Winter 2025 Scene

Inspiring passion for learning and leading

Letter from the Governing Board

Hello Madison Community,

Happy New Year! As we again find ourselves in a season of renewal, we are reminded of the never-ending cycle of change. We in the Madison School District are continually reminded of this as we seek to educate and care for our students in every way. Even our vision statement indicates: “Inspiring passion for learning and leading in an ever-changing world.” I was honored to serve as Governing Board President throughout 2024, and am excited to start another four-year term on the board. I have seen a lot of change during my first term, which began in 2021. We have since hired a wonderful new superintendent, opened new school buildings, welcomed new board members, and bid farewell to retiring ones (Sarah Speer, you will be missed)! One of the things that stands out to me is our community’s ability to respond to any changes that come our way while always striving for what’s best for our students. We see this at every level whether it’s our families, teachers and staff, neighbors, or administration. I’m most impressed by our students who consistently demonstrate flexibility, perseverance, and a growth mindset every day. We may learn a thing or two from them, as well! I wish a healthy and happy 2025 to all of you, from all our board members. Thank you for your support of the Madison School District!

Yours in service, Karen Gresham
Outgoing Madison Governing Board President

Meet Brett Hunt

Our new board member is Brett Hunt. Brett is a parent of two Madison students. He is currently a professor at Arizona State University and has more than 22 years of leadership experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. He began his career as a captain in the U.S. Army, including deployments to Iraq and Kuwait and service in Korea. Passionate about veterans’ issues, Brett advocates for veterans at the local, state, and federal levels; he is a facilitator for the Treks 4 Vets program, a wilderness therapy program, and co-founded the Veterans Scholar Program at Arizona State University to support student veterans. We are thrilled to welcome Brett Hunt to the Madison Governing Board and look forward to his future contributions.

Bond Projects & Financial Updates

Thanks to the support of our dedicated community, bond dollars are being effectively utilized throughout the district. Madison is working on enhancing safety and security measures, as well as continuing to invest in technology initiatives, such as providing a Chromebook to every student. In 2024, phase two of the Madison Park rebuild was completed, marking the opening of the MTA preschool building and athletic fields. 

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has awarded Madison School District the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. This honor is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. Madison has received this award for
more than 30 years.

Additionally, Moody’s Ratings maintained Madison’s Aa1 issuer and Aaa ratings on the district’s outstanding general obligation bonds, the two highest ratings designated by Moody’s.