The School District of Rhinelander and its community partners are the subject of a newly released profile, written by local author Julie Anixter, that highlights how the community is working together to prepare students for life after high school. The article, “Eric Burke and the Rhinelander Referendum: Role Models for Our Future — How a Wisconsin Community Ensures Students Get a Bigger Piece of the PIE (Part I),” was published on March 16. The story explores how the School District of Rhinelander, local businesses, and community leaders have built a strong ecosystem focused on college and career readiness.
According to a press release announcing the publication of the profile Anixter said she chose Rhinelander as the first published community role model in her larger research project, Role Models for Life, because of its impact and relevance.
The profile is a case study highlights the leadership of Superintendent Eric Burke and the long-standing partnership with Partners in Education (PIE), which for more than 15 years has connected the school district with more than 60 local businesses to help students explore careers and develop real-world skills.
In the piece, Burke reflects on how his background as a wrestling coach shapes his approach to leadership.
“Being a former wrestling coach shaped the way I lead our district every day,” Burke said. “In wrestling, you set clear goals, commit to disciplined preparation, and push yourself and your teammates to be just a little better than yesterday. That same mindset drives our work in Academic and Career Planning and everything we’re building as a school district.”
A major focus of the profile is the $26 million capital improvement referendum approved in 2024, which is funding expanded technical education opportunities for students. The investment includes the development of a state-of-the-art automotive lab and expanded Fabrication (Fab) Lab facilities that will provide students with access to modern equipment aligned with industry standards.
Anixter’s research details how Rhinelander’s success reflects a community-wide commitment to preparing students for the future through collaboration between schools, businesses, parents, and civic leaders.
Programs highlighted in the story include:
• Mad Money, a financial literacy simulation for high school students
• Mini Business World, where students develop and pitch business ideas
• Careers on Wheels, introducing elementary students to career opportunities
• Job shadows and youth apprenticeships, providing hands-on career experience
The profile also highlights the district’s commitment to recognizing multiple pathways for students through traditions such as Senior Signing Day, where graduating seniors are celebrated whether they are heading to a four-year university, technical college, military service, apprenticeship, or directly into the workforce.
“The profile concludes that Rhinelander’s model demonstrates what can happen when a community takes shared responsibility for preparing the next generation and offers this promise: When a community invests in its students, its future becomes stronger for everyone,” the release states.
Community members interested in learning more about the School District of Rhinelander’s college and career readiness programs and business partnerships can visit:
School District of Rhinelander
https://www.rhinelander.k12.wi.us/community/
Partners in Education (PIE)
https://www.rhinelanderpie.com/
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