The Menomonee Falls Board of Education established the Distinguished Service Award in 2002 to honor individuals who have given their time and talents over several years to improve the School District of Menomonee Falls and the community.

"Mr. Duke has proven to be an engaged and active leader in our community," said Dr. Nina Christensen, Board President. "Not only has he given to our local community, he has given beyond...he performs these acts of kindness and generosity without seeking recognition or accolades. These humble gestures make him deserving of this award."

Given only once a year, the Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor the Board of Education awards to community members. The recipients of this award are community members, educators, or other individuals who have made significant contributions to the School District of Menomonee Falls students and staff or the Menomonee Falls community as a whole.

Modeled after James Hollenhorst, who was the first recipient of the award, the honor is presented to an individual who has given freely and graciously to the support of the School District of Menomonee Falls’ goals and whose efforts have helped improve student learning and professional development for District staff.

The Distinguished Service Award is awarded to those individuals or organizations who have proven to be leaders in bringing about positive and meaningful educational change.

Click here to watch the award presentation.

The Friend of Education Award was established to recognize unique contributions by individuals or organizations to the education of the children of Menomonee Falls. Former art educator and administrator Bill Pierce initiated the award, and former science teacher Tom Bauer continued the tradition of the award.

The award is bestowed upon those whose efforts to improve or enhance education within the District were so unique that the initiative was only implemented for the individual or organization.

This year's recipients are Jackie Weir and Jerry Mislang. Weir, Youth Market Director for the American Heart Association, has worked closely with SDMF elementary school physical education teachers since 2010 to promote heart-healthy education through the Kids Heart Challenge and Hoops for Heart events.

Mislang is a long-time volunteer and advocate of Falls Schools. Well-known as the "man behind the microphone" at MFHS basketball games, Mislang's leadership and dedication to Falls Schools is a long list. From school athletics, Optimist, Little League Baseball, YMCA, MFHS Booster Club, Quest, Menomonee Falls Youth Basketball Association, and many more, Mislang's dedication to Menomonee Falls youth is legendary.

Click here to watch the award presentation.

The Friend of Education Award recognizes the critical link between the School District of Menomonee Falls, the community, and the many volunteers who serve both.

Artwork from third-grade students has become the trademark of the Friend of Education Award. Third-grade art students each year create original Busscapes depicting the famous yellow school bus transporting children to school. The art teachers chose the artwork for consideration as a Friend of Education award. The artwork is framed and presented by the student artist to its recipient. Over the years, the Busscapes have found special places in many Menomonee Falls homes and offices.

Focus on the Falls this month spotlights school finance and operations, featuring Caitlin Windler, Director of Finance and Operations, along with David Muñoz,

Superintendent of Schools. Learn what goes into building a school district budget, why it's important, and the budget timeline. Windler also breaks down the school district portion of your tax bill.

Menomonee Falls High School inducted three recipients into the MFHS Wall of Fame at halftime of the girl's basketball game on Friday, December 15, 2023. Please click on the recipient's name to read their award biography.

• Diane Sutrick Ziegler - Class of 1977
• Rebecca Coffee - Class of 1996
• Tom Wanke - Class of 1972

Let's give a thunderous round of applause to the brilliant mind of MFHS sophomore Nishanta Suthan! At just 14 years old, he earned a PERFECT 1600 score on his SAT!

Nishanta advises other students in this feature story about his success from CBS58. Check it out!

#FutureLeader #GeniusAtWork #NishantaScores1600 #BrightFutureAhead

Stay in the loop with Board Bits!



Wondering what's happening at our latest Board of Education (BOE) meeting? Look no further! We've got you covered with the highlights from our December 11, 2023, meeting:

Discussion:

• Policy 423: Full-Time Open Enrollment and Part-Time Open Enrollment. 
• Policy and Procedure 732: Buildings and Grounds Maintenance.
• Policy and Procedure 735: Energy Management Conservation.
• Policy and Procedure 736: Pest Management for District-Owned Property.

Action Items:

• 2024-25 School Year Calendar
• Policy 320: Organization for Instruction
• Policy 724: Safety Zones
• Policy 723.1: Emergency School Closings
• Policy 133: Filling Board Vacancies
• VOUCHERS PAYABLE 12/19/2023

Catch all the details in the latest Board Bits recap here:

https://www.fallsschools.org/board/board-bits

Did you miss the meeting and want to see it for yourself? You can watch the recorded video here:

https://sdmf.swagit.com/play/12202023-501/#2

The next regular Board of Education meeting will be held on January 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the boardroom at Village Hall.

Meeting agendas, minutes, and videos are archived on the SDMF BoardDocs page. If you’d like to address the board, please visit the SDMF Board of Education page for a full list of Board Member email addresses.

Congratulations to our FALLS-tastic MFHS athletes, Joseph Koch and Charlie Brinks, on signing letters of commitment to pursue their athletic dreams at the next level! 📝👏 Your hard work, dedication, and passion have truly paid off. 🚀🎓 #FallsPride #Congratulations 🎊👟