I want to thank everyone who supported my campaign for Madison School Board. While the results weren’t what we hoped for, I’m proud of the important conversation we carried about literacy throughout our district. I’ve congratulated Martha Siravo on her victory and wish her success in addressing the challenges our schools face. Her dedication to accessibility and inclusion is admirable, and I know she cares deeply about our students. Throughout this campaign, we highlighted a critical issue: 50% of Madison students, 75% of Latino students, and 90% of Black students read below grade level. This literacy crisis affects everything from attendance and behavior to graduation rates and career readiness. Though I won’t be serving on the Board, my commitment to addressing this challenge remains steadfast. I want to keep the momentum we’ve built during this campaign going, so I’m excited to announce a new community initiative – ReadUp Madison. Think of a ReadUp like a Meetup, but 100% focused on reading.  We’ll explore Emily Hanford’s powerful Sold a Story podcast series that investigates how teaching methods based on debunked theories made it harder for children to learn to read. The podcast documents how 65% of fourth graders in the United States are not proficient readers and examines why kids need to learn specific skills to become good readers, and in many schools, those skills are not being taught. Fortunately, Madison schools are now teaching many of these necessary skills like phonics. But we have a long way to go before every Madison student is proficient in reading. My vision is for hundreds of these ReadUps across Madison helping to educate our Madison neighbors about the science of reading and how we arrived at our current literacy crisis. By understanding the problem, we can better advocate for effective implementation of evidence-based solutions in our schools.  Literacy is THE CIVIL RIGHTS ISSUE we must address. Equity will not be accomplished until every student reads proficiently. Every. Single. One. To everyone who volunteered, donated, and supported this campaign – thank you. Your passion for improving education in Madison inspired me daily. Special thanks to my family, my wife, and especially my children at Leopold and Cherokee Heights, who shared their dad with this campaign. Though I won’t be serving on the School Board, I remain committed to ensuring every Madison student can read at grade level. I look forward to continuing this important work as a community advocate and invite you to join me. Click here to sign up for our first cohort of ReadUps. The signup form is at that bottom of the page. The mission continues.

I want to thank everyone who supported my campaign for Madison School Board. While the results weren’t what we hoped for, I’m proud of the important conversation we carried about literacy throughout our district.

I’ve congratulated Martha Siravo on her victory and wish her success in addressing…

THANK YOU, MADISON and FITCHBURG! Win or lose, our mission continues: ensuring EVERY student reads at grade level. I’m grateful for every supporter, volunteer, and voter who joined this campaign. Stay connected: https://bretwagner.com/

THANK YOU, MADISON and FITCHBURG!

Win or lose, our mission continues: ensuring EVERY student reads at grade level.

I’m grateful for every supporter, volunteer, and voter who joined this campaign.

Stay connected: https://bretwagner.com/

🚨 30 MINUTES LEFT! “Bret Wagner brings the right combination of analytical expertise and firsthand classroom experience.” -Mayor Arata-Fratta Reading proficiency = Job #1 POLLS CLOSE AT 8PM! I’m second on ballot for Seat 3! https://bretwagner.com/

🚨 30 MINUTES LEFT!

“Bret Wagner brings the right combination of analytical expertise and firsthand classroom experience.”

-Mayor Arata-Fratta

Reading proficiency = Job #1

POLLS CLOSE AT 8PM! I’m second on ballot for Seat 3!

https://bretwagner.com/

⚠️ 2 HOURS LEFT TO VOTE! “Bret’s urgency for better results deserves voter support.” -Wisconsin State Journal I bring teaching experience, analytical skills, and a front row seat to successful school leadership as Cherokee Heights PFO President. I’m second on the ballot for Seat 3! https://bretwagner.com/endorsements/

⚠️ 2 HOURS LEFT TO VOTE!

“Bret’s urgency for better results deserves voter support.” -Wisconsin State Journal

I bring teaching experience, analytical skills, and a front row seat to successful school leadership as Cherokee Heights PFO President.

I’m second on the ballot for Seat…

🧠 MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

Students who struggle to read are more likely to experience frustration and anxiety.

My approach includes addressing reading proficiency while expanding mental health services for students.

3.5 HOURS LEFT TO VOTE!

https://bretwagner.com/

💸 SMART MONEY MANAGEMENT: $1 invested in early literacy = $7-12 saved later “Bret will bring a more analytical approach to spending and student outcomes.” -Wisconsin State Journal Let’s focus resources on what works, starting with reading proficiency. 5 HOURS LEFT TO VOTE! https://bretwagner.com/

💸 SMART MONEY MANAGEMENT: $1 invested in early literacy = $7-12 saved later

“Bret will bring a more analytical approach to spending and student outcomes.” -Wisconsin State Journal

Let’s focus resources on what works, starting with reading proficiency.

5 HOURS LEFT TO VOTE! https://bretwagner.com/

⏱️ 8 HOURS LEFT TO VOTE! “Bret is ready to listen and work with communities across Madison and Fitchburg” -Christina Gomez Schmidt, Former Board Member “Teaching children to read is the most powerful tool schools have.” -Marline Pearson, MATC Instructor https://bretwagner.com/endorsements/

⏱️ 8 HOURS LEFT TO VOTE!

“Bret is ready to listen and work with communities across Madison and Fitchburg” -Christina Gomez Schmidt, Former Board Member

“Teaching children to read is the most powerful tool schools have.” -Marline Pearson, MATC Instructor

https://bretwagner.com/endorsements/

📅 ATTENDANCE MATTERS.

At Cherokee Heights Middle School, their team achieved 90% attendance with same-day parent contact and incentive programs.

“Bret has the skills to lead” -Aaron Seligman, MMSD parent & PTA leader

https://bretwagner.com/endorsements/

🎭 Arts + Reading = SUCCESS As a School Board member, I’ll support both strong arts programming and science-based literacy instruction. Music helps students recognize patterns and rhythms that support reading skills. Our kids deserve well-rounded education with a solid foundation in reading. VOTE TODAY! https://bretwagner.com/

🎭 Arts + Reading = SUCCESS

As a School Board member, I’ll support both strong arts programming and science-based literacy instruction.

Music helps students recognize patterns and rhythms that support reading skills.

Our kids deserve well-rounded education with a solid foundation in…

🍎 HUNGRY KIDS CAN’T LEARN. I support universal breakfast for all students. “Student success begins with student well-being.” -Dr. Zorba Paster When basic needs are met, reading scores improve. It’s that simple. https://bretwagner.com/endorsements/

🍎 HUNGRY KIDS CAN’T LEARN. I support universal breakfast for all students.

“Student success begins with student well-being.” -Dr. Zorba Paster

When basic needs are met, reading scores improve. It’s that simple.

https://bretwagner.com/endorsements/

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🗳️ POLLS ARE OPEN!

“Bret Wagner is the best candidate for Madison School Board because of his laser-like focus on improving reading.” -Wisconsin State Journal

I’m second on the ballot for Seat 3!

Find your polling place:…

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This weekend was a whirlwind of activity as our incredible volunteer team hit the pavement across Madison and Fitchburg. Despite the cold and wet weather, we achieved an amazing milestone. We canvassed 3,000 doors in just two days! The response has been overwhelming. So many residents share our concern about the reading crisis in our district and are eager to see changes that will ensure every student reads at grade level. Every. Single. One. Last week, my family and I signed 3,500 walk cards in preparation for this weekend’s canvassing effort. Coming together around the mission of improving literacy in our schools has been truly inspiring. Between canvassing shifts on Saturday, I grabbed lunch at Taco Madre – their daily special definitely hit the spot after hours of walking! One of the unexpected joys of this campaign has been discovering local businesses and exploring neighborhoods I don’t normally visit. Our mailers are also hitting mailboxes across the district now, spreading our message about making reading proficiency Job #1 in Madison schools. With just one day until the election, we’re making our final push to reach as many voters as possible. I’ve posted a video of our canvassing efforts on my social media channels. Despite the chilly temperatures and occasional drizzle, connecting with so many passionate community members has been incredibly energizing. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered, donated, or simply taken the time to share their thoughts about our schools. Together, we can ensure that every student in Madison has the fundamental skill they need to succeed: the ability to read at grade level. Election Day is tomorrow – April 1st! If you haven’t already, please make your voice heard at the polls. I’m second on the ballot for Seat 3. Visit BretWagner.com to learn more about our campaign.

This weekend was a whirlwind of activity as our incredible volunteer team hit the pavement across Madison and Fitchburg.

Despite the cold and wet weather, we achieved an amazing milestone. We canvassed 3,000 doors in just two days!

The response has been overwhelming. So many residents share our…

⏰  10 HOURS UNTIL POLLS OPEN! I’m committed to making reading proficiency Job #1 in Madison schools. The Wisconsin State Journal endorsed my “urgency for better results.” I’ll be the first Fitchburg representative on the board in over 10 years. VOTE TUESDAY (I’m second on the ballot for Seat 3!) https://bretwagner.com/

⏰  10 HOURS UNTIL POLLS OPEN!

I’m committed to making reading proficiency Job #1 in Madison schools. The Wisconsin State Journal endorsed my “urgency for better results.”

I’ll be the first Fitchburg representative on the board in over 10 years.

VOTE TUESDAY (I’m second on the ballot for Seat…

🔍 TRANSPARENCY matters. “Bret brings analytical expertise and firsthand classroom experience” -Mayor Arata-Fratta I’ll push for clear reporting on student progress and meaningful community engagement in decision-making. https://bretwagner.com/endorsements/

🔍 TRANSPARENCY matters.

“Bret brings analytical expertise and firsthand classroom experience” -Mayor Arata-Fratta

I’ll push for clear reporting on student progress and meaningful community engagement in decision-making.

https://bretwagner.com/endorsements/

📱 CELL PHONES At Cherokee Heights Middle School, their policy works: Phone out during class = gone for the day. Second violation = parent call. As a father with kids in MMSD schools, I understand this issue from all sides. https://bretwagner.com/

📱 CELL PHONES

At Cherokee Heights Middle School, their policy works:

Phone out during class = gone for the day. Second violation = parent call.

As a father with kids in MMSD schools, I understand this issue from all sides.

https://bretwagner.com/

🏫 SCHOOL SAFETY begins with BELONGING.

At Cherokee Heights Middle School, their school staff has reduced behavior incidents by focusing on:

Trusted adult connections; Clear expectations; Reset & Return room; Reading support

https://bretwagner.com/endorsements/

💰 The $66.4 MILLION special education funding gap affects every student in Madison.

Dr. Zorba Paster endorsed me because I bring “analytical precision and heartfelt compassion” to these challenges.

The literacy crisis and special education funding are connected issues that need data-driven…

👩‍🏫 “Bret understands the challenge of education… if one teaching strategy doesn’t work for a student, you have to try something different.” -Roger Rumppe, my former teacher & mentor Teachers deserve our trust and support. Less paperwork, more teaching time. https://bretwagner.com/endorsements/ #TrustTeachers

👩‍🏫 “Bret understands the challenge of education… if one teaching strategy doesn’t work for a student, you have to try something different.”

-Roger Rumppe, my former teacher & mentor

Teachers deserve our trust and support. Less paperwork, more teaching time.

https://bretwagner.com/endorsements/…

📈 The numbers tell a clear story: 50% of Madison students below grade level in reading; 75% of Latino students below grade level; 90% of Black students below grade level. MMSD talks about equity, but where are the results? As your School Board member, I’ll focus on expanding structured literacy programs. https://bretwagner.com/ #ReadingIsEquity

📈 The numbers tell a clear story:

50% of Madison students below grade level in reading; 75% of Latino students below grade level; 90% of Black students below grade level.

MMSD talks about equity, but where are the results?

As your School Board member, I’ll focus on expanding structured literacy…

☀️ Good morning, Madison! ELECTION TOMORROW. I’m honored to be endorsed by the Wisconsin State Journal, Mayor Arata-Fratta, and Former Asst. State Superintendent Dr. Sheila Briggs. At Cherokee Heights, their school leaders have achieved 90% attendance through focused leadership. I’ve had a front row seat to these results as PFO President. Learn more: https://bretwagner.com/endorsements/

☀️ Good morning, Madison! ELECTION TOMORROW.

I’m honored to be endorsed by the Wisconsin State Journal, Mayor Arata-Fratta, and Former Asst. State Superintendent Dr. Sheila Briggs.

At Cherokee Heights, their school leaders have achieved 90% attendance through focused leadership.

I’ve had a front…

PARENTS ARE PARTNERS! “Bret has a passion for all education… He wants to see every child love learning (and good reading skills is the place to start).” -Roger Rumppe The best decisions happen when families and schools work together. VOTE TODAY: https://bretwagner.com/

PARENTS ARE PARTNERS!

“Bret has a passion for all education… He wants to see every child love learning (and good reading skills is the place to start).” -Roger Rumppe

The best decisions happen when families and schools work together.

VOTE TODAY: https://bretwagner.com/

📊 SHOCKING: 90% of Black students in Madison struggle to read at grade level. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a crisis. I’m Bret Wagner, running for School Board with one mission: making reading proficiency Job #1. The Wisconsin State Journal endorsed me for my “laser-like focus on improving reading.”ELECTION TUESDAY! https://bretwagner.com/ #ReadingMatters

📊 SHOCKING: 90% of Black students in Madison struggle to read at grade level. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a crisis.

I’m Bret Wagner, running for School Board with one mission: making reading proficiency Job #1.

The Wisconsin State Journal endorsed me for my “laser-like focus on improving…

Teachers deserve to be treated as trusted professionals. Let’s reduce administrative burdens so they can focus on what they do best: teaching our children. #ThankYouTeachers #TrustTeachers #MadisonSchools

Teachers deserve to be treated as trusted professionals. Let’s reduce administrative burdens so they can focus on what they do best: teaching our children. #ThankYouTeachers #TrustTeachers #MadisonSchools

Had a great time discussing my candidacy for Madison School Board and student literacy on today’s City Cast Madison podcast! Huge thanks for the great conversation. Don’t miss out – give it a listen on your favorite podcast platform! 🎧 https://megaphone.link/CC6569895667

Had a great time discussing my candidacy for Madison School Board and student literacy on today’s City Cast Madison podcast! Huge thanks for the great conversation. Don’t miss out – give it a listen on your favorite podcast platform! 🎧 https://megaphone.link/CC6569895667

Music education is essential. When students learn to read music, they’re developing the same neural pathways used in reading text. That’s why my literacy-focused platform includes support for daily arts education. Music programs don’t compete with core subjects; they enhance them, while providing students creative outlets for expression and belonging. Every student deserves both strong literacy skills AND opportunities to develop their artistic talents. #ArtsEveryDay #LiteracyMatters #SchoolBoardElection

Music education is essential. When students learn to read music, they’re developing the same neural pathways used in reading text. That’s why my literacy-focused platform includes support for daily arts education. Music programs don’t compete with core subjects; they enhance them, while providing…

Just finished canvassing and had two young students tell me they want arts EVERY day in school! I couldn’t agree more. Research shows music education improves reading skills, cognitive development, and academic performance. As your School Board candidate, I support incorporating arts into daily curriculum—whether music, visual arts, or theater. Every child deserves a well-rounded education that nurtures both literacy AND creativity. #ArtsEducation #ReadingAndRhythm #MadisonSchools

Just finished canvassing and had two young students tell me they want arts EVERY day in school! I couldn’t agree more. Research shows music education improves reading skills, cognitive development, and academic performance. As your School Board candidate, I support incorporating arts into daily…

Who taught YOU to read? My “Fantastic Four” were Mrs. Wagie, Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. Burrows, and Mrs. Montgomery. These Pre-K to 2nd grade teachers changed my life forever—and I bet you remember who taught you to read too. Share your reading heroes with #ThankYouTeachers #ReadingHeroes

Who taught YOU to read? My “Fantastic Four” were Mrs. Wagie, Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. Burrows, and Mrs. Montgomery. These Pre-K to 2nd grade teachers changed my life forever—and I bet you remember who taught you to read too. Share your reading heroes with #ThankYouTeachers #ReadingHeroes

Think back. Before your first heartbreak. Before your first job. They were there: the special teachers, family members, or mentors who opened the world of reading to you. I call mine the “Fantastic Four” – those Pre-K to 2nd grade teachers who changed my life forever: Mrs. Wagie, Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. Burrows, and Mrs. Montgomery. Who helped you learn to read? Whether you had one special teacher or many, whether your journey to reading was straightforward or filled with challenges, someone helped build the foundation for the skill you’re using right now. While you were practicing letters and sounding out words, they were patiently building the neural pathways that would shape your future. For some, reading came easily. For others, it required extra support, different approaches, or learning strategies to overcome dyslexia or other challenges. By 3rd grade, education shifts dramatically from learning to read to reading to learn. This is why supporting all children in those early years is so crucial. Behind every reader is someone who made it happen – classroom teachers, reading specialists, family members, tutors, or librarians. These reading heroes deserve our recognition and support. So who taught you to read? Share their names. Tag them if you can. Let’s start a chain reaction of gratitude for those who gave us the gift of literacy, no matter what our journey looked like. Because we should remember those who helped us unlock the power of words. They changed our lives forever. #ThankYouTeachers #ReadingHeroes

Think back. Before your first heartbreak. Before your first job. They were there: the special teachers, family members, or mentors who opened the world of reading to you.

I call mine the “Fantastic Four” – those Pre-K to 2nd grade teachers who changed my life forever: Mrs. Wagie, Mrs. Harrison,…

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For Immediate Release

MADISON, WI  – Bret Wagner, candidate for Madison Metropolitan School District Board Seat 3, has received endorsements from former school board members Christina Gomez Schmidt and Ed Hughes, as well as…

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