Board recognizes special-education award winners and announces scholarship totals

The Grafton School Board’s May 18 meeting included recognition of district educators and a scholarship update. Kate Harter, the Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Special Services (WCASS) Region 1 representative, presented awards honoring Shireen Morte as an outstanding special-education teacher (more than 40 years in the district) and Mark Gaul as an outstanding pair professional. Harter read nominations that cited consistent IEP compliance, reductions in problem behavior, mentoring of new teachers and deep collaboration with colleagues.

Separately, Sarah Blamer representing the Grafton Scholarship Group told the board the organization will award 67 scholarships totaling $51,000 to the Class of 2026, up from 54 scholarships totaling $43,000 for the Class of 2025. Blamer credited record student volunteer participation in Grafton Gives (195 volunteers) with increased fundraising results.

Board members thanked award recipients and scholarship donors and noted plans to celebrate graduates and scholarship recipients at district events later in May and June.