Governor joins Brookfield Central for historic teacher apprenticeship program launch

The Elmbrook School District Board of Education meeting on December 10, 2024, highlighted several significant developments, including the launch of a teacher apprenticeship program and the district's impressive performance on state report cards.

Matt Jacobson, a graduate of Brookfield Central, was recognized as part of the first cohort of teacher apprentices in Wisconsin. This initiative, which began discussions three years ago, aims to address the teacher shortage by providing practical training for aspiring educators. Jacobson currently serves as a teaching assistant at Brookfield Elementary School.

The meeting also celebrated recent author visits to schools, which promoted literacy among students. Additionally, the district showcased its successful high school musicals, with performances from Brookfield East and Brookfield Central receiving high praise for their quality and community engagement.

A district summit focused on rising health care costs was another key topic, with representatives from around 30 districts discussing innovative strategies for self-funding health care. The superintendent emphasized that health care costs remain the district's primary financial concern.

The meeting also featured a report on the annual Golden Harvest Thanksgiving dinner, which fostered intergenerational connections between high school students and community elders. Furthermore, the Brookfield Police Choir's performance at Carnegie Hall was acknowledged as a significant achievement.

In terms of digital communication, the district announced a refresh of its website, now featuring a video-based platform to enhance user experience. The superintendent also highlighted the importance of engaging with students about careers in education, noting that local hires often have a better understanding of community expectations.

Finally, the district's state report card results were shared, revealing that Elmbrook significantly exceeds expectations, a status maintained consistently since the 2013-2014 school year. The meeting concluded with an update on public records requests, noting that a significant portion of these requests originated from a single individual.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to educational excellence and community involvement, setting a positive tone for future initiatives.