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Forum Friday: Wisconsin’s Stubbornly High Rate of Chronic Absenteeism
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Contact Us
What is Forum Friday? In this webinar format, we discuss a timely research topic and invite notable guests and Forum members to join the conversation. We hope these events give Forum supporters and members from every corner of our state an opportunity to stay informed and connected on our state's most pressing public policy issues.
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Seeking Solutions: Wisconsin’s Stubbornly High Rate of Chronic Absenteeism
Virtual event | October 30, 2026 | 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Join us Friday, Oct. 30, for the latest installment of our virtual event series, Forum Friday! It will focus on the rise in chronic absenteeism in Wisconsin schools.
Previous Forum research has found that rates of chronic absenteeism for Wisconsin’s students – missing more than one in ten school days for any reason – spiked during the pandemic and still remain at elevated levels. An upcoming report examines chronic absenteeism in Milwaukee schools and seeks to identify successful solutions implemented in other cities.
Our Forum Friday program will review statewide data and highlight solutions that may be applicable to districts around the state. Our panelists will include:
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Michele Butler |
Elizabeth Cook |
Robert Rauh |
As always, we’ll conclude with a Q&A session for registered participants. Registration is free, but required for this event.
18
2026 Salute to Local Government
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Salute to Local Government
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. | Program starts at 12:00 p.m.
Italian Community Center | 631 E Chicago St, Milwaukee
Our 34th Annual Salute to Local Government awards event will recognize the positive impact that public sector ingenuity and excellence have on taxpayers and communities throughout Wisconsin. Award categories will showcase local governments and school districts for innovative problem solving, efforts to advance equity, and intergovernmental and public-private cooperation. We also will honor individuals in the public sector for excellence and lifetime achievement, and in partnership with UW-Madison’s La Follette School of Public Affairs, will recognize innovative performance in state government.
Our keynote speaker this year will be Jerry Deschane!
Jerry Deschane was the Executive Director of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities for 12 years, where his accomplishments included the first significant increase in state shared revenue aid to local governments in a generation. He has served on school boards for over 16 years and has worked as an association management consultant and writer.
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