The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District is honored to be one of two recipients of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s 2026 Stewardship and Sustainability Award. The award recognizes exceptional leadership in creating green and healthy learning environments.
“We’re deeply honored to earn this state-level recognition for our sustainability efforts,” said MCPASD Superintendent Dr. Monogue said. “It reflects our commitment to the environment alongside our focus on student leadership and student-driven initiatives as well as our partnership with our Board of Education and broader community to drive positive change.”
MCPASD was recognized for its strong leadership in sustainability and student-driven change. In 2021, Middleton High School’s student-led Green Team successfully advocated for the Board of Education to commit to powering all District operations with 100% renewable energy by 2035. MCPASD’s progress toward this goal includes the installation of solar panels at six schools, the addition of an electric bus, and other infrastructure upgrades moving it toward net carbon neutrality.
The District was also recognized for prioritizing 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.
Assistant Superintendent of Operations Jerrud Rossing accepted the award on behalf of the District in a ceremony on April 11 at the statewide Celebration of Excellence in Environmental Education event at Escuela Verde in Milwaukee. On April 20, State Representatives Mike Bare and Alex Joers, who represent MCPASD in the legislature, honored the District in a ceremony at Elm Lawn Elementary School, which is one of the schools with a solar panel installation.
At the ceremony, Rossing noted that the solar panels can provide up to 95% of the school’s electricity needs. The other five MCPASD schools with solar panel installations include Pope Farm Elementary School, Sauk Trail Elementary School, Park Elementary School, Glacier Creek Middle School and Middleton High School.
During the ceremony, Monogue emphasized the importance of community partnership in the District’s sustainability efforts. She also noted how MCPASD’s sustainability measures are helping the District save on long-term fuel and maintenance costs while making an environmental impact now. Check out News 3/Channel 3000's coverage of the ceremony.
Green Team students continue to encourage the District to emphasize sustainability and implement best practices. The District has two Green Teams: one at Middleton High School and one at Kromrey Middle School. Kromrey’s Green Team was recently featured on News 3/Channel 3000 for their composting and recycling programs.
Learn more on MCPASD’s sustainability website.
Photo caption: Assistant Superintendent of Operations Jerrud Rossing, Superintendent Dr. Dana Monogue, Rep. Alex Joers and Rep. Mike Bare