Introduction
Cherokee Heights Middle School in Madison, Wisconsin, is actively engaged in significant facilities modernization and targeted academic improvements in 2026. The school is part of a district-wide initiative to replace its current building with a new, flexible learning environment designed for future growth. Simultaneously, the school is implementing a comprehensive 2025-2026 School Improvement Plan focused on enhancing math and literacy outcomes through data-driven small-group instruction and strengthening student-family connections through an Advisory program.
These initiatives create operational pressure related to managing large-scale construction, integrating new instructional strategies, and coordinating student support systems. Key systems, such as building management, classroom technology, and student data platforms, become critical for effective implementation. Vendors offering solutions in facilities planning, construction oversight, educational technology, social-emotional learning platforms, and data analytics can find opportunities to support Cherokee Heights Middle School's current operational needs and strategic objectives.
Cherokee Heights Middle School Snapshot
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
School District: Madison Metropolitan School District
Grades Served: 6-8
Technology Environment: The Madison Metropolitan School District provides desktop environment support, maintenance, and replacement for over 32,000 devices across 60 buildings. The district is exploring artificial intelligence tools for teacher support in lesson planning and data analysis.
Key Initiative: Construction of an entirely new school building as part of the Madison Metropolitan School District's Facilities Referendum Phase 2.
Website: https://cherokee.madison.k12.wi.us/
Recent Funding and Procurement Activity
| Funding Activity | Amount | Operational Area | Current School-Level Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| District-Wide Facilities Referendum (2024) | $507,000,000 | Facilities Modernization | This district-wide funding supports the construction of a new building for Cherokee Heights Middle School, with planning and design phases currently active. |
| District-Wide Operational Referendum (2024) | $100,000,000 | District Operations | This funding ensures vital investments in staff and student programs across the Madison Metropolitan School District, impacting resource allocation for instructional initiatives at Cherokee Heights Middle School. |
| Cherokee Heights Middle School Facilities Planning Funds (MMSD allocation) | $358,104.89 | Facilities Planning & Design | Funds allocated as of January 2026 for early planning, site preparation, design development, and project management for the new school building. |
| K-5 Core Instructional Resources for Social Emotional Learning (RFP Issued June 2025) | Undisclosed | Curriculum & Instruction | The district is procuring resources for SEL implementation across elementary schools for the 2025-2026 school year, indicating a broader district focus that influences middle school programming. |
Leadership and Key Buying Personas
| Name | Role | Department | Public Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roberto Moreno Diaz | Principal | Administration | - |
| Jeremy Crowell | Assistant Principal | Administration | jlcrowell@madison.k12.wi.us |
| Kevin Anys | School Counselor | Student Services | kmanys@madison.k12.wi.us |
| Elizabeth Zavala | School Counselor | Student Services | ejzavala@madison.k12.wi.us |
| Abby Ray | School Social Worker | Student Services | ajuzwik@madison.k12.wi.us |
| Annie Yates | School Social Worker | Student Services | amyates@madison.k12.wi.us |
| Rachel Frank | School Psychologist | Student Services | rmfrank@madison.k12.wi.us |
| Bethany Lynch | School Nurse | Health Services | balynch@madison.k12.wi.us |
| Scott Chehak | Senior Executive Director of Building Services | Madison Metropolitan School District | - |
| Eric Benedict | Instructional Technology User Manager | Madison Metropolitan School District | - |
| Dana Scheel | Manager – Procurement & Contract | Madison Metropolitan School District | - |
Key Initiatives at a Glance
- Planning and design for an entirely new Cherokee Heights Middle School building are currently active.
- Implementing data-driven small-group instruction to improve student literacy and math proficiency.
- Strengthening student and family connections through a comprehensive Advisory program.
- Integrating social-emotional learning strategies and resources into daily school operations.
- Exploring and implementing artificial intelligence tools for teacher support in instructional planning and data analysis.
What Companies Can Sell to Cherokee Heights Middle School
| Who Can Sell Here | Current Initiative | Operational Pressure | Seller Positioning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural & Engineering Firms | Planning and design of a new school building. | Coordinating complex design requirements, community feedback, and future-ready educational spaces. | Offer expertise in K-12 facility design, sustainable building, and modern learning environment integration. |
| Construction & Project Management Services | New school building construction expected to begin in 2026. | Managing timelines, budgets, and subcontractor coordination for large-scale school construction projects. | Provide project management, general contracting, and construction oversight for educational facilities. |
| Building Materials & Systems Vendors | New school building requires modern infrastructure. | Sourcing energy-efficient HVAC, advanced security systems, and accessible building components. | Supply modern HVAC systems, access control, fire suppression, and building automation solutions. |
| K-12 Curriculum & Instructional Resources | Implementing data-driven small-group instruction for math and literacy. | Ensuring resources align with specific learning gaps and support differentiated instruction strategies. | Offer programs and materials for targeted math and literacy interventions and differentiated learning. |
| Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Platforms & Programs | Strengthening student and family connections through Advisory programs and SEL integration. | Delivering consistent SEL content and tracking student progress across various social-emotional competencies. | Provide evidence-based SEL curricula, digital platforms for student well-being, and advisory program support. |
| Educational Technology & Software | Exploring artificial intelligence tools for teacher support in lesson planning and data analysis. | Integrating AI tools that genuinely save teacher time and provide actionable insights without compromising student data privacy. | Deliver AI-powered instructional design tools, data analytics platforms for student performance, and secure student-focused AI. |
| Classroom Technology Providers | New building will feature modern learning environments. | Equipping new classrooms with integrated display solutions, interactive whiteboards, and robust audio-visual systems. | Supply interactive displays, projection systems, and integrated AV solutions for modern classrooms. |
| Data Analytics & Reporting Tools | Utilizing data for small-group instruction and attendance monitoring. | Consolidating student performance, attendance, and behavioral data from disparate systems for actionable insights. | Offer platforms that integrate and visualize student data for academic and social-emotional interventions. |
| Network Infrastructure & Wi-Fi Solutions | New building requires robust network connectivity. | Ensuring reliable, high-speed wireless access across all learning spaces and administrative areas. | Provide scalable Wi-Fi infrastructure, network security, and managed IT services for school campuses. |
| Student Device Management Solutions | Madison Metropolitan School District manages 32,000+ devices. | Efficiently deploying, managing, and securing student devices, particularly in 1:1 learning environments. | Offer unified endpoint management (UEM) solutions, asset tracking, and cybersecurity for student devices. |
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Why Companies Should Consider Selling to Cherokee Heights Middle School
- Cherokee Heights Middle School is undergoing a complete campus rebuild, creating an active environment for new facility-related procurement in 2026.
- The school has defined goals to improve academic outcomes through targeted, data-driven instructional methods.
- There is a clear commitment to student well-being and integrated social-emotional support programs.
- The Madison Metropolitan School District is actively investing in new educational technology, including the exploration of AI tools for teachers.
- The district has approved significant funding for both facilities and operations, indicating a stable and active buying environment.
- Public input sessions for the new school demonstrate an ongoing, transparent planning process for vendors to engage with.
1. New School Building Construction
What Cherokee Heights Middle School Is Doing
Cherokee Heights Middle School is part of Phase 2 of the Madison Metropolitan School District's 2024 Facilities Referendum, which involves constructing an entirely new school building. This project aims to replace the existing facility with modern, flexible learning environments designed to meet current and future educational needs. Public input sessions for the design concepts were held in January 2026.
Key Buyer Personas
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- Director of Facilities (District)
- Senior Executive Director of Building Services (District)
- Project Manager (District)
- Procurement Manager (District)
Operational Challenges
- Coordinating current school operations during the extensive planning and eventual construction phases.
- Ensuring the new facility design incorporates advanced educational technology and sustainable building practices.
- Managing the transition of staff, students, and resources to the new building upon completion.
- Integrating community and staff feedback into the evolving architectural plans.
Relevant Company Categories for Cherokee Heights Middle School
- Architectural Design Services
- Construction Management Services
- Sustainable Building Solutions
- HVAC and Building Controls
- Educational Space Planners
Relevant Companies
HGA Architects and Engineers — Provides comprehensive architectural, engineering, and planning services.
Relevant for: Designing new K-12 facilities that meet modern educational and sustainability standards.
Gilbane Building Company — Offers construction management, preconstruction, and general contracting services for education projects.
Relevant for: Managing large-scale school construction projects from planning through completion.
Johnson Controls — Delivers building automation systems, HVAC, and fire and security solutions for educational institutions.
Relevant for: Equipping new school facilities with integrated, energy-efficient operational technologies.
Sample Outbound Angle
"Noticed Cherokee Heights Middle School is part of the Madison Metropolitan School District's Phase 2 facilities referendum, with plans for an entirely new building in 2026.
Schools undertaking new construction often encounter challenges ensuring all modern building systems integrate seamlessly from day one, impacting long-term operational efficiency.
Some districts are engaging system integration specialists early in the design process to mitigate future operational friction. Can share what's working if useful."
2. Enhancing Math and Literacy Through Data-Driven Instruction
What Cherokee Heights Middle School Is Doing
As part of its 2025-2026 School Improvement Plan, Cherokee Heights Middle School is implementing data-driven small-group instruction to improve student proficiency in math and literacy, particularly for African American students. Teachers are using classroom data to form flexible groups and target specific skills. This initiative aims to strengthen math outcomes through vocabulary instruction and mathematical literacy.
Key Buyer Personas
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator (District)
- Instructional Coaches
- Teachers (Math, ELA)
- School Psychologist
- School Counselors
Operational Challenges
- Collecting and analyzing granular student data effectively to inform small-group formation and instructional adjustments.
- Providing teachers with adequate training and resources for differentiated instruction within flexible group settings.
- Ensuring consistent implementation of evidence-based strategies across all math and literacy classrooms.
- Tracking the impact of interventions on student proficiency growth over time.
Relevant Company Categories for Cherokee Heights Middle School
- Personalized Learning Platforms
- K-12 Assessment Tools
- Instructional Software for Math/Literacy
- Professional Development for Educators
- Student Data Analytics
Relevant Companies
Lexia Learning — Provides personalized literacy and language development programs.
Relevant for: Supporting small-group literacy instruction and targeting specific reading skills.
DreamBox Learning — Offers adaptive math curriculum and instruction designed for personalized learning.
Relevant for: Delivering data-driven math interventions and differentiated instruction.
Renaissance Learning — Supplies K-12 assessment, reading, and math solutions including Star Assessments.
Relevant for: Providing formative assessment data to inform small-group instructional planning.
Sample Outbound Angle
"It looks like Cherokee Heights Middle School is strengthening math and literacy through data-driven small-group instruction in 2026.
Schools implementing similar initiatives often find it challenging to effectively manage and interpret the volume of student performance data to continuously refine small-group strategies.
We're seeing districts leverage integrated assessment and instructional platforms to streamline data analysis and personalize learning paths more efficiently. Happy to share examples if useful."
3. Strengthening Student and Family Connections
What Cherokee Heights Middle School Is Doing
Cherokee Heights Middle School is strengthening student and family connections through a comprehensive Advisory program as part of its 2025-2026 School Improvement Plan. This program integrates social-emotional learning (SEL), attendance monitoring, and Academic and Career Planning (ACP) strategies. The school is also implementing an attendance incentive program focusing on Tier 2 attendance.
Key Buyer Personas
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- School Counselors
- School Social Workers
- Dean of Students
- Family Engagement Coordinator (District)
- Advisory Program Lead Teachers
Operational Challenges
- Developing and consistently delivering engaging and impactful SEL content within the Advisory structure.
- Coordinating communication with families regarding student progress, attendance, and career planning.
- Ensuring the Advisory program effectively addresses diverse student social-emotional needs and academic goals.
- Tracking student engagement and outcomes across multiple facets of the Advisory program.
Relevant Company Categories for Cherokee Heights Middle School
- Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs
- Student Mentoring & Advisory Platforms
- Family Engagement & Communication Tools
- Attendance Tracking Systems
- Academic & Career Planning Software
Relevant Companies
RethinkEd — Offers comprehensive K-12 SEL curriculum, professional development, and progress monitoring tools.
Relevant for: Providing structured SEL content and resources for the Advisory program.
TalkingPoints — A multilingual family engagement platform for K-12 schools.
Relevant for: Facilitating two-way communication between the school and families regarding student well-being and attendance.
Xello — Provides K-12 academic and career planning software for students.
Relevant for: Supporting the Academic and Career Planning component of the Advisory program.
Sample Outbound Angle
"Noticed Cherokee Heights Middle School is enhancing student and family connections via a comprehensive Advisory program, including SEL and ACP in 2026.
Schools often struggle with ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality SEL content and tracking student social-emotional growth effectively within these programs.
We're seeing districts implement integrated platforms that standardize SEL curriculum delivery and provide actionable insights into student well-being. Can share strategies if helpful."
4. Teacher Support with Artificial Intelligence Tools
What Cherokee Heights Middle School Is Doing
The Madison Metropolitan School District is exploring and integrating artificial intelligence tools to support teachers in areas such as generating syllabi, individualized lesson plans, and analyzing learning data. While student AI use is currently limited with guardrails in place, the district is researching and vetting AI applications to save teacher time and enhance instructional effectiveness.
Key Buyer Personas
- Instructional Technology User Manager (District)
- Director of Technology (District)
- Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator (District)
- Professional Development Lead (District)
- Principal
- Teachers
Operational Challenges
- Identifying AI tools that are secure, align with educational standards, and genuinely reduce teacher workload.
- Providing effective professional development to help teachers confidently and ethically integrate AI into their workflows.
- Establishing clear guidelines and policies for AI use to ensure data privacy and prevent misuse.
- Evaluating the impact of AI tools on instructional quality and student outcomes.
Relevant Company Categories for Cherokee Heights Middle School
- AI-Powered Instructional Design Tools
- Teacher Productivity Software
- Educational Data Analytics Platforms
- AI Ethics & Compliance Solutions
- Professional Development for EdTech
Relevant Companies
Curipod — An AI presentation tool designed to help teachers create interactive lesson content quickly.
Relevant for: Assisting teachers with individualized lesson plan generation and interactive classroom activities.
SchoolAI — Offers AI tools focused on classroom insights for personalized lesson plans and data analysis.
Relevant for: Providing teachers with AI support for instructional planning and student learning data analysis.
Gale Presents: Udemy Business — Provides online learning platforms with courses for professional development in AI for educators.
Relevant for: Offering professional learning opportunities for teachers to develop expertise in leveraging AI for instruction.
Sample Outbound Angle
"It looks like the Madison Metropolitan School District, including Cherokee Heights Middle School, is actively exploring AI tools to support teachers with lesson planning and data analysis.
Schools often face challenges ensuring new AI solutions genuinely integrate into existing workflows and provide actionable time-saving benefits for educators, beyond basic functionality.
We're seeing districts prioritize AI platforms that offer seamless integration and robust, privacy-compliant data insights for instructional improvement. Can share what's resonating with other districts if useful."
Final Take
Cherokee Heights Middle School is experiencing a period of significant operational change and modernization in 2026, primarily driven by the planned construction of a new school facility and comprehensive academic initiatives. This creates substantial opportunities for vendors in architectural design, construction, and facilities management as the project moves forward. Simultaneously, the school's focus on data-driven math and literacy instruction, along with robust social-emotional learning and family engagement programs, highlights an active buying environment for specialized educational technology, curriculum resources, and student support platforms. Vendors can position solutions that address the complexities of building a new school while simultaneously enhancing teaching effectiveness and student well-being through integrated, operational systems.
Need help selling to U.S. Schools?
Identify school buying signals like grants, contract renewals, and more, find key decision-maker contacts, and reach out to the right schools at the right time with Pintel.ai.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What new construction projects are happening at Cherokee Heights Middle School in 2026? Cherokee Heights Middle School is slated for an entirely new building construction as part of the Madison Metropolitan School District's Facilities Referendum, with planning and design active in 2026.
What academic initiatives is Cherokee Heights Middle School focusing on in 2026? The school is implementing data-driven small-group instruction to improve math and literacy proficiency and strengthening student-family connections through a comprehensive Advisory program.
Is Cherokee Heights Middle School using artificial intelligence in 2026? The Madison Metropolitan School District is exploring AI tools to support teachers in generating lesson plans and analyzing data, with teacher training underway.
Who are key decision-makers for technology at Cherokee Heights Middle School? Key decision-makers include the Principal, Assistant Principal, and district-level roles such as the Instructional Technology User Manager.
What kind of funding supports Cherokee Heights Middle School's current projects? The school benefits from the Madison Metropolitan School District's $507 million Facilities Referendum and a $100 million Operational Referendum.