and is aiming to be in the “top quartile in Dane County” for salaries and benefits. Collaborative committees, such as the district’s handbook committee and compensation committees for both teachers and support staff, ensure direct staff input in policy development. Beyond traditional benefits, unique offerings like pet insurance resonate deeply with staff. Additionally, the move to replace traditional sick and personal days with “general leave” offers greater flexibility and trust to employees. These initiatives, coupled with a robust HR department that hosts well-attended open interview evenings, completely explain the district’s retention rates—over 91% last year—and the impressive achievement of starting the school year fully staffed for three consecutive years in an industry facing widespread shortages. Simply put, the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District creates a culture where people genuinely want to work. MAKING STRIDES IN TECHNOLOGY AND TOWARDS THE FUTURE When it comes to technology, the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District navigates the evolving landscape with a balanced and purposeful approach, integrating innovations while safeguarding core educational principles. The district is actively engaging with the future of learning through a partnership with Advanced Learning Partnerships, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). A district committee is examining the implications, tools, and responsible implementation of AI to prepare both staff and students for this rapidly changing and evolving world. Conversely, the district also maintains a thoughtful approach to screen time and device usage. While students have access to Chromebooks, there is a conscious effort to ensure that technology serves learning without creating distractions. 301 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 MIDDLETON-CROSS PLAINS AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
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