On the Road

On August 7, State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster traveled to Sheboygan for a statewide Policy Summit on Supporting and Staffing High-Needs Schools. The purpose of the meeting of Wisconsin National Board Certified Teachers, sponsored by WEAC, was to discuss ways to increase the recruitment and retention of quality teachers in the state’s high-needs urban and rural schools.

Later that day, Burmaster met with educators from Nicolet Area Technical College (NATC) in Rhinelander, led by Adrian Lorbetske, NATC President, and other educators from the area. The next day, Burmaster spoke on Strengthening Wisconsin Rural Schools and Economy in a keynote address to the Wisconsin Academy Staff Development Initiative (WASDI) Academy at NATC. The event was sponsored by Northwoods Academy and the Nicolet Distance Education Network.

“Educators recognize the need to advance their teaching skills and keep current. In the Northwoods Academy, we have a strong example of quality professional development,” Burmaster told the audience. “Your presence here, learning and sharing, provides another example of Wisconsin educators’ dedication. Together, we can improve the opportunities and futures of all Wisconsin children.”

Youth Art Month award winners with State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster

On August 9, Burmaster presented certificates to award winners at the Youth Art Month reception in Madison. Eight winning student artists were recognized at the event, which was held for the fourth year. The artwork will be exhibited in meeting rooms and hallways at the Department of Public Instruction’s headquarters in Madison.

On August 15, the state superintendent welcomed participants to a meeting of her Collaborative Council at Monona Terrace in Madison. The group discussed virtual education, the NCLB re-authorization process, and development of the next biennial budget.

On August 16, Burmaster hosted a meeting of her State Superintendent’s Advisory Council on Rural Schools, Libraries, and Communities at Platteville High School. This was the fifth meeting of the group since its formation in January 2004. “We are here today seeking your advice and counsel,” said Burmaster. “We are in the midst of developing our budget proposals that will be submitted to Governor Jim Doyle next month. Through this winter’s summit and past meetings we have heard several issues repeatedly, including transportation, sparsity, and declining enrollment. How we respond will determine the future of our rural districts. For all of us who have filled our cars at the gas pump, we know the impact of the cost of gasoline on our wallet. The same will be true for our rural school districts that will send school buses out on the roads and highways in just a few weeks.”

Last updated on 8/21/2006