Fond du Lac School District -

As Fondy schools continue to rise in the ranks of Wisconsin schools, our students are reaping the benefits. #Fondy #FondyChangesOutcomes #FondDuLac #CardinalFamily

The Fond du Lac School District (FDLSD) is pleased to announce that Nate Groves will serve as the new Chief Academic Officer, effective July 1, 2025. Mr. Groves succeeds Matt Steinbarth in the Chief Academic Officer role. Mr. Steinbarth was named Superintendent of Schools for the 2025-26 school year on Feb. 10, 2025. He brings extensive leadership experience from both our district and Arizona and currently serves as our district’s Director of Facility Services and Safety. As Chief Academic Officer, Mr. Groves will lead our district’s academic strategy and drive continuous improvement. His leadership will help harness the expertise of our teaching and learning team to enhance student success. "Mr. Groves has been an invaluable leader in our district, consistently demonstrating dedication, vision, and the ability to impact those around him positively,” said Matt Steinbarth, who will begin as Superintendent on July 1, 2025. “His experience in multiple leadership roles has strengthened our schools and fostered a culture of collaboration and excellence. We look forward to seeing how his leadership will further shape and advance our academic initiatives." Mr. Groves’ FDLSD career includes three years as Chegwin Elementary Principal and a previous assistant principal role at Fond du Lac High School (FHS). He also taught AP Psychology at FHS. Before joining FDLSD in 2016, Mr. Groves taught social studies at Bagdad and Paradise Honors high schools in Arizona, where he also advised the student council and coached varsity volleyball, basketball and soccer teams. Mr. Groves holds a master’s in teaching from Cardinal Stritch University, a master’s in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Yep, we get to play with clay in art class. And yep, it’s a ton of fun. But the best part? We are also flexing our creativity, patience, and problem-solving skills–skills we will carry with us even after the clay has dried. #Fondy #FondyChangesOutcomes #FondDuLac #CardinalFamily

Throughout the past year, the District has taken time to fully recognize the operational needs that exist and develop a prioritized approach to District investments. We as a District are committed to the safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors. Along with maintaining programs and services offered to our students, this referendum plan addresses important improvements needed to our buildings to keep everyone safe. The Fond du Lac Board of Education voted unanimously to go to referendum on April 1, 2025, asking taxpayers to authorize the District to exceed the revenue limit by $10,000,000 per year for four years for the 2025-2026 school year through the 2028-2029 school year for maintaining operations, maintenance expenses and providing for security upgrades in the District. Learn More: fdlsd.org/referendum Share Thoughts or Questions: Dr. Jeffrey Fleig, Superintendent 920-929-2900 or referendum2025@fonddulac.k12.wi.us #FDLSD #FDLSDreferendum25 #WeAreFondy

Your future robotics engineer learns here. #FutureEngineer #Robotics #Fondy #FondyChangesOutcomes #FondDuLac #CardinalFamily

We are proud to share that two of our wrestlers are still competing at the WIAA State Wrestling Individual Tournament in Madison. This morning at 10a, Quinton Ortegon competes for a shot at fifth place. Tonight at 7p, Reghan Ziegler wrestles for a state championship. If you are unable to make it to Madison, do not worry. Watch live on WKOW 27.2, WAOW 9.2, WQOW 18.2, WXOW 19.2, WVTV 24.1 (Milwaukee) or WLUK (FOX)/WCWF (CW) (Green Bay/Appleton). LIVE STREAM via https://www.wkow.com/livestream/wkow-livestream2/watch-here-wiaa-state-wrestling-championships-on-march-1/article_21c8d772-f39b-11ef-b196-dbe4f41ed8dd.htmldbe4f41ed8dd.html Let’s cheer on Quinton and Reghan. Go Cardinals. #wiaawr

Tonight, Friday, Feb. 28, 202, at 7p, the UW-Madison Badger Band takes the stage at the Fond du Lac High School Performing Arts Center. Do not miss the incredible performance featuring eight Fondy alumni in the band. Tickets are available at FDLsd.org/badger2025 for $15 (adults) and $10 (students) or can be purchased at the door for $20. Let’s pack the PAC and make it a sell-out! #OnWisconsin

Congratulations to our Fond du Lac High School state wrestling qualifiers. Yesterday, the high school learning community sent off Reghan Ziegler (235-pound class), Quinton Ortegon (215-pound class) and Zander Scannell (190-pound class) as they are at the state tournament. Catch them on the mat today and into the weekend. 🤼 -Zander at 10a today -Quinton today at 11:30a -Reghan is wrestling tonight at 7p Best of luck to our Cardinals at state!

What’s a drummer’s favorite type of exercise? 🥁 Cardio—because they’re always working on their beats! #Beats #Drummer #FondyBand #Fondy #FondyChangesOutcomes #FondDuLac #CardinalFamily

Bright futures are being formed at our schools each and every day, and we feel a great amount of responsibility to give our students the education they deserve. #Fondy #FondyChangesOutcomes #FondDuLac #CardinalFamily

Challenge: Financial Shortfalls In 2024-25, the school district has general operating expenses of around $122 million dollars. While the district budgets for yearly maintenance, approximately 90% of our operating budget goes to day-to-day operations like salaries/benefits, technology, transportation, utilities, routine maintenance, insurance, and supplies. The current budget projection shows a budget shortfall of $7-9 million per year over the next four years. Challenge: Increased Student Needs With increasing student needs, including mental health support, basic needs, and career and technical education opportunities, cutting staff and programming will negatively impact student outcomes. Challenge: Inadequate Security At the time our high school was built, the building had appropriate security features. Today, the security systems including our entrances and cameras are not in line with what is available and recommended for student and staff security. Major maintenance improvement projects, such as improving school security, do not fit into the general operating budget, without making significant reductions to other programs. Learn More: fdlsd.org/referendum Share Thoughts or Questions: Dr. Jeffrey Fleig, Superintendent 920-929-2900 or referendum2025@fonddulac.k12.wi.us #FDLSD #FDLSDreferendum25 #WeAreFondy

Meet Kim, a dedicated kindergarten teacher at Evans Elementary School in the Fond du Lac School District. With 24 years of experience as an educator in the district, she has always been driven to inspire a love of learning in her students. Read the full story here: fdlsd.org/future#kim #FondyChangesOutcomes #CardinalFamily

An informational mailer outlining the Tuesday, April 1, 2025, referendum will be landing in resident mailboxes soon. Learn More: fdlsd.org/referendum Share Thoughts or Questions: Dr. Jeffrey Fleig, Superintendent 920-929-2900 or referendum2025@fonddulac.k12.wi.us #FDLSD #FDLSDreferendum25 #WeAreFondy

“While it may seem like we are just playing with shapes, we are actually laying the foundation for our math skills…but hey, who says learning can’t be fun?” #LearningThroughPlay #Fondy #FondyChangesOutcomes #FondDuLac #CardinalFamily

Fond du Lac is setting the standard for growth. Fondy celebrates today at a time when many districts are still struggling to recover from pandemic-related academic setbacks. During a press conference this morning, Fond du Lac celebrated a groundbreaking report that recognizes our district's incredible recovery from the learning loss associated with the pandemic. The report has recognized Fond du Lac for not just returning to pre-pandemic math levels but surpassing them. In reading, Fond du Lac has shown more growth than any other district in the state. Our district has outpaced all other Wisconsin districts regarding growth. The momentum we have established will carry us forward as we continue to change outcomes. "Our work is far from over, but these results confirm we are on the right path," says Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Fleig. "Everything we do is in the best interest of our students’ education and their future."

At Sabish, Ms. Hammer and Mr. Treleven help students understand the connection between effort and heart rate. Using heart rate monitor watches, students choose from a variety of activities and work to stay within a target heart rate zone displayed on the gym screen. This hands-on approach encourages students to stay active while learning how their effort impacts their fitness.

Roberts' fourth-grade art students teamed up with Fond du Lac High School art students for a creative ceramics project. Fourth graders started by drawing monster designs, which high school students then brought to life in clay. Once completed, the fourth graders painted the monsters they received. This hands-on collaboration, led by Ms. Cowles and Ms. Hawkins, was a fantastic experience for all involved, fostering creativity and connection across grade levels.

Due to inclement weather, the Fond du Lac School District will be cancelling all after-school activities for this evening, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, for our elementary schools, middle schools, Community Education and Recreation Department and Boys & Girls Club. Our high school after-school activities will conclude by 5p. Any high school events after 5p are canceled.

At Riverside Elementary School, Principal Jessica Hughes–a proud Fondy graduate–creates a welcoming space in her office for students and staff alike, always offering support, guidance, and inspiration. Thank you for the incredible work you do, Principal Hughes! #Fondy #FondyChangesOutcomes #FondDuLac #CardinalFamily

Chartwells K12, our food service partner, is committed to providing enjoyable, nutritious school meals. To support this mission, Chartwells is launching the school Meals Report Card, a nationwide initiative to gather feedback from students, parents and staff.