PRAIRIE STUDENT

Sun Prairie East sophomore Vaughn Burgard is taking the next step toward his dream of becoming a nuclear engineer through the Madison College STEM Academy and a sponsorship from a local energy solutions company.

Realta Fusion sponsored a 51st spot at the Madison College STEM Academy for Vaughn. Over the next two years, he will attend Madison College full-time while earning both high school and college credit, all with no cost to his family.

“I’d like to study nuclear engineering, and Realta Fusion helps me work toward achieving that goal by teaching me more about fusion and future avenues in nuclear engineering,” Burgard said.

The STEM Academy gives students like Vaughn a head start on their careers, especially in cutting-edge fields like fusion energy.

We are so proud of Vaughn and grateful to Realta Fusion for helping to develop the workforce of the future.

ADULT TRANSITION PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

In April, students from Sun Prairie’s Adult Transition Program received a Community Service Award from the Sun Prairie Public Library. They were recognized for their kindness, positive attitudes, and hard work helping at the library all year—greeting visitors, cleaning toys, dusting shelves, and more. Their efforts made a real difference, and both staff and visitors are grateful for their help. We are proud to partner with the Sun Prairie Public Library to give our adult students meaningful volunteer experiences that build skills they can use in future jobs.

The Sun Prairie Business and Education Partnership (BEP) connects its members with volunteer opportunities in SPASD schools, supporting programs that benefit our students, like Reading Buddies, financial literacy events, and employment skills workshops.

EMPLOYMENT PREPARATION

BEP HOSTS REALITY ROCKS AT PRAIRIE PHOENIX ACADEMY FOR THE FIRST TIME

In previous years, Prairie Phoenix Academy (PPA) students would attend Reality Rocks at Sun Prairie East or Sun Prairie West. But thanks to the BEP, our PPA students had the opportunity to dive into real-world financial management with support from local businesses and community partners in their own building. The students got hands-on experience and learned lifelong skills in managing finances, expenses, and making smart financial decisions. All Sun Prairie students have access to this financial literacy learning experience through the required Economics class at the high school level. This is all part of SPASD’s commitment to giving students the financial literacy they need to succeed.

This program provides opportunities for high school students to meet with BEP members and receive employment advice on applications, résumés, and practice interviews. These services are offered during the students’ WIN (What I Need) time two to three times a week.

SUN PRAIRIE EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Sun Prairie Education Foundation (SPEF) is celebrating 20 years, $1.2 million investment in our schools, 175,000 hours invested by volunteers, and 20,000 kids impacted by funded programs.

BEP volunteers are placed in a 4th-grade classroom where they teach “soft skill” workshops six times throughout the year and follow the Social-Emotional Learning standards. These workshops include teamwork practices, goal setting, and conflict resolution, to help students become good citizens and to teach them skills that are valuable to employers. GRANTS FUNDED 652 BOOKS PURCHASED 10,000 PROVIDED FOR EARLY LEARNING LITERACY $13,000 TO HELP STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES $12,500 TO HELP STUDENTS IN NEED $32,000 IN MATH GRANTS $8,000 IN TECHNOLOGY GRANTS $20,000 GIVEN TO SUPPORT YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS THROUGH THE NANCY EVERSON LEGACY FUND $7,000

FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Your generosity reminds us that it takes a caring community to make great education possible.

Thank you for making Food for Thought a reality — for fueling young minds, supporting families, and strengthening our schools.

HMONG CAREGIVER ADVISORY GROUP

Over the course of the school year, we hosted a series of Hmong Caregiver Advisory Group meetings. The topics were geared toward support and help for our Hmong students’ leadership and academic excellence, in the areas of mental health, scholarship opportunities, and more. Families indicated the topics they were most interested in learning about. We look forward to continuing the relationship building with our families.

Each spring, the District administers a survey to understand how our students, staff, and parents/caregivers feel about a variety of topics. With 1,082 survey responses, we found the following in regard to communication:

PARENT/CAREGIVER ENGAGEMENT

80%

83%

of parents/caregivers responded “agree or strongly agree” to the statement, “I am satisfied with the communication that comes from my students’ classrooms.”

This is up from last year.

7%

Of parents/caregivers who reported their race as Black, 90%

“agree or strongly agree” with the same statement.

As part of our goal to improve classroom-to-home communication, we use a Site Communication Playbook to make communication more consistent and effective across our 15 campuses, building stronger relationships with our families.

of parents/caregivers responded “agree or strongly agree” to the statement, “I belong as a part of my students’ school community.”

Of parents/caregivers who reported their race as Black, 74%

“agree or strongly agree” with the same statement.

This represents significant continued growth in not just communicating but also engaging with our parents/caregivers and including them in both school and District events and opportunities to build community and foster effective partnerships.

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE WORK

At the end of the school year, the District came to the conclusion of a 3-year Communications Plan. In anticipation of that, they created a Communications Committee to evaluate current communication practices, survey the community on communication preferences and satisfaction, conduct student focus groups, and audit the District’s current communication practices. The committee was instrumental in the creation of a new Communications Plan for 2025–2028.

76%

“agree or strongly agree” with the statement, “I am satisfied with the information I receive from the Sun Prairie Area School District.”

CULTURE OF OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

FINANCE & FACILITIES GOALS

Prioritize the investment of our resources to support the educational experiences both inside and outside the classroom by focusing on improving our physical environment for students and staff, and ensuring that our facilities support the teams serving our organizational mission.

THE DISTRICT FUNDS

ABOVE WHAT THE STATE AND FEDERAL BUDGETS PROVIDE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION.

THE GENERAL DAY-TO-DAY BUDGET FOR THE DISTRICT IS ABOUT OF THE DISTRICT’S BUDGET IS FOR SALARY AND BENEFITS.

MAKING A SPLASH AT OUR POOLS $164 million $17 million

OUR DISTRICT’S OFFICIAL ENROLLMENT AT THE THIRD FRIDAY COUNT GREW BY 187 STUDENTS.

FROM SEPTEMBER THROUGH MAY, OUR DISTRICT GREW BY AN ADDITIONAL 165 STUDENTS.

Over the school year, our high school pools were used by our students and community members. Check out these stats:

SP WEST

3 5 4 30

48 Physical Education classes throughout the year. Each high school P.E. class had a 4-day swim unit. students lifeguarding classes taught by pool staff and a P.E. teacher with a total of classes of 4th graders came in for a 2-day P.E. swim unit. Lifeguarding students taught some basic water safety, swim skills, and played some water games. boat regattas. 7th graders from Patrick Marsh and Central Heights built boats out of cardboard and duct tape and raced them across the pool.

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS’ SWIM TEAMS

10 10

HOURS OF AVERAGE WEEKLY POOL TIME DURING THE 14-WEEK SEASON

HOSTED 5 DUAL MEETS & 1 INVITE

9–10 teams participated in the invite.

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS’ SWIM TEAMS

HOURS OF AVERAGE WEEKLY POOL TIME DURING THE 14-WEEK SEASON

HOSTED 5 DUAL MEETS & 2 INVITES

9–10 teams participated in the invites.

2 6 9 20

48 Physical Education classes throughout the year. Each high school P.E. class had a 4-day swim unit. students lifeguarding classes taught by pool staff and a P.E. teacher with a total of classes of 4th graders came in for a 2-day P.E. swim unit. Lifeguarding students taught some basic water safety, swim skills, and played some water games. classes of 7th graders came in for a 1-day swim unit. Their teachers taught some basic water safety, swim skills, and played some water games.

10 10

HOURS OF AVERAGE WEEKLY POOL TIME DURING THE 14-WEEK SEASON

HOURS OF AVERAGE WEEKLY POOL TIME DURING THE 14-WEEK SEASON HOSTED 5 DUAL MEETS & 3 CHAMPIONSHIP

SWIM TEAMS

THANK YOU AND BEST WISHES TO PHIL FREI

Phil Frei served the kids and community of Sun Prairie as the Director of Business Services for 27 years and retired at the end of June 2025.

“Throughout his exemplary career, spanning 34 years in school business management, Phil has consistently navigated the complexities of school finance while maintaining transparency and accountability. Overseeing an operating budget of over $135 million, he assisted in passing 16 separate referendums during his 27 years in Sun Prairie. This amounts to over $420 million in building projects and additional millions of dollars in operational funding as the District’s enrollment grew from 4,000 students to 8,600 students. Generations of students will benefit from his work! We wish him the best in a well-deserved retirement.”

—Dr. Nick Reichhoff, Assistant Superintendent for Operations

Once again, this year we earned the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR for 15 of our facilities. This includes all of our schools, the District Support Center, and the Hilltop Campus as a whole. To earn this certification, an organization must have a minimum ENERGY STAR score of 75, which means that a building needs to be more energy efficient than 75% of similar properties nationwide. Our scores ranged from 82 to 98, with our geothermal buildings averaging a score of 96.

One standout worth noting is Royal Oaks Elementary School. While Royal Oaks is served by a traditional HVAC system, it also has an energy champion teacher, Patrick Bencher, who has raised money for a solar array and a wind turbine and has run energy savings behavioral campaigns. These efforts have resulted in an ENERGY STAR score of 98, which matches the rating of our highest ENERGY STAR buildings, Token Springs and Meadow View Elementary Schools, and puts Royal Oaks in the top 2% of similar buildings nationwide.

ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND PROJECT COMES TO LIFE

For years, students, teachers, speech and language pathologists, and physical therapists have envisioned playgrounds that are truly inclusive. Thanks to the dedication of our Facilities and Grounds Department and their collaboration with the Speech and Language Pathology and Physical Therapy Teams, that vision is now a reality.

At Eastside Elementary School, the Slide 360 with ramp access and poured-in-place surface entry now ensures that all students can enjoy the play area. At Token Springs, the Slide 360 playset and MOVMNT-Inclusive Panel Game provide engaging, accessible spaces for students of all abilities.

Preliminary plans for similar playgrounds at our other elementary schools are underway, and the feedback from students, staff, and families has been overwhelmingly positive.

In January, the Business Services Department presented to the School Board the potential to refinance $64 million of the District’s outstanding bonds. At the time, the Board set the goal of at least $1 million in interest savings. PMA and Baird worked on the refinancing, and the District was able to achieve over $3.6 million in interest avoidance. This will lower the debt tax levy for the next three years by over $1.3 million yearly.

FISCAL HEALTH

The District’s financial position remains strong, with all measures in compliance and a most recent Standard & Poor’s AA bond rating, reflecting our stability and credibility. In a time when school districts across Wisconsin face mounting challenges—balancing competitive staff compensation, funding critical strategies to achieve system goals, and ensuring safe, well-maintained facilities—we stand out for our disciplined and strategic approach. Through careful budgeting, vigilant spending oversight, and prudent management of our largest cost areas—salaries and benefits, transportation, and capital maintenance—we continue to protect taxpayer investments while advancing our mission.

We are pleased to share that Johnson Block CPA has successfully completed the 2023–2024 financial audit of the Sun Prairie Area School District. The auditors provided a favorable, or “clean,” review of the District’s finances, meaning that no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies were found in our financial statements, federal awards, or state awards. This result reflects our District’s commitment to responsible financial management and transparency in using resources to support students, staff, and schools. Thank you for your continued trust and support.

STRONG FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP: SPASD EARNS A CLEAN AUDIT

ATHLETICS, CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

Our high schools are committed to nurturing a diverse range of student talent by offering a variety of sports and clubs. These extracurricular activities are as important as our overall support programs, providing students with valuable experiences beyond the classroom. Through dedication and hard work, our student teams have achieved impressive successes. Here is a look at just some of their accomplishments in 2024–2025.

1,157

AVERAGE GPA OF OUR STUDENT-ATHLETES

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN ONE OR MORE SPORTS.

3.5

2,108

AVERAGE GPA OF OUR CLUB PARTICIPANTS 3.5 STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN AT LEAST ONE CLUB.

PERFORMING ARTS CENTERS

In 2024–2025, students were busy preparing to perform in a variety of productions. Sun Prairie East featured Big Fish and Radium Girls, while Sun Prairie West put on Murder’s in the Heir and Seussical.

WE CELEBRATED 50 YEARS OF SUN PRAIRIE HOCKEY WITH A SPECIAL TRIBUTE GAME

BIG 8 CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

SUN PRAIRIE EAST BASEBALL: BACK-TO-BACK CONFERENCE CHAMPS

For the second year in a row, the Sun Prairie East baseball team was the Big 8 Conference champion. The Cardinals also earned a second consecutive trip to state as sectional champions. Senior Max Glusick was also named the Big 8 Conference Baseball Player of the Year.

ADAPTED SPORTS LEAGUE SCORES SUCCESS AGAIN

The Sun Prairie Adapted Sports League (ASL) is a high school sports program designed for students with disabilities to experience the benefits of a quality competitive sports program. The league offers soccer, floor hockey, and wiffle ball, all played indoors for easy accessibility for all athletes. This year, the SP East and SP West ASL teams began competing with other teams from around Dane County.

SUN

PRAIRIE

EAST SOFTBALL RETURNS TO STATE

The Sun Prairie East softball team had a successful Spring 2025 season. The Cardinals were Big 8 Conference champions and sectional champions, advancing to the state tournament. Cassie Coffey represented the team in the Senior All-Star Game.

CAP CITY COUGARS RETURN TO STATE

The Cap City Cougars Girls’ Hockey Co-op, including Sun Prairie West, Sun Prairie East, DeForest, Madison East, Madison La Follette, and Waunakee, won the sectionals championship title again, defeating Beaver Dam 4–3 and returning to the state tournament. They ended the season with a 12–12 record. They also won a WIAA winter State Tournament Sportsmanship Award for the 2024 season. That award recognizes exemplary sportsmanship by the entire team.

MEGAN EGSTAD WINS 2025 WIAA GIRLS’ WHEELCHAIR TRACK & FIELD STATE TITLE

Congratulations to Sun Prairie East junior Megan Egstad for winning the WIAA Girls’ Wheelchair Track & Field State Champion title. Megan competed in the 100 meter, 400 meter, 800 meter, and shot put events to win her title at the WIAA Track & Field State meet in La Crosse.

SP WEST GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL TEAM EARNS THE AMERICAN VOLLEYBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION 2025 TEAM ACADEMIC AWARD

SUN PRAIRIE EAST TRACK & FIELD CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS AND STATE APPEARANCE

The Sun Prairie East girls’ and boys’ track and field teams were the Big 8 Conference champions. This was the first time both teams earned a conference title on the same night. This is the girls’ eleventh conference title and the boys’ third conference title. The teams went on to send 30 athletes to compete at the state meet hosted at UW-La Crosse, with Megan Egstad, Alexa Wornson, and Brady Schauer appearing on the podium.

SUN

SUN PRAIRIE WEST TRACK & FIELD SENDS ATHLETES TO STATE

The Sun Prairie West girls’ and boys’ track and field teams sent 17 athletes to compete at the state meet in La Crosse. Ellyson Wos and Lily Rosenthal appeared on the podium for the Wolves.

The West Wolves hosted the 2024 Big 8 Conference meet and WIAA sectional meet. At sectionals, Sun Prairie West swimmers Lydia Zenobi, Mackenzie Hastings, Sophie Diers, Mahati Sathish, and Hattie Ries qualified for the 2024 WIAA state swim meet. Sun Prairie East swimmers Kennedy Loomis, Samantha Camp, Elena Budde, and Becca Elliott also competed at the state meet.

BIG EIGHT CONFERENCE COACH OF THE YEAR

Great teams need great coaches! In particular, we want to recognize the Sun Prairie coaches who earned Big 8 Conference Coach of the Year honors.

A total of eight swimmers from the Sun Prairie East boys’ team made a state appearance: Ben Geiszler, Blake Ellingson, Eli Krystowiak, Roman Maretski, Coby Zander, Soren Eisner, Daniel Elliot, and Camden Johll-Bayliss. Additionally, seven swimmers from the Sun Prairie West boys team also qualified for state: Chase Rimrodt, Gavin LaBeau, Owen Acker, Charlie Reeder, Cam Spredemann, Orion Krasniqi, and Jack Ries.

JACK MARCHESE BASEBALL SP EAST

STEVE MASELTER BOYS’ BASKETBALL SP EAST

DOUG MAUGHAN

GIRLS’ & BOYS’ TRACK & FIELD SP EAST

Our FFA students were incredible advocates for agriculture at the Dane County Fair. They spent the week teaching kids and families about Wisconsin agriculture and the importance of production animals while helping manage the kiddie farm area.

SKILLSUSA CHAMPIONS

SUN PRAIRIE WEST AND SUN PRAIRIE EAST FINISH ON TOP IN STATE FORENSICS TOURNAMENT

Congratulations to the Sun Prairie West and Sun Prairie East forensics teams on their top finishes at the WFCA state tournament. Sun Prairie West was the state champion in division 1 for the second year in a row, and Sun Prairie East was the runner-up in division 2.

Congratulations to our Patrick Marsh SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference winners. Our students showcased their talents and hard work, bringing home top honors.

Anveeka won Gold for her prepared speech, Levi won Gold for his job demonstration, Cade won Silver for his prepared speech, and Leilani won Bronze for her job interview.

BUILDING AN AWARD-WINNING TEAM AND ROBOT

Sun Prairie East and Sun Prairie West joined together and started an awardwinning robotics club, SPR10522, this year. With only 30 days until their very first robotics competition, a brand-new team came together with mentors from UW–Madison to design, build, and code a fully functional robot. Along the way, they built skills in coding, manufacturing, engineering, leadership, and teamwork. The team walked away with the Rookie All-Star Award at the regional FIRST Robotics competition.

When Sun Prairie West High School was designed, space was set aside specifically for a future robotics program. Thanks to a grant from the Department of Public Instruction and additional support from the Argosy Foundation, that vision became a reality in the 2024–2025 school year.

SUN PRAIRIE WEST FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA (FBLA) OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

More students from the Sun Prairie West High School FBLA competed at regionals than ever before in school history, and over 70 members qualified for the State Leadership Conference. The chapter earned an impressive 4th-place finish in the large-school division at state. Out of over 200,000 FBLA members worldwide, only the top 7% qualified to attend the FBLA National Leadership Conference. Sun Prairie West had a school-record 18 students qualify for nationals, with 16 ultimately competing—another school record.

GRADUATION 2025

GRADUATION 2025 GRADUATION 2025

Congratulations to our Sun Prairie East, Sun Prairie West, and Prairie Phoenix Academy 2025 graduates. Their hard work and dedication led to this milestone in their lives. We are proud of their achievements and excited for their future adventures. Marking a momentous occasion in the District’s history, this class is the last to have attended one high school together for a period of time. Thank you for helping build a strong culture in the midst of change. May your time here serve you well as you take your next steps.

SENIORS WALK THE HALLS ONE LAST TIME

Before Sun Prairie seniors walked across the graduation stage, they walked through their former elementary and middle schools one last time. Seniors said goodbye to their old teachers and reminisced on their time in the District while younger students cheered them on and celebrated with them.

WALL

OF SUCCESS / DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

The Wall of Success program was started at Sun Prairie High School in 1996 to honor distinguished graduates. We seek to identify models of success for our students to admire and emulate. The program is meant to demonstrate to students the relationship between the education they receive in Sun Prairie with success in life.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO NOMINATE A PAST ALUMNUS, VISIT THE WALL OF SUCCESS / DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD PAGE ON OUR WEBSITE.

KRISTI NINEDORF CLASS

OF 2002

Kristi Ninedorf (class of 2002) is our 2025 Wall of Success / Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. Her plaque was added to the Wall of Success at the Historic Hilltop Campus and can be viewed at the Sun Prairie Schools History Walls in our three high schools and on our website. Ninedorf was recognized for her contribution and commitment to inclusivity in the Sun Prairie community. She is the owner and lead dance teacher at Dancing through Life, where she provides accessible dance education for all. She also works closely with the Sun Prairie Parks and Recreation Department. With her dedication to accessibility and inclusivity, Ninedorf upholds the District’s mission of every child, every day. She empowers students of all abilities, leaving lasting a impact that reaches far beyond the dance studio.

OUR CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Our School District’s vision is rooted in a strong commitment to equity and excellence, with a focus on continuous learning and growth. We are proud of the progress we have made, yet we recognize that we are not perfect and that there is still important work ahead. As a learning organization, we welcome feedback, adapt to challenges, and remain dedicated to creating a fair and excellent learning environment for everyone.

SOME CHALLENGES WE ARE FACING AND FOCUSING ON

CHALLENGE

C. H. Bird Elementary has been the focus of a dedicated, collaborative effort to strengthen its learning environment.

OUR WORK

At C. H. Bird, we worked closely with school leadership and every District department to provide stronger support for staff and students. This included more coaching, on-site support, and targeted resources. While we have seen early progress in students meeting expectations, we know that more work is needed.

To accelerate improvement, we launched a focused turnaround plan led by District leaders and supported by experienced educators, coaches, and student services staff. An experienced principal with a strong background in schools that have faced challenges was hired to guide this work. We also committed to keeping families informed through weekly emails and a dedicated web page. Together, we are focused on building a safe, caring, and effective school where every student can succeed.

The challenges at C. H. Bird had many causes, including changes in instructional leadership, staff turnover, and an increase in the number of students with complex needs.

Looking ahead, we know that success will depend on continuing highquality coaching, carefully monitoring and documenting key processes, strengthening teacher team collaboration, supporting site leadership teams, and using data to improve behavior supports. Student behavior plans are now in place from the start of the year to ensure consistent, proactive support.

CHALLENGE

As the District works to continuously improve how we communicate and engage, so does the need to involve parents/caregivers, students, staff, and community members in decisions that may affect them. We recognize places where we could have asked for more input when changes were being made in our system. As the District continues to grow, so does our need for more diverse voices at the table when decisions are being made.

OUR WORK

Over three months, a group of community members came together as the Communications Committee to build and launch a new 3-year Communications Plan. Collaboratively, the Communications Department will work with schools and other departments to use an engagement framework (IAP2) to assess where and how we can better engage parents/caregivers, students, staff, and community members when we are making decisions that affect them.

SCHOOL SAFETY

REMAINING COMPETITIVE WITH STAFF COMPENSATION

CHALLENGE

Keeping students and staff physically and emotionally safe is an ongoing priority. We face challenges with consistent behavior expectations, staff preparedness, and ensuring safe environments across schools.

OUR WORK

To address this, we are scaling up Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training for all administrators, and we are collaboratively refining our District Behavior Matrix with restorative practices and clearer expectations. We monitor staff safety data, such as workers’ compensation claims, to reduce injuries. Our Director of Student Policy and School Operations works closely with our building leaders and program coordinators to ensure a consistent focus on safety.

At the school level, teams are implementing practical safety measures:

• Regular PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Services) meetings and data reviews

• Clearly defined behavior expectations with visuals, lessons, and consequences

• Community agreements for classrooms

• Shared IEP behavior plans with staff

• Stronger supervision plans for buses, playgrounds, cafeterias, and after-school settings

• Clear processes for reporting and responding to behavior issues

• Updated cell phone, in-school suspension, and alternative space procedures

• Implementation of the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) to ensure consistent responses to any emergencies or incidents across the District and in alignment with law enforcement and other Dane County school districts

Together, these efforts strive to create safer, more supportive schools where students and staff can focus on learning.

CHALLENGE

Attracting and keeping high-quality staff is a continuous challenge because school districts across Dane County are competing for the same talent.

OUR WORK

We are committed to caring for our staff and providing positive, team-oriented work environments and competitive salaries that allow us to retain talent. While the fall 2024 referendum has allowed us to raise wages and become more competitive, other districts continue to increase their pay as well. We are committed to monitoring comparables and making adjustments so that Sun Prairie remains an attractive place for educators and other staff to build their careers. Employee Engagement Groups, made up of staff from across the District, regularly meet, monitor data related to compensation and other areas of interest, and make recommendations in collaboration with the School Board and our administrative team.

In addition to monitoring compensation, these groups help us prioritize our benefits package, including:

• Employee health clinic for staff and their family members

• Staff behavioral health coaching

• TELUS Health, Employee Achievement Program

• Comprehensive employee wellness programming

• Financial wellness programming

• Competitive benefits plans, including health and dental insurance

• Mentorship and professional development opportunities

• Comprehensive onboarding programming for new employees

CHALLENGE

While data shows that our School District and community are seeing record high levels of poverty, student homelessness, multilingual learners, and student mobility, the School Board and administrative team are focused on supporting every child to unlock their potential, as expressed through the School Board’s Student Results Policies. The School District is focused on setting clear and measurable goals for student learning and overall school improvement as outlined in our Strategic Framework and aligned to the Board’s Student Results Policies.

• An increase in poverty during the 2024–2025 school year from 32.7% (fall) to 35% (spring) and 30% in 2023–2024

• An increase in students experiencing homelessness from 303 in 2023–2024 to 318 in 2024–2025

• An increase in multilingual learners from 632 in 2023–2024 to 705 in 2024–2025,

• Mobility rates of our Black students:

◊ C. H. Bird Elementary: 21.9%

◊ Creekside Elementary: 26.6%

◊ Eastside Elementary: 3.7%

◊ Horizon Elementary: 8.4%

◊ Meadow View Elementary: 15.2%

◊ Northside Elementary: 8.7%

◊ Royal Oaks Elementary: 6.5%

◊ Token Springs Elementary: 2.3%

◊ Westside Elementary: 29.7%

◊ Patrick Marsh Middle School: 7.1%

◊ Prairie View Middle School: 14.9%

◊ Central Heights Middle School: 15.2%

◊ SP East High School: 10.1%

◊ SP West High School: 14.4%

◊ Prairie Phoenix Academy: 31.8%

◊ District-Wide: 13.4%

A mobility rate of 13.4% means that about 13 of every 100 students in our schools moved in or out during the school year. Each time a student changes schools, it can disrupt their learning and relationships, so a higher mobility rate can make it harder for students to stay on track academically and socially.

OUR WORK

In the 2024–2025 school year, our Leadership Collaborative worked across the system to set goals in each of the three Strategic Framework pillars, and connected directly to the School Board’s Student Results Policy Monitoring Reports. To ensure transparency, these goals are posted on our District Strategic Framework web page, where school and department goals are marked with a stoplight symbol to show whether the goal has been met. Department and school scorecards represent our implementation of high-confidence strategies across 15 campuses. They represent the work of teacher-leadership teams across our School District, problem solving and responding to the needs of students, families, and staff members.

To make progress easier to understand, we also created Data Dashboards. These dashboards provide a simple version of each school’s scorecard so that parents, caregivers, and the community can see where schools are succeeding and where more growth is needed.

REFERENDUM UPDATE

FIRST, A THANK-YOU

THE REFERENDUM PASSED WITH A VOTE OF TO YES NO

In November, voters in the Sun Prairie Area School District passed a $25 million operating referendum, marking a significant commitment to the District’s future.

SPASD extends its thanks to the community for this impactful decision. The District remains committed to delivering engaging, relevant, and innovative education, enhancing the future of every student. 57% 43%

With the passing of this referendum, the District has prioritized the following action steps:

• Stabilize the budget and address structural deficits, ensuring the District’s financial health for years to come and protecting essential educational programs and services.

• Maintain competitive wages across employee groups, enabling the District to attract and retain high-quality educators and staff, which is crucial for delivering excellent education.

• Support educational programming for a growing and diverse student body.

For the 2025–2026 school year, we have been able to add 11 additional courses for our 11th and 12th graders.

• Advanced Placement Research

• Advanced Placement Computer Science A

• Computer Science Essentials 2

• Cyber Security 1

• Education in a Pluralistic Society

• Introduction to Education and Teaching

• Principles of Engineering

• Civil Engineering and Architecture

• Biomedical Engineering

• Home Construction

• ACCEL Marketing Academy

We will continue to keep our community updated on how the referendum funding is being used to support our students and staff.

WHY DID I RECEIVE THIS REPORT?

Our School Board has expressed a specific expectation that the District share information with our community, including through this Annual Report. We are proud to highlight the work being done by our staff and students, and want to also share the challenges our District faces. While this publication is available online, it has a broader reach if we send it to all homes in our District, ensuring that this information is readily available to our community. We utilize bulk mailing, which is a more cost-effective way for us to reach our whole community, including those who do not currently have students in our schools, than if we used targeted mailing. In addition, we are constantly looking for ways to be more efficient and cost effective with our publications.