Biography

Dr. Rainey Briggs was named superintendent for the School District of Baraboo in July 2021 after serving as Director of Elementary Education in the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District for the past five years. Dr. Briggs has served as a cultural liaison, teacher, and principal.

Listed as one of the 48 Most Influential Black people in the state of Wisconsin 2021 by Madison 365, Dr. Rainey L. Briggs is a dynamic educator who has served as a cultural liaison, teacher, principal, Director of Elementary Education , and currently serves as the School District Superintendent of Baraboo schools. As an African American boy growing up in poverty, Dr. Briggs quickly learned how to advocate for himself and others and has carried that passion over into his daily work. Dr. Briggs obtained his degree from Edgewood College and wrote a dissertation on the Factors that Promote or Impeded the Success of African American Males in a Predominately White High School. Dr. Briggs strives to bring a voice to marginalized students and families. As a principal, he collaborated with staff and families to bring the motto “Every kid, Every day, Whatever it Takes” at the forefront of their school and a mission to live by daily. 

Dr. Briggs has worked with many school districts on providing professional development around equity and cultural responsiveness. He is also an adjunct professor at Edgewood College and Viterbo (V (eye) ter Bo) University. Dr. Briggs is a husband to Julie, an educator herself, and the dad to three teenage daughters. When they are not in a gym or on a field, Dr. Briggs and his family enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors, and barbecuing.

rainey

Superintendent

Dr. Rainey Briggs

Email: rbriggs@barabooschools.net

Phone: 608-355-3950

Superintendent Welcome Back Message 2024

Dear Thunderbird Families,

As we approach the start of the 2024-25 school year, I want to emphasize one crucial message: YOU MATTER. Each student, family member, staff member, and community supporter is an integral part of our beloved Thunderbird community. Your presence, your voice, and your contributions are essential to making our district thrive.

Our vision remains steadfast: To be a leader in education through innovation and continuous improvement with a focus on the whole student. Our mission continues to drive us: To engage, challenge, and inspire every student, every day, in every way. These statements reflect our belief that every individual in our community matters deeply.

This year, we're doubling down on our commitment to building our beloved community. We want every interaction, every lesson, and every school day to reinforce that YOU MATTER. Here's how we're bringing this to life:

  1. Welcoming New Members: We've had several staff transitions and new hires over the summer. As we introduce these new members of our Thunderbird family, remember that your warm welcome matters. Help them feel that they belong here, just as you do.

  2. Safety and Security: Your safety matters to us. We continue to implement and enhance security measures across all our schools, including visitor registration systems, secure entrances, and frequent checks of exterior doors. New this year, we're Implementing the “I Love U Guys” safety protocols and measures for 2024-25.

  3. Community Engagement: Your voice matters in shaping our district. We'll be creating more opportunities for family and community input throughout the year. Stay tuned for announcements about the advisory committees to the superintendent, feedback surveys, and community events.

  4. Mental Health and Well-being: Your mental health matters as much as your physical health. We're expanding our mental health resources for students and staff, including a solid and sound partnership with Sauk County health services as we focus on the whole child.

  5. Celebrating Diversity: The diversity of our community is our strength. This year, we'll be highlighting and celebrating the various cultures, backgrounds, and experiences that make our Thunderbird family unique. Your heritage, your story, your identity - they all matter.

A final friendly reminder that the first day of school for the 2024-2025 School Year will be similar to last year with the following schedule as this will help reduce the anxiety that can often be experienced with attending the first day of school.

  • Baraboo High School

  • 9th-grade students and new 10th-12th-grade students to BHS report on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. More information will be sent by Baraboo High School. 

  • Returning 10th-12th grade students report Wednesday, September 4, 2024, and do not need to attend Tuesday, September 3, 2024. 

  • Jack Young Middle School

    • 6th-grade students and new 7th and 8th-grade students to JYMS  report on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Further details will be shared by Jack Young Middle School. 

    • Returning 7th and 8th-grade students report Wednesday, September 4, 2024, and do not need to attend Tuesday, September 3, 2024. 

  • All Elementary Buildings

    • All kindergarten-5th grade students report Tuesday, September 3, 2024, for their first day of school.

  • Baraboo 4K and Early Childhood Program 

    • All 4K and Early Childhood students report on Friday, September 6, 2024, for their first day of school.

As we embark on this new school year, remember: YOU MATTER. Your presence enriches our community. Your voice shapes our district. Your efforts drive our success. Together, we'll continue to build a beloved community where every individual feels valued, heard, and supported.

Thank you for being an essential part of the School District of Baraboo. I look forward to seeing you soon and working together to make this our best year yet.

Always Onward,

Dr. Rainey L. Briggs

Superintendent

Plans & Resources