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.
Register to vote online at myvote.wi.gov.
Wednesday, March 12, 2025, is the deadline for you to register to vote by mail or online for the April Election. After this date, you must register in person in your municipal clerk’s office or at your polling place.
https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Find-My-Polling-Place
https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Voter-Deadlines
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
The Fond du Lac School District (FDLSD) is pleased to announce the selection of Matt Steinbarth as the district’s next Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2025. A dedicated leader with more than 25 years of service within the FDLSD, Matt Steinbarth brings extensive experience in education, administration and strategic leadership.
“Our decision, with a 7-0 vote, is a testament to the faith that we have in Mr. Steinbarth to continue to strengthen and build upon the pillars and foundation that have been established with retiring Superintendent Dr. Jeff Fleig,” said Board President Todd Schreiter. “Mr. Steinbarth has a tremendous understanding of the district’s strengths and challenges to change outcomes for students. His character, conviction, and passion for success make him the choice to lead us into the future.”
Mr. Steinbarth is a key member of FDLSD’s leadership team, currently serving as Chief Academic Officer and formerly as Chief of Schools. In the superintendent's absence, he fulfilled those duties, demonstrating his expertise and dedication. Before his roles in district leadership, Matt Steinbarth served as the Fond du Lac High School principal, Lakeshore Elementary principal, Woodworth Middle School assistant principal and an eighth-grade math teacher at Woodworth Middle School. His professional journey began in the FDLSD in 1999 as a long-term substitute teacher at Parkside Elementary.
A proud alumnus of the FDLSD, Matt Steinbarth graduated from Goodrich High School (Class of 1994). Mr. Steinbarth holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, a master’s degree from Marian University and a superintendent license from Concordia University Wisconsin.
“I am truly honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve as the next Superintendent of Schools for the Fond du Lac School District,” said Steinbarth. “As a lifelong resident, I do not take the responsibility lightly. I am committed to working with passion, purpose, and unwavering persistence to elevate every student’s experience. Together with our dedicated educators, staff, parents, and community members, I am eager to build on our strong foundation toward positive, lasting change improving outcomes for all. I am enthusiastic about the journey ahead and look forward to celebrating our shared success.”
The Fond du Lac School District (FDLSD), the 19th largest in Wisconsin, serves over 6,400 students across 75 square miles in Fond du Lac County. It includes the city of Fond du Lac and parts of the town of Fond du Lac, Empire, Taycheedah, Peebles, St. Peter, Malone, Mt. Calvary, Silica, Byron, Marblehead and Eden. The district comprises 14 schools: nine elementary, three middle, one high school, and the STEM Academy, a charter school for grades 6-12 focused on project-based STEM learning. Education begins with four-year-old kindergarten or early childhood programs, guided by our commitment to "Changing Outcomes in Our Communities."
Students in Mr. Henry's sixth grade AVID class at Woodworth took on an exciting hands-on challenge — building a chair using PVC pipes. This engaging experience was made possible through our district's strong community partnership, with students learning directly from a guest speaker from Ahern. Opportunities like this connect classroom learning to real-world skills, inspiring students to think creatively and collaboratively.
Your future doctor learns here. 🩺
#FutureDoctor #Fondy #FondyChangesOutcomes #FondDuLac #CardinalFamily
Yesterday, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, at the YMCA’s Annual Community Impact Report, the Fond du Lac School District was honored to receive the 2024 Community Spirit Award.
This award recognizes those who go above and beyond to build bridges, forge partnerships and create a sense of togetherness.
We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with our community and make a meaningful impact on our students’ futures. Thank you to the YMCA for this recognition and to all our partners who help support and strengthen our schools.
“It may look like I’m just playing with blocks, but I am actually developing my brain and fine motor skills.”
#LearningThroughPlay #Fondy #FondyChangesOutcomes #FondDuLac #CardinalFamily
As temperatures drop, Evans Elementary School reminds students to stay prepared with the “Frosty Five” from Ms. Bingen’s first-grade classroom: snow pants, boots, jacket, hat, and gloves. This thoughtful message from Evans encourages everyone to stay warm and ready for the ever-changing winter weather.
A few weeks ago, Theisen hosted a Parent Engagement Night, giving families a glimpse into a student’s day. They explored a typical schedule, navigated Skyward, and learned about iReady. We also welcomed community partners, including Ebony Vision, the Boys & Girls Club, and the Fondy Library, who shared valuable resources.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to a successful evening! We look forward to welcoming even more families at upcoming engagement nights, especially during conferences.
Conference Schedule:
Elementary Evening (except Riverside): 2/11 & 2/13
All Elementary Day (including Riverside): 2/21
Middle School Evening: 2/20 & 2/27
High School Evening Family: 2/18
Exciting things are happening at Fondy!
“We had the honor of recently sharing at the school board meeting the immense amount of gains that have been made in all of our buildings. Our report cards were shared, and the gains were anywhere from 25% to 75% within our schools, we are doing the right things for kids every day, and it's showing in our academic data.” – Principal Jessica Hughes
#Fondy #FondyChangesOutcomes #FondDuLac #CardinalFamily
