Madison, Wis. – Today, the Strong Schools, Strong Community campaign is announcing its first slate of endorsements. The Madison Metropolitan School Districts operations and facilities referenda, that will appear on the November 5 ballot, have broad support among the community demonstrated by the variety of endorsement the vote ‘YES’ campaign has received that include:

  • State Senate Minority Leader Senator Dianne Hesselbein
  • State Senator Kelda Roys
  • State Assembly Minority Caucus Secretary Representative Mike Bare
  • Dane County Board Supervisor Rick Rose
  • Dane County Board Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner 
  • Dane County Board Supervisor Richelle Andrae 
  • Dane County Board Supervisor Jeffrey Glazer 
  • Madison Common Council Alder Michael Verveer

“The investments provided through the operations and facilities referenda can’t wait. We must address our aging buildings, students’ mental health needs, and teachers’ pay. Voting ‘YES’ on the MMSD referenda will make that possible.” 

-State Senator Kelda Roys, State Senate District 26

 “As the son of an educator, I know strong public education in good and safe public schools with well-paid educators is the bedrock of our community and a right of every Wisconsinite. That’s why I support the Madison public schools operations and facilities referenda.” 

-State Representative Mike Bare, State Assembly District 80

Madison’s public schools are also integral to the business & labor communities. They provide education to the future workforce of our city. Because of this, the ‘Strong Schools, Strong Community’ campaign has also received endorsements by: 

  • AFL-CIO, South Central Federation of Labor 
  • Charlene Blohm, Senior Partner, CB&A, A FINN Partners Company
  • Kristin Redman, Principal & Creative Director, Design Works
  • Johnny Hunter, Owner, Underground Food Collective 
  • Tim Staton, Owner, The Cargo Bike Shop 
  • Austin White-Pentony, Owner, Banana Buybacks 

“I began as an education reporter, and now represent organizations that support public school instruction. I support the 2024 MMSD referenda and urge voters to provide public schools with the funding they need to upgrade facilities and train and retain excellent educators.” 

-Charlene Blohm, Senior Partner, CB&A, A FINN Partners Company

“The Madison community of tomorrow will be guided by the students of today. Voting yes on the facilities and operations referenda this November is the best way to support not only our youth, but educators, staff, and families in our city”. 

-Johnny Hunter, Owner, Underground Food Collective 

The MMSD operating referenda will allow our public schools to hire and retain more highly qualified teachers while the facilities referenda will build or improve 10 schools to create safe environments where students can thrive. 

Strong Schools, Strong Community is a coalition of Madison leaders, families, and educators powered by Schools Make Madison Advocates, Inc., an affiliate of the Madison Public Schools Foundation. 

Learn more about the Strong Schools, Strong Community campaign here, and stay connected on X , Instagram, and Facebook. 

The Strong Schools Strong Community campaign is powered by Schools Make Madison Advocates, Inc. (Tax ID 84-4623570), an affiliate of the Madison Public Schools Foundation, Inc.

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