Maple Grove Charter School and Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District recognized for leadership in sustainability and healthy learning environments 

MADISON — State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly today announced the two recipients of the 2026 Stewardship and Sustainability Award, which recognizes exceptional leadership in creating green and healthy learning environments.  

Maple Grove Charter School (School District of Athens) and the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District will receive the honor for their unique commitments to sustainability. 

“These leaders and school communities demonstrate exceptional dedication to sustainability through their hard work and willingness to share their efforts with others,” Dr. Underly said. “Their achievements show what is possible when educators, students, and communities work together toward a shared vision. I congratulate them on their accomplishments; they are truly a model for schools across the state.” 

The Stewardship and Sustainability Award is part of Green & Healthy Schools Wisconsin, a program managed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. This is the second year of this award, which was created to fill a gap left when the U.S. Department of Education eliminated its Green Ribbon Schools Program in 2025. 
 
Maple Grove Charter School infuses a strong culture of sustainability into everyday student experiences. Through projects like solar energy generation, a rainwater capture system, and local food production—including maple syrup, garden vegetables, and eggs—students witness sustainability in action. Outdoor learning is a core part of the school’s culture, with students actively contributing to the school by composting, gardening, recycling, and maintaining campus trails, providing them with both environmental awareness and a sense of stewardship.    

The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District has demonstrated strong leadership in sustainability and student-driven change. In 2021, Middleton High School’s student-led Green Team successfully advocated for the school board to commit to powering all district operations with 100% renewable energy by 2035. The district is already making progress, with solar panels installed at six schools, the addition of an electric bus, and other infrastructure upgrades moving it toward net carbon neutrality. At the same time, the district prioritizes student well-being through equitable access to nutritious, high-quality meals, partnering with local farm-to-school programs and incorporating school-grown produce into its lunch program. The district also commits to full food recovery, donating untouched, packaged meals to a local food pantry. 

The awardees will be recognized April 11 at the annual Celebration of Excellence in Environmental Education event at Escuela Verde in Milwaukee. This statewide event is hosted in collaboration with the Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education, Green & Healthy Schools Wisconsin, KEEP—Wisconsin’s K12 Energy Education Program, and LEAF—Wisconsin’s K-12 Forestry Education Program.  

To learn more about the awards, visit the Green & Healthy Schools Wisconsin website.