On November 5, Madison Metropolitan School District voters will be asked to vote yes or no on two school funding referendum questions. When choosing to spend more money, it’s important to get a sense of whether or not the investment is worth the cost. This program considered this question. Understanding the reasons behind the referendums and the effects of approving or rejecting them is critical to an informed vote. This program was organized to help community voters understand the issues involved.
Discussion Units: Many of our members participate in Discussion Units in the weeks after our forums. If you aren’t a regular member of a Discussion Unit, but would like to learn more, visit this page, see this schedule of our meetings, and check our calendar for specific meeting details.
Speakers:
Jason Stein, President of the Wisconsin Policy Forum
Jason Stein has worked with the Wisconsin Policy Forum since 2018, serving as President since July 2024 and prior to that as Vice President and Research Director. In his time with the Forum, his reports have received multiple awards from the Governmental Research Association. Before joining the Forum, Jason worked as a Capitol reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and for the Wisconsin State Journal. His reporting was recognized by journalism groups such as the American Society of News Editors, the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, and the Association of Capitol Reporters and Editors. He serves on the board of Neighborhood House in Madison and previously served on the board of the Government Research Association as well as the board president of the Wisconsin Capitol Correspondents Association.
Kayla Huynh, Capital Times K-12 education reporter
Kayla Huynh (MA. Northwestern University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Journalism) joined the Cap Times in 2021 and covers K-12 education after nearly three years of reporting on higher ed. Prior to the Cap Times, Kayla worked at the Wisconsin State Journal as a city news intern and freelanced for various publications in Chicago.
Joe Gothard, MMSD Superintendent
Dr. Joe Gothard (BA, MA, Doctorate from Edgewood College) serves as Superintendent of Schools for the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD). He has dedicated more than 30 years to public education and launched his teaching career at MMSD as a high school biology teacher. He has also served as an educational assistant, a football coach, a principal, dean of students and as assistant superintendent for secondary schools in MMSD. Additionally, he was an MMSD parent. Most recently, Dr. Gothard served as Superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools where his collaboration and partnerships with the community led to many successful efforts and programs, including development of a districtwide strategic plan, facility revitalizations, a capital implementation plan and the opening of East African Elementary Magnet School—believed to be a first-of-its-kind public school in the nation.
Moderator:
Julie Underwood, LWVWI Legislative Committee
Dr. Underwood, a nationally recognized authority on school law and a staunch proponent of public education, became dean of the School of Education in 2005. She oversaw a school that was able to build upon its research prowess and highly regarded national standing while at the same time finding new ways to address the needs of Wisconsin’s public schools. She led the $34 million expansion and renovation of the Education Building on Bascom Hill, completed in 2010. Dr. Underwood also helped establish the Wisconsin Center for Educational Products and Services that helps license and market innovative education products created by faculty, staff and students.