A Historic Raise for Madison Teachers but Also a Looming Budget Hole
The Madison school district initially offered teachers a 3.5 percent pay bump but is now committed to doubling it to the highest raise allowed by state law. Teachers are applauding the move and say investing in educators is long overdue. However, what this means for the district’s financial health is far from clear because of a looming budget deficit.
Nichelle Nichols, president of the Madison school board, talks with Dylan Brogan about why the board is prioritizing teacher pay this year and the difficult decisions coming due in future budgets. We also get an update on the superintendent search and the district’s embattled spokesperson
- Full list of Make Music Madison performances
Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!
Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Latest Episodes
'Your City Could Be Better': Why Portland’s Considering Hiring a Night Mayor — Presented By City Cast Madison
Madisonians, what do you do when your night life starts to dwindle? Nightlife is a huge economic driver for cities, but city offices are...

UW System President Ousted, Men's Shelter Update, and Another Round For Essen Haus
This week, the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents voted to fire its president, Jay Rothman. The regents say this has been a long...

What’s New in Madison’s Restaurant Scene This Spring
From Ba Lao to Friends Applaud, there are so many new restaurants in the Madison area to check out this spring. In her recent Cap Times...

2026 Wisconsin Spring Election Results
Last night’s election results are in! More than 50% of registered voters in Dane County turned out to the polls, and it was a good night...

It’s Time to Vote! Plus, Get Psyched for Summer Sports, and RIP Tone Madison
Happy Election Day, Madison! We’re wrapping up our election primers today with a breakdown of the contested Madison City Council races. P...

Veterans Memorial Coliseum Is Ready for an Encore
Back in the 1990s, it was normal, if not expected, that big-name bands would stop in Madison. From Metallica to Bon Jovi to Reba McEntire...

'Your City Could Be Better': Denver’s Bet on a Women’s Soccer Stadium — Presented By City Cast Madison
If you are a fan of the Madison's professional women's volleyball team LOVB, you already know how incredible women's sports are! While mo...

Pedestrian Safety, Dane County Judge Race, and Hoofers Expansion
After nearly 30 years, the City of Madison is revising its pedestrian plan to make Madison safer and more walkable. Plus, UW’s largest st...

Your Guide to April 2026 in Madison
Happy April, Madison! It’s a new month, which means the City Cast Madison team is here to share our tips on how to make the most of it. T...

Meet the Candidates: Judge Chris Taylor For Wisconsin Supreme Court
Wisconsin’s spring election is less than a week away — and that’s no April Fools joke! On April 7, voters across the state will cast thei...


