001call the uh regular meeting of the Spooner Area School District Board of Education to order at this time. Jesse, would you call a role? >> Here. >> Yeah. Here. >> Here. >> Present. >> Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all for all. Thank you. >> Item 1D, approval of the agenda been prepared, disseminated in accordance with board policy 0166. Do I have a motion to approve the agenda? >> So moved. >> Second. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor of approval of the agenda say I. >> I. >> Oppos? No. Motion carries. >> Item two, consent agenda, board of education minutes, committee the whole
002approval of vouchers. Do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> So moved. Do >> I have a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor of the motion to approve the consent agenda say I. >> I. >> Oppos? No motion carries. Item three, a board reports committee of the whole on administrative reports. Any questions? Do I have a Do I have any questions on that? Anybody want to discuss? Hearing none, we'll receive that information, place it on file. Number four, community comments. We do have one tonight. Nick Freeman. Uh, if you would, Nick, just come up to the mic and it's all yours. >> You bet. Um, yeah, for those that don't know me, my name is Nick Freeman. Been a part of this community for for a
003long time. I've been coaching hockey within different levels for the last 20 years. My family hockey and Spooner fire district are my top three priorities and in that order and so I've been taking hockey very very serious here for a long time. Um going back to those days when I first started I was asked to help out with the high school team at that time. Um and then throughout I've been asked to coach at different levels and I've always just never fought it argued whatever level. I've just done whatever's been asked. The last four seasons I've been the high school coach, which has truly been where I want to be and what I probably the most passionate this time. The last four seasons have been very difficult breaking away from co. It's been it's been
004rough, but I feel like I've grown as a person and as a coach. I don't pro there's probably a lot of families and players that don't feel that way that they have grown either or as well. But we're trying to do the right thing. And the guys that have been coaching with me, the main one, we have always been on the same page as far as what is most important here. A couple weeks ago, excuse me, couple weeks ago, I was asked to come in for a meeting to tell me that the high school team needs a new voice. And trying to keep emotion out of that was very difficult. I failed at that. And I basically realized that the meeting was about done and the decision has been made. I just got up and
005walked out. After I walked out, I an email requesting a second meeting with the superintendent and those that made the decision. Through the last couple weeks have been pretty difficult for me and hearing rumors of families possibly assisting trying to get me removed um has been difficult because I feel like I've always been a person for the community and a person that could Whatever is asked, I would do for them. I would try to help people out as best I can. The last four seasons, the main coach, Aaron Graber, and I have really looked at each roster, each year, how many players we were going to have, who we were going to have, what kind of ability. We've we've known these these players since they were in the youth ranks as well. I've coached a
006lot of them in the youth ranks. Um, so we knew that the first four seasons were going to be very and winning obviously was not happening a whole lot. If you actually look at the first couple of seasons, we won five games in those seasons. And if you look at it the way I was looking at it, I I consider that a victory right there. Successful season for what the co-op that we were a part of to what the co-op is now. I think that was a tremendous achievement. I don't think many people agreed with me on that, but that's just showing what I thought and how I how I think. Um, this last season was the most difficult season I've probably had. We started with 15 16 players um before the season even started.
007Three of them had quit. They were all seniors. And I'm not bashing them by saying that. I'm just stating some facts. How tough this season was. One goalie the practices aren't the best when you have one goalie. You got to adapt to that. So, it's been a lot of adapting the last four years, just going going with the punches and still trying to make it positive for everybody. Um, I understand that there was a survey sent out to players and and parents and this may have been the first year of that and when I first caught wind of that, I thought, "Oh boy, this this is going to make things a lot I personally don't agree with that whether that matters or not. Not that I'm afraid of what they're going to say, but we're
008asking high school players their opinions and I was we were there too, you know, at one point. This game of hockey has taught me a lot in my life. going from a freshman know-it-all thinking I'm really good to a senior that was a leader on the team and cared about what everybody else how they were playing and how I cared more about them scoring the goal than me or however you want to say say that you know so it's been difficult the last couple of weeks but I know there the survey is done and and it is what it is I guess the reason I'm the main reason I came in here tonight is I have I've sent out a message to the team saying that I will not be the coach going forward and
009I'm asking that we can just have more communication for our coaches you know before this decision as this decision was made for me you know I heard no I had no knowledge no feedback no communication throughout our tough season that we had so with my main job that I do, no news is good news. You don't hear anything, you're doing a good job. And in a sense, that's kind of way, even though we weren't winning games, that's kind of how I took it this season. I wasn't hearing anything from the school. I know it was it was tough, but I wasn't hearing any communication. There was no concern about any issues that were coming up that I didn't even know about. And then all of a sudden, two weeks ago, I'm told the high school
010program needs a new voice. And if that's it, that's that's okay. But I just think going forward for coaches that are going to be hired to run any sport, I think I don't know if it was just me or if it's every sport, there needs to be more feedback, more more communication. I I would be gladly to come in and talk regularly with anybody that has concerns. Hey, maybe suggestions. I'm open to that. I I don't like thinking that this is just the Nick Freeman show. I been including other people. I've asked I've asked them for what do you think we should do this week or you know that just examples. I don't mean to ramble, but I think you kind of are understanding kind of who and how I kind of operate. I've never
011It's never been about me and I just care about this community. I care about every sport. I do. I want I I kind of take it personal when when somebody says something bad about a sport or, you know, I'm I've been going to football games lately. I know they haven't had the best seasons consistently lately. Basketball had a really rough season. I'm still rooting for them, you know, and I just want to make things better going forward because I care. It's been a tough couple of weeks, some tough conversations within my household, you know, being honest with my my kids at home. So, um, I just want to do what I can to make this better. So, thanks for listening. >> Thanks, Nick. Appreciate you coming in. >> We appreciate Thank you so much. >>
012Okay. Um, I do have one shout out here I want to mention before we move on. And I was pretty impressed with this. I'll read this. Congratulations to the 37 of our graduating seniors for receiving scholarships at our senior awards ceremony held this past Wednesday. We would also like to recognize all of the scholarship donors that awarded scholarships totaling, and get this, $108,374 to the graduating seniors that submitted scholarship applications. I believe that's a new record. The seniors that were awarded scholarships earned a total of $92,624 in local scholarships and $15,750 in scholarships from the state of Wisconsin. Their generous contributions will help our seniors to focus on learning, pursue opportunities they may not have otherwise reached, and move toward their futures with confidence. Thank you and congratulations graduates. And also congratulations to the community
013for that kind of support. Okay, we're done with community comments. Item five, consider the increase in FTE and a 6603 agreement for speech and language pathologist. Mr. Adkkey. >> All right. So many of you have been around for the past 18 months to hear about me trying to recruit a speech pathologist for the district to fill the 02 at the middle school that or sorry point4 at the middle school two days a week that we um had with the retirement uh starting in February of 2025. We were actually able to recruit a very nice candidate for our program and also she was looking for full-time. So I reached out to Northwood who is also desperately looking for an in-person speech pathologist. Um after discussing with her she was very interested. So, I'm seeking the board's
014permission first of all um on our books, we would be employing her full-time, but then put using 6 of her position to put her at Northwood District for the 26 27th school year. Um and then, uh we would be employing her here for as a point at the middle school for the speech pathologist there. Um just rough broad estimates here, it would actually be a savings for both school districts. um we would be saving almost $22,000 over a contracted position. So, pretty nice look. Uh Northwood would also be saving almost 10,000. So, pretty exciting. So, yeah. Any questions? >> Music to my ear. Saving money. That's awesome. And I we would just want to be action on that tonight if we could please. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> Hold on, Tim. Thank you for recruiting
015that. >> Thank you. >> So, do I have a motion to approve that increase in FTE? >> I'll second. Any discussion hearing? None. All those in favor of a motion to approve that say I. >> I. >> No. Motion carries. >> Item 5B, consider personnel recommendations. >> Um, >> we have a number of resations. First, um, and then hiring second. >> Uh, Cheryl Rang resigned as a family and consumer education teacher. Jessica Bombck um as the high school volleyball coach, JB coach. Um Highland Ferguson um high school JB girls basketball coach. Uh Corey Bates, high school assistant football coach. Markson, high school cross country coach. Marcy Keller um elementary school special education pair professional. Chelsea Lee as assistant soccer. >> Do I have a motion to approve these resignations? >> So approved. Second. >> Any
016discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor of the motion to approve those resignations say I. >> I. >> Oppose. No. Motion carries. >> Continue. >> We have two recommendations this evening to hire candidates as our speech and language pathologists as you just heard about from Mr. Radkkey Haley Welsh. And then we have a second candidate um Cara Peek to serve as an early childhood special education teacher at the elementary school. >> Okay. Okay. Do I have a motion to approve those new hires? >> Move. Second. >> Any more discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor of the motion to approve those new hires say I. >> I. >> No. Motion carries. >> Item C, consider sec acceptance of donations. Dr. Baker. >> A lengthy list of donors this evening. I'm going to read um the
017uh typical ones and then just highlight the donations that were for teacher appreciation day. The Whitetails Unlimited made a contribution of $500. Shel Lake State Bank $250. Spooner Health $250. The June Steel 200, excuse me, $500. Nexen Group $100. Um, Breing Manufacturing $653. ESU $250. Paragon Enterprises $500. the Oak um inkjet printer, Northwest Heritage Passage, $500. The Still Bar and Grill, $1,200. The still again um $1,300. And the still for their third appearance um for $722.90. Uh General Motors, Melissa Smith and her pole philanthropies, a 3D um bamboo printer valued $841.98. Um, Healthy Washco AODA mini grant $957 and the donor's choose program a value of $482 for the elementary art program. >> Again, a big thank you to all the donors that continue to support this school district. It's highly appreciated. Um, do we
018have a motion to approve those? >> So moved. Second. >> Any discussion? >> Hearing none. All those in favor of the motion to approve those donations say I. >> I oppose. No motion carries. Item D, consider fund raise fundraiser requests. We have uh first one here is for the PBIS team. And uh see I guess that's it, right? We have a motion to approve this fundraiser request. >> Move. Do I have a second? >> Second. Sorry. >> Any discussion? >> Hearing none. All those in favor of the motion to approve this fundraiser request say I. >> I. >> No. >> Motion carries. Item E, consider the uh 26 27 board meeting dates. We discussed this at the cow and uh since there aren't since we know not noticed any changes that we talked about in
019the cow. Do we have a motion to approve these dates? >> So moved. >> We have a second. >> Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor of the motion to approve the 2627 board meeting date say I. >> I. >> Oppos? No. Motion carries. Item F, consider the 2627 open enrollment application. Okay, we got a chance to look at all those earlier and we have a total of uh let's see what >> uh 12 inbound students but however uh one of them is going to be deleted. So that's due to a special ed need that we can't accommodate right now because of uh of staffing. So, uh I do have a motion to approve 11 of the 12 non-resident enrolled in in applications and all 25 resident enrolled out applications for the next school
020year. >> So moved. >> I'll second. >> Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor of the motion to approve the noted uh in and out student schedule say I. >> I oppose. No motion carries. Item G, first reading of the student handbook updates. Um, the athletic code changes. Do we have any discussion on that one? Mr. Terry, do you want to come up and talk about that? So, u I met with the coaches um about a month ago now. We discussed kind of beefing up the midterm grade checks because right now fail class, you sit a game. There's really no follow through to help those students pass those classes over. Um, so that was that's kind of the basis behind that midterm change. And when you run those numbers, we actually would have seen
021a reduction in miss contest with that change because they don't if they're failing a class, they no longer go right to losing contest. It's probation. They have a chance to get that grade up before they miss miss any contests. They're failing two. That's where we'd have that immediate sit. And you know, if you're failing too, we probably should focus more. Um, and that I did a survey also to follow up in the previous meeting. um coaches seven I had seven responses six to one were in favor of of that update for that the end of term update where it goes from two games to three weeks puts us in align with the WIA regulations right now the WIA regulation is if you fail more than one class you must set 15 students so we are
022not in compliance with that regulation now we want to change that from we have failing no classes if we want to update that to follow exactly what's in the regulations we can but that does need to be looked at that's a WI regulation that's regulations >> okay >> for that um >> how long has that been >> um it's from what I can remember ever since I've been coaching I don't remember anything besides the failing in one class they may have changed. I don't remember but ever since I've been >> explain the the one game thing or the one class you >> so so according to WA you can fail you can fill no more than one class at the at a grade mark >> where you have to sit 15 days. >> We have
023it written as none. Um but I I you want to change it to match the adverts don't fail more than one that that'd be >> so if they fail one what's what are they suggesting >> that nothing there they continue on to the participation it's when they fail more than one at at like term ch >> have we lost any kids in the past due to the way we handle this versus what we have >> we've had one student um this year missed two games because of a >> failure class. >> That's it. But really for that one, I'm looking at where if it's not in line with the WA, are we getting ourselves kind of into a spot where they could hold us where if we have a student fail, we hold them out
024the two games, they're back within a week. They didn't sit the 15 days and now all we're in tournament play. they play in a tournament game and all a sudden somebody calls us on the regulation now. >> That's kind of my concern with that. >> When you're saying 15 days, but then you say three weeks, so it's 15 school days. >> 15. So roughly. >> So what about the Saturdays and so is it actually three weeks or is it 15 school days? >> Well, it'd be it'd be the same. We we put three weeks there is 15 school days. So it would it overlaps. So that's why I put three weeks. Um their interpretation is going to be the same. It doesn't stop on. So that's why I just put >> Well, I mean it
025makes a difference if you're the following Saturday or whatever after 3 weeks compared to 15 days. So three weeks would be 21. >> Yeah. >> Uh if you're talking Saturday tournaments or if you're missing a day there's no school on a Monday. Is it >> I we could switch the verbiage to this. I I still think it's still the same time frame because it's on that 16th school days when >> so I I think it's just how how we want to word it. So I think I think it's the same. >> No, I understand what he's saying because say weeks seven days, >> right? >> So 7* 3 is 21, >> right? But Then before that it's 15 school days that it's still going to go through those weekends until that 16th school day. >>
026Right. But it doesn't go but it doesn't go to the 21st day though is what I'm saying. >> I' don't have to. I'm just saying if it's 15 days it includes any Saturday in those 15 days. But if you're saying three weeks, it's including the following weekend includes 21 days >> because they're elate on the So >> So I'm just saying you wouldn't want to reward it three weeks then you'd want to work 15 >> and we can like I said we can go what's here. Um it says we'll be eligible. >> So that would not include a holiday. Like if it came if it was over Thanksgiving, you can't count those days because you're not in school, right? According to W that >> it would if >> I'd have to get clarification on that.
027>> Better not be failing over spring break. >> Right. Right. So I I just have to I could get clarification on that. >> Yeah. The other uh one was the increase in the code uh penalties. Looking at different samples from around the area in the state, we are light on that. We have dealt with four code violations this year. So three students, two came from one student. So the question is are our current levels of the punishment deterring that behavior from occurring within our community? >> So over the last five years >> that that I would have to look back and I didn't >> because I would want >> because if this is just a weird odd year >> yeah and and I can get that information. We do have it. I just >> had
028one and the other two were unanimous with the coaches for the most. One had no position was which was the dual sport um participation. Right now we don't have any verbiage in there to kind of guide us when we have a student that does it. So just add something in there so we have guidelines for those students. Um and then the other one was the unbecoming which was just helps us address that disrespect the parties and the non-compliance fit anywhere inside that policy kind of mirrors the student handling but helps us address those >> what what was the or approval for the coaches for going from 10% of the season or or no 20% of the season to 50. >> That was split. It was four 43. So the coaches are kind of divided on
029that. Again, these are just recommendations that that, you know, we're looking at ways to help improve our things for our students, bring recommendations to the board. We will support any decisions make with any changes or no changes. But we're going to continue. >> I would I make this one >> next month. >> I would like that. >> Yeah. >> You're saying four this we had four. We had three kids. >> Really? >> Right. >> That had two. >> But I want to know what the last five years. >> That just last >> right >> it it that that's a a great question. I I didn't think of bringing that data, so but I can definitely get it. We we do track that. >> I have a couple questions or thoughts. I mean, one going from
03020% to 50% of the season is significant and if you're wanting to maybe toughen up a little bit. >> So, they could get some reduced is what was a concern before. If they do what? Um it's the uh AODDA um if they self-report all those things still are in place to reduce that and you think the ODA thing is worthwhile >> I I do I came from a from corrections I did corrections for 12 years having the younger you are getting involved if there's a potential for possible issues with alcohol and drugs them into some type of programming normally if they are getting caught underage drinking or vaping, they go through the court system, they are referred to those to help reduce that ticket. So, they're already in it. >> So, so it's not like
031we're asking them to do something above and beyond what they're already >> correct. And I was assuming you were going to say that. So, my suggestion would be to leave it at the 20% of the season, require them to take that regardless and not have it reduce anything for them. And so they're still missing 20% of the season for the first time offense and 50% for the second and then so on like it was. So you are because that is significant something that is beneficial that should be required. So they shouldn't get a reduction for being required to do that >> as a great recommendation. >> Michelle >> the other thing is though if they're not caught by the police they don't have to go >> right. So it's only if they're cut, if they
032get an underage drinking ticket that they have to take the AODA. So, if they get caught by a say picture being sent in, >> correct? So, I'm saying it's worthwhile. It's beneficial. This is the purpose is education. >> We can toughen this up by saying if you got caught, you're required to do this >> in order to participate in Spooner athletics again after your 20. If you don't do it, you can't participate. That that'd be on on them to do that. I think it's a massive jump to go from 20% of the season to 50% of the season personally and I'm one that would teach kids that they should never get in trouble with this because this shouldn't be an issue. So, I see both sides of it as far as the I didn't realize
033last time when I asked questions that this was a WI rule. So, I don't know how long that's been in there for the two. My question is, have you have you looked into the the difference between the effect on the athletes depending on what season this happens in? >> I started looking into it. Obviously, the winter seasons land in >> critical time >> that that they get like a kind of a double whammy. It's at the middle of the season where term two ends and then the end of term three. So, that is where that that is the season that we see the most. >> Yeah. So, end of the school year here, they get the fail of class. The way we're saying is they miss 15 school days. So, football, you're missing two games,
034maybe three games, depending on again how we're counting school days. >> You you miss at the end of the the year in winter sports, your season's over. You just missed two duels, a conference tournament, and sectionals, and you're out. or in basketball, you're missing you might miss several events in those 15 days compared to a different sport. It's a huge impact on those winter sports. >> I I'm just bringing it to the board's attention with what's in regulations, >> right? But we're going above and beyond what the regulation is. You're saying we should go to any any field would go with 15 days rather than >> that's how it's currently written. We And we want to go exactly with the word in the in the regulation which would be more than one. I I don't
035think there would be an argument with that. >> So right now if they have one we make >> sit sit two game >> two game >> right now. But he's asking to go to sitting for 15 days. >> But if they have one class they wouldn't sit at all. >> If we go by that >> if we go by the Wii reg they should still sit. I mean, we still keep the >> I mean, I'm not going to argue against if it's a requirement from WA. I went I mean, >> no, we're still >> we're harder on them than WIA would be, >> right? The recommendation is to go >> yes and no. If it's two, we haven't been we haven't been following it accurately. If it's one, then we're harder. >> Yeah. >> And
036they should said if the >> Can I suggest that the board members who would like to meet with Terry do that prior to next month's cow? I'd be happy >> iron out some kind of an agreement. >> Great. Yeah. >> Bring it to the cow and then we can vote on that at that time. So, do we have a motion right now to consider this athletic code change in June? >> Yeah, >> I'll second that. >> Any more discussion on that? >> Did you have we talk afterwards? >> Okay. >> We have a motion to reconsider or to bring this matter up for consideration in June, this athletic code change. And we have a second. Any more discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. I. Oppose. No. Motion carries. >> I request that
037any board members that would like to have input on that meet with him before the cow next month. Come up with a plan. Uh going on with that first reading then we have a couple of student handbook changes too. Has everybody read those? >> Any questions on that? Do I have a motion to accept those then as >> I'll make the motion. >> Okay. >> I'll second. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. >> Oppos? No. Motion carries. >> Moving on to the uh first reading of NEOLA policy. And we have a number of those. 13 uh 1213 3213 4213 8462. Do we have a motion to approve those? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> No. Motion carries. Consider
038the second reading of the new policy update. Oh, correction. The first I got to we got to handle the one under I first. The first reading Neola policy 2340 district sponsored field trips. Do we have any uh questions on that one? Do we have a motion to approve that? >> So moved. Second >> discussion hearing none. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Oppos? No. Motion carries. >> Okay. Item J, consider second reading of the Neola policy update volume 35 number one group two. Everybody had a chance to look at all those. Those include in digital content on AI issues. Do I have a motion to approve those policy changes? >> So moved. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor of the motion to
039approve those changes say I. >> I. >> No. Motion carries. >> Item K, consider the uh continuation of the 4K aid 4K aid position. We talked about that at the c. Mrs. Burch informed us what that's all about and apparently this is going to be needed in the future for sure. Uh do we have a motion to approve that? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Hearing none. All those in favor of the motion to approve continuation of the 4K aid position say I. >> I post. No. >> Motion carries. Item L, consider RFP for HVAC services. We got a chance to review that and looked at the maintenance contract on that one. >> Do I have a motion to approve JAR for district HVAC maintenance is presented at the cow. >> So
040move. >> Have a second. Any discussion? >> Hearing none. All those in favor of the motion to approve Jar say I. I. I. No. >> Motion carries. Item M. Consider the elementary school table purchase. We all know about that. There's two quotes uh recommendations to move to uh accept the cheaper of the two. And my only question was are those companies is the one that we're proposing accepting a reputable company and apparently it is according to Dr. Banker. The quality of those tables is up to snuff. Um what the tables we have now I mean not all the kids in elementary school obviously are 4K size. So we have enough tables for all the sizes. Correct. If we get these >> we need a motion. >> I'll make the motion to approve that. >> I'll
041second it. >> Now we can talk. >> Now you can talk. >> But we don't there's no problem with the capacity then. I mean, we're not getting too many of those small tables and where the big kids can't sit at it. >> Okay. Motion to approve the cheaper of the two quotes. Do I have a We have a second. Do I have any more discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? No. Motion carries. Do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. Second. >> Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor of the motion to approve say I. >> I oppose. No. Motion carries. We're adjourned.