“Seventy percent of our teachers and staff are either Slinger graduates, current residents, or parents and/ or grandparents of students in the district,” explains Superintendent Kristi Brooks.“When the individuals working with our youth every day have such deep roots in the community, there’s a powerful investment in student success and a shared expectation for highquality learning.” The numbers tell a deeper story about community values and economics. Washington County, home to Slinger, has a median household income of $95,851— well above the state average—with manufacturing, healthcare, and retail driving local employment. Only 11% of district students qualify for free or reduced lunch, compared to state averages over 40%. TEACHING EXCELLENCE AND ACADEMIC APPROACH While Wisconsin faces a 15.8% teacher turnover rate—the highest in 14 years—Slinger’s educators remain focused on continuous improvement rather than basic staffing concerns. The district uses a data-driven model centered on student outcomes, yielding strong results: 75% of students meet or exceed the state benchmark in reading and 84% in math, according to the most recently published Forward Exam data from the Department of Public Instruction (WiseDash Public Portal). Slinger has embraced structured literacy since 2019, positioning itself ahead of statewide initiatives now gaining momentum. The approach emphasizes phonics, phonemic awareness, and what educators call the science of reading.“We’re seeing great results, and while our Spring 2025 data is still embargoed, I’ll say it’s the highest on record,” Brooks states. TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION AND INNOVATION Educational technology debates often polarize between digital-first advocates and traditional instruction defenders, but Slinger has found a practical middle ground that serves pedagogical goals and industry preparation. Rather than pursuing one-to-one device initiatives popular in many districts, the school strategically deploys technology where it adds genuine value to learning outcomes. 331 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 SLINGER SCHOOL DISTRICT
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