
MTSD Momentum Newsletter
March 19, 2025

MTSD Strategic Planning Update
During the regular business meeting on Monday, March 17, the Mequon-Thiensville School District Board of Education approved the Districtβs 2025-2028 Strategic Plan. The approved plan includes four goals:
Goal 1: Academic Growth, Student Achievement, and Targeted Support - Foster a collaborative, data-driven learning environment that ensures every student receives high-quality, technology-rich differentiated instruction to support their academic achievement and growth.
Goal 2: Student Engagement, Well-Being, and Preparation for Post-Secondary Success - Boost student engagement and well-being by enhancing responsive support services, promoting post-secondary pathways, and fostering connections within the school district community.
Goal 3: Professional Engagement, Growth, and Well-Being - Cultivate a workplace culture that prioritizes all staff members' professional growth and well-being, strengthening the Districtβs capacity to attract, motivate, and retain exceptional professionals.
Goal 4: Community Engagement and Communication - Strengthen and expand community engagement opportunities and communication to foster trust and deepen connections with the school district.
The districtβs administrative team will now work to finalize the tactics and action steps associated with each goal. These components will drive the work required to achieve the objectives and may be adjusted to meet the needs of the organization as new information becomes available.
Mequon-Thiensville Recreation Department - Rec. Director Update
The Mequon-Thiensville School District has experienced significant program growth over the past three to four years. With this growth comes the opportunity for transition and enhancement. Recently, the Recreation Department identified the need for a dedicated Recreation Supervisor of Youth Programs position to further support youth offerings. This role will complement the existing Recreation Supervisor of Adult Programs and Recreation Supervisor of 4K Wrap & Kidsβ Campus positions.
We are excited to announce that Mr. Mike Schoemer, a longtime leader in the Mequon-Thiensville Recreation Department, has been selected for this role. Mike has expressed a desire to focus more directly on youth programs, an area where he has a rich passion and considerable expertise. With his experience in youth sports and enrichment, Mike will be able to engage more deeply in supervising and developing programming for children in our community.
With Mikeβs transition, the Recreation Director position has been posted on WECAN as we seek a qualified candidate to continue his legacy of excellence. We are deeply grateful for Mikeβs 18 years of leadership in a management role and look forward to the positive impact he will have in his new position. Please feel free to share the Recreation Director position with any interested and qualified individuals in your networks.
2025-2026 Budget Development
Zero-Based Budgeting Continues
During March, building and department-level administrators presented preliminary budgets to the District director team, providing the opportunity to break down expenditures line-by-line and fostering healthy discussion about how each dollar is spent across our organization. Next steps in the ZBB process will include further analysis of line items by school and department, consideration of different service levels related to budget scenarios, and the compilation of an overall preliminary master budget that will be presented to the Board of Education later this spring. For the time being, the following outcomes have been recognized as part of the ZBB process:
The Zero-Based Budgeting process allowed us to more thoroughly engage in the budgeting process, truly taking the time to investigate how we spend each of our allocated dollars, line by line, rather than making assumptions based on prior yearsβ spending.
The Zero-Based Budgeting process allowed us to think more creatively about how we budget, considering levels of continued, minimal, and reduced operations.
Despite the approved 2024 operational referendum, the district is still facing budget deficits into the coming school years. Additional work will be done to trim costs in alignment with the needs outlined under βcontinued/minimal operations.β
MTSD Board of Education Approves Pickleball Sponsorship Package
Help us build outdoor pickleball courts at Range Line Community Center!
Did you know that the Mequon-Thiensville School District is one of only about 10% of school districts in the state that provide the community's recreation services and programming?
Pickleball, one of the Mequon-Thiensville Recreation Department's most popular adult programs and now one of Americaβs fastest-growing sports, brings people of all ages together for fun, fitness, and friendly competition. The MTSD and M-T Rec. Dept. are excited to announce the opportunity for community members and businesses to support the construction of eight dedicated outdoor pickleball courts at the Range Line Community Center, located at 11040 N. Range Line Rd. This initiative will provide a welcoming space where players can gather, refine their skills, and enjoy the sport in a high-quality recreational environment.
With a total project goal of $375,000, the project will include essential amenities such as walkways, fencing, nets, and windscreens, ensuring a top-tier playing experience for all users. As pickleball has gained popularity over the recent years, the M-T Recreation Department has earmarked approximately $300,000 of its reserves (revenue that can only be spent on recreation services) towards the eventual construction of outdoor courts.
MTSD invites individuals, families, and businesses to contribute to this project and help bring this vision to life. Every donation, at any level, will bring us one step closer to making these courts a reality and fostering a lasting impact on our community.
Speakers Needed for HHS Career Day!
Please volunteer to speak to Homestead students about your professional journey!
Homestead High School is hosting a career speaker event on Tuesday, April 15 and we need your help to make it a success! Career Day will bring together diverse professionals who engage directly with our students through dynamic classroom presentations. These guest speakers will delve into their personal and professional journeys, shedding light on their educational paths, pivotal work experiences, and the critical skills that have been key to their career advancements. In particular, career speakers are still needed in the following areas:
- Aerospace Engineer π
- Anesthesiologist π©π»ββοΈ
- Biochemist π§ͺ
- Biomedical Engineer π₯
- Mechanical Engineer π§°
- Physicist π
- Click here to see ALL career speaker openings and sign up!
In addition to these insightful presentations, the event will feature a walkable career fair, where local businesses and organizations will showcase interactive booths. This will provide a hands-on opportunity for our students to explore various professions and industries firsthand, while also providing employers the opportunity to recruit students for hire!
Come share your experiences and diverse perspectives! Interested individuals are encouraged to contact our Academic and Career Planning Coordinator, Mr. Matt Wolf, at mwolf@mtsd.k12.wi.us.
Flex Day Reminder πͺ
Now that we are looking ahead to the month of April, we want to remind all families and staff members about the Flex Day scheduled for Friday, May 23, 2025.
Unless another school closure is deemed necessary, the Flex Day will be a day off for all MTSD students and an inservice day for staff. While we hope that winter weather is finished for this year, we do know Wisconsin weather can be unpredictable. If any inclement weather days occur before May 23, we will re-consider the instructional time at the elementary and middle school levels and provide an update as needed.
Time to Nominate a Teacher for the Excellence in Education Awards! π«
It is important to recognize the major impact strong educators have on students. The annual MTEF Excellence in Education awards are given to educators who demonstrate exemplary leadership in the preparation of students for continued academic advancement at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, as well as in specialty areas.
The Mequon-Thiensville Education Foundation (MTEF) is encouraging parents, students, and colleagues to submit nominations for our Excellence in Education Awards now through April 17. All nominees receive a congratulatory note and your nomination form. Each winner receives $1,000. Check out the details and access a simple nomination form at www.mtef.org
Spread the Word: 4K & New-to-MTSD 5K Pre-Registration for the 25-26 School Year
Each year, MTSD holds pre-registration for four-year-old and new-to-MTSD 5-year-old kindergarten. The purpose of pre-registration is to get a good idea of enrollment projections in order to develop class rosters and determine staffing needs for the upcoming school year. 4K families can also indicate their morning or afternoon class preference, and get access to other useful information.
Online pre-registration for 4-year-old kindergarten and new-to-MTSD 5-year-old kindergarten students is now open! Please feel free to share this information with any families in your networks with 4K or 5K students new to MTSD.
MTSD offers before and after school care through the M-T Recreation Dept! π
4K Wraparound Program
The Mequon-Thiensville Recreation Department is pleased to offer on-site 4K Wrap Care for our families with children enrolled in four-year-old kindergarten at Donges Bay, Oriole Lane, and Wilson Elementary schools. The program will be offered from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., with AM and PM sessions available.
Kids' Campus - Before & After School Care
Kidsβ Campus is a Before and After School Program offered by the Mequon-Thiensville School District and Recreation Department. Kidsβ Campus is available for children in 4K through 5th grade. Programs are conveniently located at Donges Bay, Oriole Lane and Wilson elementary schools to ensure a smooth transition between the school day and before and after school care.
Board Briefs
Shelley Burns Announces Resignation from the MTSD Board of Education
Mequon-Thiensville School District Board of Education Vice President Shelley Burns has announced that she is resigning from the Board effective April 8, 2025, in order to focus on her health.
βI want to thank the community for allowing me to be your voice on the school board for the last seven years,β said Burns in a public address to the community during the Boardβs March 17 regular business meeting. βItβs truly been my honor and pleasure to serve my community in this way. I believe service is foundational to vibrant communities and it is by giving back that we each can participate in the forward direction of our shared visions.β
Since her election in April 2018, Ms. Burns has served the Board and the MTSD community with unwavering dedication and passion. A proud parent of two Homestead graduates, she has been a steadfast advocate for students, educators, and familiesβwhether through volunteering in classrooms, leading fundraising efforts, supporting athletics, or contributing to school newsletters and special activities. As a Board member, she has held key leadership roles including Board President, Vice President, and Chair of the Legislative Committee, where she championed policies and advocated for meaningful change in support of educational opportunities for all students.
βShelley Burns has been a force for good in our school community, embodying servant leadership with every decision she has made both as a Board member and a leader in our community. Her tenure on the Board has been defined by an unshakable commitment to public education and a deeply held belief in the potential of every student,β said Dr. Matthew Joynt, Superintendent of Schools. βIt is difficult to imagine the MTSD Board of Education without Shelleyβs leadership. She has left an indelible mark on the Mequon-Thiensville School District, and her impact will be felt for years to come.β
The Board of Education is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will immediately begin the process of filling the vacancy. We invite eligible electors of the community who are passionate about education and interested in serving on the Board to apply.
M-T Recreation Department News
Did You Know? π‘
The Mequon-Thiensville Recreation Department is operated by the Mequon-Thiensville School District!
SUMMER 2025 ACTIVITIES GUIDE
This guide highlights all Summer activities and classes for preschool, youth, adults and families. You will also find information on Kids' Campus and 4K Wrap Care for the '25-'26 school year.
REGISTRATION OPENS ON MONDAY, MARCH 3! DON'T WAIT TO REGISTER - CLASSES FILL FAST!!
Click here for SUMMER BOOK PDF
Register Now for the Spring VIP Dance!
The 3rd Annual VIP Spring Dance will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025.
Once again, Shully's will be hosting this wonderful event at the Watermark venue. Boys and girls itβs time to take your VIP (Mom, Dad or that special adult) out for a night of dinner, dancing and memories that you will cherish forever. The evening includes dinner, refreshments, photos and dancing with Kart Tunes DJ.
Registration will close on April 22, 2025 and spots are limited!
Click HERE to register as spots are filling up quickly!
Coming Soon: Seussical Jr!
The next performances by the Mequon-Thiensville Recreation Department Drama Program directed by Jamie Love and assisted by Samantha Carlson will be the musical "Seussical Jr." - Put on by students in Grades 5-8!
Performances will be held at the Range Line Community Center Gym on:
- Friday, April 11 at 7pm
- Saturday, April 12 at 7pm
- Sunday, April 13 at 1pm
Summer Academy Registration Closes on April 15!
As you plan activities, be sure to keep in mind the academic and enrichment courses that are offered through the Mequon-Thiensville Recreation Department.
- Summer Academy is designed for students entering 4K-9th grade
- Summer Academy courses are taught by MTSD educators!
- There will be two sessions of Summer Academy
Session 1:
- Monday - Friday June 23 - 27, 2025 (5 days)
Session 2
- Monday - Thursday July 21 - 31, 2025 (8 days)
Click here for the brochure - Summer Academy Brochure
Questions on Summer Academy can be directed to Beula Sundararajan at: bsundararajan@mtsd.k12.wi.us
π£ MTSD is Hiring! π£
We encourage all community members to regularly check our certified and support staff listings on WECAN. Current highlighted positions include:
- English Teacher - Homestead High School
- Special Education Paraprofessional - Oriole Lane Elementary School
- Special Education Paraprofessional - Donges Bay Elementary School
- Special Education Teacher - Homestead High School
- Grades 6-8 Building Substitute Teacher - Steffen Middle School
- Substitute Teachers - Districtwide (Flexible schedule...work when you want!β°)
Connect With Us! π»
Throughout the school year, be sure to check out the great things going on at your school building by following your school's page on Facebook, as well as the MTSD Facebook page, MTSD Instagram account, and by finding us on LinkedIn.
Follow us on Facebook:
Follow us on Instagram:
Find us on LinkedIn:
Please note: The accounts linked above are the only official social media presence managed and moderated with support from MTSD Communications.
Important Dates ποΈ
NO SCHOOL (All Students & Staff) - Spring Break
March 24-28, 2025
Spring Election - MTSD Board of Education
April 1, 2025
Click here to find your polling place
Deadline to Apply for the Board of Education Vacancy
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Click here for more information
Board of Education - Working Meeting
Monday, April 7 @ 6:00 p.m.
Egelhoff Community Room
Legislative Advocacy Information Session
Wednesday, April 9 @ 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Range Line Community Center Conference Room
Deadline to Register for Summer Academy
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Deadline to Nominate a Teacher for the MTEF EIE Awards
Thursday, April 17
NO SCHOOL (All Students & Staff) - Good Friday
Friday, April 18, 2025
NO SCHOOL (All Students) - Staff Inservice
Monday, April 21, 2025
Deadline to Register for the 3rd Annual VIP Dance
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Board of Education - Regular Business Meeting
Monday, April 28 @ 6:00 p.m.
Range Line Community Center Conference Room
Mequon, WI 53092
262-238-8500
- Read MTSD's Non-Discrimination Statement
- File a formal complaint with the MTSD Board of Education