Madison BOE Hears MTSS Mid-Year Update, Budget Pressures, and Next Steps in Superintendent Search

District leaders provide progress report on interventions, discuss looming budget challenges, and share timeline for superintendent selection

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Madison Board of Education received a mid-year update on the district's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), heard school-by-school highlights from Interim Superintendent Bruce Watson, and discussed looming budget pressure tied to uncertain state aid timing during its latest public meeting.

Why it matters

The MTSS update provides insight into how the district is supporting students academically, while the budget and superintendent search discussions highlight key administrative priorities and challenges facing the district.

The details

District leaders presented mid-year MTSS data, reviewing how Madison structures interventions in reading, math, and gifted and talented programming. At the elementary level, 99 students are receiving math intervention and 147 are in reading intervention. The middle school provides math and reading support to 67 and 40 students respectively. Administrators noted a trend of students taking about a year and a half to reach grade level in reading. The board questioned scheduling, assessment tools, and potential expansion of middle school interventions. Superintendent Watson warned of budget reductions, potentially including staffing, due to the gap between expected revenues and expenses. He also noted uncertainty around state aid timing. The superintendent search remains on schedule, with third-round interviews planned for February 19.

  • The district reported 99 students currently receiving math intervention with 25 exits, and 147 students in reading intervention with 18 exits.
  • The gifted and talented program includes 123 students, with supports such as workshops, STEAM activities, and a pilot addition of New Jersey Math League competitions.
  • At the middle school, administrators reported intervention is provided in math and reading, largely on an every-other-day A/B schedule, with 67 students receiving math support and 40 receiving reading support.
  • The superintendent search remains on schedule, with third-round interviews expected February 19.
  • The district is still working to close the gap between expected revenues and expenses for the 2026–27 budget, and warned that reductions may include staffing.

The players

Bruce Watson

Interim Superintendent of the Madison school district.

Kelly Browning

Board President of the Madison Board of Education.

Donna Gallo

Director of Curriculum for the Madison school district.

Richard Bruno

Harding Board Liaison.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.