The School District of Superior’s continuing vision is to become the leading district, where education and community come together for student excellence. That’s why bringing the Wisconsin Public Education Network’s Summer Summit to Superior makes sense.
For the last 12 years, the WPEN Summer Summit has been the largest gathering of educational partners and stakeholders in Wisconsin. From Milwaukee to Green Bay, the WPEN crew decided it was time to bring the conference to Lake Superior. More than 100 people are expected to travel to the Twin Ports to network, hear from educational leaders, and learn how to better advocate for public education.
About Wisconsin Public Education Network
Starting around 2011, the Wisconsin Public Education Network established itself as a statewide coalition of people who come together to ensure that every single child in public school has what they need to thrive. Their mission is to ensure every child in every public school deserves an excellent public education. No exceptions.
“WPEN is a nonpartisan coalition,” said Heather DuBois Bourenane, Executive Director of Wisconsin Public Education Network. “We try to help people shake past the politics and the complications around things like school funding to just be everyday ambassadors for delivering the change kids need to really thrive in all our public schools. We are parents, educators, community members, school board members and lawmakers.”
WPEN believes thriving public schools provide safe, welcoming environments for all and meet the unique individual needs of each student. Educational equity ensures that our public schools have the resources and support they need to provide every student with an equally excellent, well-rounded education.
“I feel like one of my key responsibilities is advocating at the state and the national level,” said Dr. Amy Starzecki, School District of Superior Superintendent. ”I also feel very strongly about the fact that this work should be nonpartisan. Regardless of a political party, everybody wants our kids to have great educational experiences. I think this organization has provided a place and resources for that advocacy work, and, more importantly, for bringing people together. The more voices that we have at the table, the more powerful that is.”
What Is The Summer Summit?
Once a year since 2014, educational stakeholders have met to discuss new ways to reach out to the community and learn how they can help change policies and funding for public education. Oftentimes, WPEN will welcome keynote speakers to share their experiences.
“The summit has kind of evolved into an amazing conglomerate of public school advocates,” said Chris Hambuch-Boyle, Northwest Wisconsin Organizer for WPEN. “I think our following for the summit has increased as more people are concerned about public school funding and ensuring kids are getting what they need to thrive in our public schools. It’s an amazing gathering where people can have breakout sessions to learn about timely educational topics.”
Breakout sessions cover topics such as school finances, how to tell the story of a school district, adding classes to the district and much more.
“There are lots of opportunities to learn, to connect and to be heard,” said DuBois Bourenane. “We hope that every session is very interactive, people feel connected, and feel confident in being able to talk about public schools.”
“Thriving Public Schools, Thriving Communities” – Summit In Superior
On July 23-24, the two-day event will come to Superior, starting with a welcome reception at UW-Superior on Thursday. WPEN will host an education-focused gubernatorial candidate forum, with all candidates invited. On Friday, guests will hear from Wisconsin Superintendent, Dr. Jill Underly, followed by several breakout sessions.
“When WPEN approached our district, they wanted somewhere in northern Wisconsin since most conversations were held in the southeastern part of our state,” said Dr. Starzecki. “It’ll be a long drive for some, but I’m hopeful. I am personally proud of our beautiful facilities, and I hope everyone has a chance to see them.”
Some examples of sessions include:
School Finance 101
PTAs Drive Thriving Schools
Making Connections Using Outdoor Education (Presented by 2023 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year, Superior’s Lori Danz)
Lessons from School Board Members on Engagement, Action and Delivering for Local Students
And More
“All the sessions are going to be great,” said DuBois Bourenane. “The most exciting part is just being able to customize a path for yourself through the day that really is in tune with your own interests and what the needs of kids are in your district.”
The WPEN Summer Summit is open to the public and anyone interested in the latest news in the world of education. For more information, the schedule, and to register for the event, head to https://www.wisconsinnetwork.org/summit.
David Coy is Communications/PR Specialist for the School District of Superior
