MMSD Sees Enrollment Increase for Second Year in a Row

For the second year in a row, MMSD realized an enrollment increase in full-time equivalent (FTE) students over its prior academic year—up 125, from 25,565 to 25,690—according to data compiled as part of its third Friday of September reporting to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

“This year’s enrollment figures are exciting because they not only contradict a projected decrease in students, they show that enrollment is stabilizing following several years of declines that were influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard. 

Every year, school districts across Wisconsin are required to provide DPI with a count of enrolled students present in buildings, as of the third Friday of September; that number factors significantly into the amount of state funding they receive, with fewer students generally translating to less support.

“Madison is a growing destination city, and we know that our schools will continue to play an important role as it expands,” Gothard said. “We’re committed to making MMSD a destination district and educational choice for families.“

This year’s 125 FTE student jump marks a triple-digit improvement over last year’s increase, when the FTE student count rose by 18 over 2022–23. It is also in line with recent summer school numbers, which showed a year-over-year increase of 54 FTE students, and 4K growth, which expanded by multiple sections for this academic year.

The operations referendum on the Nov. 5 ballot will help to sustain and expand equity projects like full-day 4K, as well as fund staff wages and offset escalating healthcare employee benefit costs. The facilities referendum would upgrade 10 of MMSD’s school buildings most in need of improvements. Both are future-focused, in terms of the services that they stand to support and the spaces that they aim to provide. 

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. To register to vote, and to find your polling location, please visit: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Register-To-Vote