Building Stronger Schools Through Community Partnership

April 30, 2026

Horace Mann leaders recently joined educators, business leaders and community partners at the 4th Annual Schools Make Madison Summit in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, an event centered on a shared belief that strong public schools are essential to a thriving community, and that lasting impact happens when we work together.

Throughout the morning, Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) leaders outlined a bold, long-term vision for the future. With the city expected to grow significantly in the coming decades, the district is rethinking how schools can better serve both students and the surrounding communities. As Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard emphasized, trying to be “everything everywhere for everyone” is not sustainable. Instead, MMSD is focused on creating “destination schools,” places where educators want to work, families want to live and communities come together.

“Hearing directly from educators about how corporate partners are helping to create positive student experiences was impressive, inspirational and heartwarming,” said Horace Mann Chief Financial Officer, Ryan Greenier. “I’m proud that we support the Madison Metropolitan School District.”

A central theme of the summit was the importance of relationship-building partnerships. Programs like Adopt-a-School demonstrate how collaboration between businesses and schools can create lasting impact.

“With a career spanning more than 20 years supporting educators, and with family members in the classroom, the Schools Make Madison Summit was especially meaningful for me,” shared Carl Eiche, Horace Mann’s vice president of group benefits. “Investing in educators and students isn’t just part of what we do, it’s core to who we are.”

Horace Mann is proud to be part of this ecosystem of support in Madison, where we have employees living and working in the city. As a sponsor of the Schools Make Madison Summit and through the Horace Mann Educators Foundation’s support of the Teacher Support Network, we’re helping expand access to resources and opportunities that enable educators and students to succeed.

Don Carley, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Horace Mann; Carl Eiche, Vice President of Group Benefits, Horace Mann; Dr. Joe Gothard, Superintendent of MMSD; Melinda Heinritz, President of the Madison Public Schools Foundation; Michelle Eccles, Community Relations and Giving Consultant, Horace Mann; Ryan Greenier, Chief Financial Officer, Horace Mann