Madison Public Schools Foundation

Cherokee Heights Middle School was buzzing with future scientists at their science expo! Thanks to Cherokee Heights’ Adopt-a-School partners—Thermo Fisher Scientific and Westminster Presbyterian—for helping make the event a success with volunteers and donations.

It was a great showcase of student curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and scientific thinking. Kudos to all the students who participated! 🧬

Wonderful Adopt-a-School moments never end!

Emerson Elementary School’s partner, Bethel Lutheran - Madison, WI, conducted a day of service with volunteers to clean the school and label books. They also helped students and their families beat the heat by setting up a popsicle stand at the Emerson Family Event, providing 500 freeze pops for students, families, and staff.

Thank you, Bethel Lutheran Church!

We're thrilled to announce that Mo Cheeks has been named the next president of the Madison Public Schools Foundation, effective June 1.

As we approach our 25th anniversary, Mo will help lead us into our next chapter of supporting students, educators, and public schools across Madison through philanthropy, advocacy, and community partnership.

Mo brings a deep and longstanding commitment to Madison’s public schools and civic life. He previously served on the MPSF board of directors and was the founding board chair of Schools Make Madison Advocates, our affiliated advocacy organization. A former three-term Madison Common Council member, Mo has spent two decades working at the intersection of civic leadership, technology, and mission-driven organizations. He currently serves as executive director of Power to the Polls WI.

Join us in welcoming Mo to the Foundation as we continue building strong schools and a stronger Madison together!

Shoutout to Kennedy Elementary School’s Adopt-a-School partner, Door Creek Church! Through its “Love This City” initiative, volunteers helped Kennedy staff organize clothing and household supplies in the community room and supported the Kennedy Fun Run by handing out snacks and water. 👏

“The Love This City volunteers from Door Creek Church have been amazing! Kennedy truly appreciates you all coming and helping us out.” —Bridget Cremin, Kennedy Social Worker

We enjoyed a lovely tour of The Bodgery makerspace, thanks to our wonderful host, Jay Larson. We got to see the amazing boat that Malcolm Shabazz City High School students are building, as well as beautiful frames and ceramic tiles created by Innovative High School students. 🛠️

The Bodgery is such an incredible opportunity for MMSD students, and we’re so grateful for those who make this space possible, including the Madison Community Foundation and the generous Bodgery members.

While we continue to advocate for systemic funding reform, teachers can't wait. Students can't wait. Your donation to our Teacher Support Network makes sure they don't have to.

Donate now: https://schoolsmakemadison.org/donate/funds/teacher-support-network/

Thank you, Marty, for being a Legacy Circle donor. Check out his full personal story now. ⬇️

“I am a proud graduate of public schools and universities in New York, Illinois, and Wisconsin, and I’ve always believed in giving back to the communities that shaped me. I spent my entire career working with public schools, and along the way, I came to understand just how much a school district, and each individual building and classroom, matters to the community it serves. In my experience, it’s rare to find a district that fosters an open, welcoming culture as intentionally as MMSD. Through its commitment to diversity and its investment in community schools, MMSD builds meaningful connections between students, families, and neighborhoods.

My professional path in risk management and insurance was always guided by a simple goal: to make schools safer and stronger places to learn. I found purpose in helping leaders put systems in place that supported both students and staff. It’s work that often happens behind the scenes, but it has a lasting impact. In retirement, I’ve found joy in volunteering at Franklin Elementary School, staying active with the MPSF Advisory Board, and supporting organizations like Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials, where I’ve had the opportunity to teach, learn, and connect with others in the field.

Becoming a Legacy Circle donor felt like a natural extension of the work I’ve cared about my entire life. It’s a way to ensure that the Foundation can continue supporting educators and students for generations to come. Because when we invest in our schools, we invest in the strength and future of our entire community.”
—Marty Malloy

💡 It all starts with an idea. And when communities come together to support public schools, those ideas turn into action.

Our 2026 Summit attendees shared why they invest in public schools and what they want to see for the future of Madison schools over the next 25 years—because behind every great public school is a community that believes in it.

❓Why do you invest in our public schools?