How did liftoffs begin?
LIFToFFS was born in the rural regions of Western Wisconsin — sparked by a dream to ensure the long-term health and vitality of the communities that raised us. It emerged as a bold response to a quiet crisis - rural schools and rural communities are being asked to do more with less, even as the stakes grow higher for our students, our teachers, and our local economies.
This was a call to action — to name the challenges, refuse the status quo, and boldly say: no longer.
It was clear that solving these complex, deeply rooted issues would require something different. It would take a coalition — a multidisciplinary team of visionary educators, service agencies, and community leaders — all willing to take a risk on a better future. A future not just for our current students, but for the strength of their hometowns, the survival of our local businesses, the stability of our teaching workforce, and the legacy of rural Wisconsin.
What started as a conversation between two visionary district leaders, Mike Beighley of Whitehall School District and Cory Kulig of Eleva-Strum School District, quickly gained momentum — expanding into a regional initiative fueled by shared urgency, bold experimentation, and a deep commitment to public education.
District innovators
Mike Beighley
Mike Beighley
Mike Beighley
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Mike serves as the district superintendent at the School District.
Cory Kulig
Mike Beighley
Mike Beighley
Cory serves as the district superintendent at the School District of Eleva-Strum.
Who is Liftoffs learning
Britni Walz
LIFToFFS Educational Innovation Program Director
CESA 4 Director of Instructional Services and Emerging Technology
Specializing in: Restructuring, Research & Development, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Emerging Technologies, AI Platforms, Inquiry, Instruction, Assessment, District Contact
Jenny Riggle
LIFToFFS Director of Innovation in Student Engagement
CESA 4 Director of Student Services, Prevention, & Wellness
Specializing in: Restructuring, Research & Development, Social Emotional Learning Assessment, Mental Health, SpEd, Grant Writing, Future-Readiness Advocacy
Abby Fernan
LIFToFFS Director of Innovation in Student and Staff Wellness
CESA 4 Director of Student Services, Prevention, & Wellness
Specializes in: Restructuring, Research & Development, Mental Health, Social Emotional Learning Integration, Future-Ready Instruction, Staff Well-Being
Chelsea Adams
LIFToFFS Director of Innovation in Teaching and Learning
CESA 4 Director of Instruction
Specializes in: Restructuring, Research & Development, Thinking Classrooms, Instruction, Assessment, AI Platform Vetting
Christy Tainter
LIFToFFS Director of Innovation in Future Readiness
CESA 4 Director of Academic and Career Planning
Specializing in: Restructuring, Research & Development, Mental Health, Social Emotional Learning Integration, Academic and Career Planning, Regional Career Plans, Higher Education, Future-Readiness Advocacy, Community Connections
Mia Chmiel - LIFToFFS Partner
CESA 9 Associate Director of Continuous School Improvement
Specializing in: Instructional Technology, Universal Design for Learning, Instructional Coaching, Continuous School Improvement, Project-based Learning, Assessment
About Liftoffs Learning
Rooted in Partnership, Powered by Trust.
LIFToFFS began in the heart of Western Wisconsin, established by innovative district superintendents and directors of the Cooperative Educational Service Agency (CESA) #4. What started as a conversation between two visionary district leaders quickly gained momentum — expanding into a statewide initiative fueled by shared urgency, bold experimentation, and a deep commitment to public education.
Today, LIFToFFS includes 10 district partners across Wisconsin, with more joining the movement each year. We are actively enrolling new districts and anticipate 20+ partnerships for the 2025–2026 academic year.