001am. We are in the Winn County Middle School Library. Meeting notices were sent to members of the press, members of the school board, and were posted on the front doors and/or in the vestibules of district school buildings. This is a meeting of the board in public for the purpose of conducting the school district's business and is not to be considered a public hearing. There may be a time for public comment as indicated in the agenda. The meeting will also be available to watch live at www.youtube.com. youtube.com/winnakani. Please rise and join me in the pledge. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Oh, he's going to get the roll call,
002please. >> Stellner Cowarts >> here. Veric >> here, >> Aman Harter >> here, Kundi here, Hansen >> here. And recognizing our administrative team, we have Dr. Larson, Mr. Jerbeck, Mr. Maner, Mrs. Horvath, >> that's it. >> All right. And there was no one signed up for open forum. So, we will Oh, sorry. Oh, move into the uh business uh section of the meeting with the consent agenda. >> I'll move to approve the consent agenda. >> Second. >> Motion by Harter, second by Callowarts to approve the consent agenda. And with that, I would like to acknowledge the retirement of our elementary school principal, Dr. Hughes. Um certainly she has uh led the elementary school in in many many years and and in a positive way. So I appreciate her years of service and wish her well
003in her retirement. I would as well like to acknowledge that um personally my children all had her for teacher as well as what she's brought to our district as far as elementary and beyond. The years of service are commendable and we appreciate for what she's done for our district. I was going to say something too cuz I love Lisa and now two of my kids have gone through that building too and I'm sad to see her go but she's earned it so you're not here Lisa but thank you and kudos to you. Roll call please. Cowarts >> I >> Veric >> Hi >> Harter I >> Kundi I Hansen >> I uh CISA 6 presentation to the board of education >> okay so Mr. night. He's going to be on the screen there. >> There
004he is. >> Hey, Winn County School Board and Winn County administrative team staff and community members who are at your schoolboard meeting. I'm Ted Nitsky from CISA 6. Actually, I'm in my home office today, but I wanted to send you this note to congratulate you because you should be doing something right now. And you should be celebrating because Peggy over there, over there, over there, over there, wherever she is, has a little package from me that is celebrating the fact that your school district and staff has exceeded the 51% threshold in staff engagement. And what does that mean? It's a huge deal, very big deal. And the reason it's a big deal is because in the United States right now, 30% of the people who work in the public sector, i.e. public educators, staff, and
005support staff are engaged per gallop. Only one in three. Well, you're well past that, which means you're going to do more amazing things in Winnott. So, as you've exceeded 51% on your scores, which a year ago you were at 44% and today are 54%. You continue to learn, grow, and go forward. And your emphasis and focus on staff engagement is going to lead to amazing things within your school system. First is the retention of great staff. By retaining great staff, a second thing begins to happen. Student achievement, student attendance, staff attendance, staff met net net promotion of your system. And finally, all indicators of success as you've identified in your strategic plan will slowly start to go up along with your staff engagement. So, congratulations on focusing on staff engagement. Congratulations on growing your staff
006engagement. And congratulations to everyone in your school system for being engaged because an engaged employee means that everything else will rise along with it. Congratulations. Enjoy those chocolates. Peggy, you got to share the chocolates. >> Cuz we're all proud of you here at CIS 6 and so is everybody else across the state of Wisconsin. >> That's awesome. >> So, just a little background. Um um Peggy and her leadership team had worked with Ted Nitsky and CISA 6 about uh key performance indicators and and moving our district forward. So when Ted initially met with us back in help me out Peggy >> September August September was like April Donna was like right after >> it was a while ago but we're meeting again in June. I know that. >> Yeah. Anyway, last year um and one
007of the the key performance indicators is to engage our staff and we were at a 44% engagement at that time. So you can see that we have upped that which was our goal and that is awesome because that leads to many many more positive things. So um Mr. Nightki is going to come again on June 15th. >> Sounds right. June 15th, I think it's a Monday, >> to present again and do a little workshop. So, um, we're excited to to work with him again. He's just a great guy and really really has his finger on the pulse of education around the state. So, um, that's awesome. >> All right. Can you explain what that means? >> I'm sorry. >> Can you explain what that means? >> What what what means? >> It's 51% staff engagement.
008So, we do a they do a a Gallup poll to the staff and talk about do they feel engaged? Do they feel like how they respond impacts how we move the district forward? I I believe >> it's in our um Wolfpaw progress rating. So, >> and it allows them to give feedback to us as well. Right. >> Right. something new because we we moved from a a five-year key performance indicator kind of evaluation. So, we're we're in the in about one year into that, I would say. Um, and it really engages the staff. And so >> I have my notes that uh the last time when we met with Ted and at that time we were at 44%. And some of the indications were as far as staff recognition, board creativity. We looked at absenteeism.
009after asked our our staff if they were comfortable, you know, in their positions, what the district has done for them in development, professional development, and explain, you know, as far as their pay, their benefits, be specific and and and how the information was used. And that was some of the questionnaers that went out to our staff here. um besides and beyond what uh Ted has uh went through for us and with us, it's leadership, it's results, it's basically looking at as a customer, strategic planning, um policy, workforce operations and process and how the staff looks at being an employee of our district. And we also look and review the outcomes um based upon the kind of programming and development through professionalism that we have here in our district. That's my notes that I have from
010when Ted met with us back when he did. >> So, and I hope everyone on the board has their that meeting that upcoming meeting in their calendar. It's pretty uh important that everyone attends. So, >> yep. I appreciate your note every packet, Peggy, in the It hasn't been in there the last couple times. Well, it's in the next up here. Good. >> All right. Um, small towns. Yeah. So, many of you maybe have seen this already, but we wanted to share it for all the people who watch um our schoolboard meetings as well. U Mrs. Miner who's sitting back there and Troy um sorry >> Croy I'm so sorry Troy um they are um a part of the leadership class. It's a brand new class to our middle school and we're very proud of the
011work they've done they've done. They're actually two sections. So, what was featured on small towns is one section of the group and Croy is going to talk a little bit about what his section is working on. So, we have a little clip here for you. >> Welcome back. You may have heard of the Wisconsin Humane Society's poorly drawn pets campaign. Well, in Winnie, a new leader. >> Welcome back. You may have heard of the Wisconsin Humane Society's poorly drawn pets campaign. Well, in Winnott, a new leader, >> I don't know. Croy, do you want to give your presentation while I this website? >> Um, my name is Croy Nice from the seventh grade leadership class. And for Red Ribbon Week, we did multiple um activities, but one of the most highlighted activities was the suckers
012where would we would take Dum Dums and bundle them together, put and put a red ribbon on it to symbolize the Red Ribbon Week. And then we would sell them at the um the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade um lunch periods for um small amount of money. We raised $700 that week. Wow. >> And we donated it to the Nova Center, which helps um people with drug problems um cope and um deal with deal with their drug problems. Um this week for March um for March, we are we also are doing multiple activities. Um, one activity that I'm helping with is the reading contest where students read books and then fill out a slip which which is in their ELA classes and then puts them in the library and buckets. We then tally up how
013many the slips and then we put it on a poster outside the library windows. At the end of this month, we're going to tally up and see which grade won and then the grades with the most readings will win a prize. >> That's awesome. >> That's cool. >> Mrs. Miner, did you also recently get another recognition with the leadership class? >> We um the project that Croy was talking about um so Carly Horvath is the one that um wanted to start this new elective for the students. So, they had another option to do. And then working with Mary Go, I worked with Mary Go and we got a grant through the Benjamin project and it's um throughout the whole United States and that's how the kids can do the projects. They come up with their
014own ideas and then they can use the money and I really don't do anything except give them ideas and advise them, but they come up with all the ideas on their own and they do all the contacts on their own. And um the Benjamin Project recognized the Red Ribbon Week in their national newsletters. >> Oh, good. >> You're still right. I think we're ready for the video now. Let's give it a second try. >> Pets campaign. Well, in Winn County, a new leadership class added to its own twist to the concept. All to help their community. A community we take you to tonight with Emerson Layman in small towns. I love animals >> inside Winnani Middle School. >> Some of them are a lot harder than others. >> Von Wartz and her classmates are hard
015at work. >> We're trying our best, but some of them may not turn out as good as others. >> Painting and tracing and painting some more. >> We had to do a project for like something to do with the community and like that benefits the community. We're doing pet portraits for um Go Fetch and we're going to donate all the money to um the Humane Society. >> Aubrey Som and Paul Ranki helped with the idea. >> We just started taking in orders and making portraits for people. >> They're classmates in Susan Miner's new leadership course, helping turn the vision into an artistic reality. >> They were putting so much effort into it. In their interview with Go Fetch, they said, "It might not be the best painting, but we'll try our hardest." And they really
016are trying really hard on everything. >> Through the project, the kids raised $260 for the local humane society. But the value isn't so much in the cash as it is in the lesson. >> I'm glad they're seeing the work it does, but really the reward for that work is it's definitely worth it to go out and be the positive light to see that carry on to other people. I teach math by trade and even though even when I'm teaching math, we just want to teach good humans. And I always tell them, our goal for you is to go out in the world and do good and be on your own. And in math, sometimes that's hard to connect those, but this is really showing them. We want them to be the positive, >> a positive
017influence, something these young leaders aspire to be in their small town and beyond. I'm going to keep doing this like probably all the way through high school, maybe college. This is it was amazing >> in ter when you say this in terms of like this this type of like art project or just other projects >> like helping people in general and stuff >> seeing how everyone like even in my class it makes everyone so happy and knowing that it will make other people happy. It's just like amazing to know. >> We have this thing called the win and kind way. So, and it's paw. So, practice kindness, always respect, and work to your to do your best. >> Reporting in Winnotti with photojournalist Shane Fitz Simmons. >> I feel like this class like really f
018like tries to follow those rules. >> I'm Emerson Layman for small towns. >> Granger knows that if you're a school custodian. Was the pet project your first your first project that you did in the >> No, no, that was we started the year I mean we do some school things. We helped run the um homecoming celebrations and then we did Red Ribbon Week. Then we did uh December activities for the school. Then they had to pick any business in the community and partner with them. So um that's when they did the pet projects and then right now we're working on March activities again with the school. So we kind of alternate >> community school community stuff do some little things like birthday bags for all the students announcements you can see >> um birthday slides.
019So um so whatever is needed we kind of step up and do some jobs. Some teachers will ask us like hey can you organize a lost and found so >> can you think of anything else? >> I think those are the big ones. So then we'll end the year. So we've done community and school projects. So then they'll end the year with each doing completely on their own their own project. each student on their own. Is that >> because right now they've been doing groups like we'll give them the like we're doing red ribbon week and then that's all I give them and they come up with their own ideas. So another thing did you help with the puzzle contest >> with red ribbon week? >> So the theme was life's the puzzle solve it
020drug-free. So some kids um ran a puzzle contest. They did um donations that they pied the teacher in the face and then the talked about I think those were the big ones, right? >> Uh poster making contest. >> Sounds like you've done a lot. >> Yeah. Okay. >> So, well, we have 50 students that meet on day one and day two and so they're usually in groups of about five. >> Okay. >> So, sometimes a lot going on all at once. It it was Croy, right? >> Yeah. >> Keep up the hard work. The things you guys are doing are changing people's lives, literally. The Red Ribbon Project, I'll bet you there's going to be people who are going to have a drastically different life due to that. So, keep it up. >> Thank you.
021>> Just the promotion and interaction and leadership amongst the students and the communities and the businesses and reaching out really says a lot in the community for both the student as well as the business owner. and it's it's very well taken and received and keep it up. We appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> And Croy, thank you for coming and sharing your story because I'm I'm sure it's not easy to stand up at these people staring at you. Um we really appreciate it. We love hearing from the students. So, thank you. >> Yes, thanks for coming. >> Yeah, >> we had a couple other students that were going to come, but then with the weather, they cancelled. So, I really appreciate that. Croy still and dad for taking them. Thank you. >> All right. Thank
022you so much. >> All right. Graduation cords. I believe we have another student to speak. Okay. >> This is Tracy. Wasn't really sure how this works, so I put a little speech together. >> That's perfect. And then I also made handouts. Go get those. I made handouts for you guys. Just kind of the highlights of my speech. >> You can give those to them that way. Okay. So, imagine walking across the graduation stage. your heart pounding with pride. You spent years building skills, leading teams, serving your community, and excelling in your field. But when you look down at your gown, there's nothing to show for it. Because the cords you earned aren't allowed to be worn. Good evening everyone. My name is Tracy Leus, and I'm here to speak on behalf of students who have
023dedicated themselves to programs like Schools USA, FFA, Youth Apprenticeship, and the National Society of High School Scholars. I believe these honor cords should be permitted at graduation and I'd like to share why. The first point I come to is that these chords represent real achievement. According to the Wisconsin D department of public instruction, also known as DPI, career and technical student organizations known as CTSOs are an integral part of career and technical education. DPI recognizes organizations like Skills USA and FFA as essential in helping students develop leadership, technical skills, and career readiness. Skills USA prepares students to the workforce with technical expertise, leadership, training, and competition at local, state, and national levels. FFA builds agricultural knowledge, public speaking skills, and community service experience while connecting students to Wisconsin's agricultural heritage. Youth apprenticeship supported by TBI
024allows students to gain paid real work experience in high demand industries while earning high school credit. NSHs honors academic excellence, leadership, and global citizenship. These chords are not participation trophies. They are earned through rigorous standards, official recognition, and measurable success. The second point I come to is recognition inspires others. The Wisconsin DPI emphasizes that CTSOs motivate students to achieve more by providing recognition for their accomplishments. When younger students see graduates wearing these cords, they see proof that their school values all forms of achievement, not just grades or sports. Allowing these chords would inspire more students to join CTSOs and youth apprentichip programs, encourage career exploration and leadership development, and strengthen the school's reputation for supporting well-rounded student success. The third point I come to is that they reflect the school's mission in state goals. Our
025school's mission is to prepare students for life beyond the classroom. Wisconsin DPI's mission for career and technical education is the same. To equip students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need for college, career, and community life. By allowing these chords, the school is aligning with state educational priorities, showcasing partnerships with local industries and community organizations, and demonstrating that it values both academic and career readiness. The fourth point I come to is tradition and dignity can be preserved. Some may worry that too many cords will make the ceremony look messy or distract from its formality, but honor cords are already a respected part of graduation attire. With clear guidelines such as only allowing cords from DPI recognized CTSOs in school approved programs, we can maintain dignity while still honoring diverse achievements. I would like to
026take a quick moment to read a few statements that have been sent to me from community members. One statement I had sent to me was from Deb Hammerly and it reads, "Any educ any educational activity a student is involved in should be recognized at graduation as it is an accomplishment they have achieved. All extra activity, the early morning practices, the volunteer hours. The club meetings all shape the graduates into who they are today. All achievements help improve moral and reflect the school's commitment to well-rounded students or future ready citizens. Current policy only recognizes a narrow band of academ academic achievements which overlooks the leadership, time management, and resilience students develop through arts, service, and community. Recognizing all achievements creates a positive school culture and reinforces that the district values character and growth. Another statement is
027from Christine Leus that reads, "Why I believe that kids should be able to wear any cords that they may earn at graduation. I have felt this should happen since my oldest son was in high school. I have also felt that each club should be able to earn an actual letter for doing great things in their club. Each child should feel proud of what they have accomplished in high school, no matter what they participate in. Some kids struggle with getting good grades or speaking a different language or to meet the star athlete. For this reason, there are clubs like Skills USA, Youth Apprenticeship, FFA, and National Honor Society of High School Scholars that the high school must provide their names and addresses in order to be a registered club. All of these clubs that have chords
028available should be able to be demonstrated at graduation. These cords were earned the same way that NHS and SHS ones have been earned. High school is four short years of our children's lives and they should be proud of every moment that they have experienced. So why should a child be told their accomplishments shouldn't be shown to those watching them walk across the stage? Just take a step back to when you were in high school and you were told your accomplishments shouldn't be displayed. It did not feel the best hearing that. So my biggest question is why can't we let these kids display their accomplishments? Is it because we think they look tacky? Or is it because those children's accomplishments don't mean as much? Well, tacky isn't the answer because that is telling these kids their
029accomplishments are tacky and they definitely are not. I have always believed that any accomplishment is an accomplishment and it always should be recognized no matter what. So, please consider consider this testimony to start with the graduation class of 2026. Another statement that I have received is from Trista Caldi that reads, "Our students should not be denied to wear or honor their achievements at graduation." Denying this right is basically tell them their hard work and hours was for nothing. These students put a ton of time into these programs as well as keeping up their academics. Let them show their achievements and be proud of their hard-earned cords. Why limit them? Sorry. Why limit them to just academic cords? Winnie should be proud of all of their students achievements outside of academics. Let them celebrate their wins.
030All achievements are important and need to be celebrated. Let all students shine in all aspects of their schooling and programs. To wrap up, graduation is a once in a-lifetime moment. For many of us, these cords are more than fabric. They are the story of our high school journey. They represent late night studying, early mornings working, hours of service, and the courage to lead. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction already recognizes these programs as vital to student success. Shouldn't our school do the same? So, I ask you, if graduation is meant to celebrate our accomplishments, why should we hide them? Let us wear our cords with pride, not just for ourselves, but for the students who will follow in our footsteps. Thank you. Okay. Um, I believe you have the policy in your packet with regard
031to uh the honor cords and medallions that we have approved to be worn at graduation. Um, this is not the first time this has come up. Um, we've talked about this. We've reviewed the the policy on several occasions, at least in the time that I've been on the board. Um, and I think one of the the questions which I'm not sure I have the answer to is where do you draw the line um with regard to how many cords people can wear? Um, so I would add we also recognize in the program like there's a number of of achievements whether it's scholarships won um whether they're the local scholarships or or one that we might not know of directly. I know we've recognized is it the Eagle Scout award >> usually in Dr. Mashad's speech,
032she'll recognize um awards similar to that. And the students, she'll have them stand, I believe. I think as a board, we've all attended many workshops. They talk about a recognition, whether it is our current professional staff, our administration, our students, our programs, our organizations, and such. Tracy, I'm probably one of your biggest fans for the FFA. I think pretty well everybody knows that that's common knowledge. Can you tell us as an example through your years what recognition that you've gotten locally from your chapter as well as potentially state and or national to give us an idea for those of us that may not know the recognition that is given to you already from your organization both locally, state and nationally. >> For FFA, I've got like different degrees. So, I got the discovery degree and
033the greenhand degree and I did um >> the chapter >> and the chapter degree I got and then I also did a speaking contest. I didn't place in that one but it was still a step into getting into a leadership role. And then through um Skills USA last year I placed third at state for advertising design. So for each of those organizations that you've mentioned, as an example, I know the state has a convention as well. Are you furthering your participation for their state degree? >> I have thought about it. I started doing the application during the summer. >> Okay. But >> and as I know each of these degrees that you've received are an accumulation of your activities and your years of participation which develops into earning the level of degree that you earn.
034So, I wanted to point that out because um it's not gone unseen as far as recognition especially from the FFA and or the skills USA um and even as well the youth apprenticeship there's a pretty stringent requirement as far as academics which I understand between the school and or the business. So, what you're telling me I do hear and I do understand. Okay. The one other thing I wanted to mention if I could quickly is when you wear that graduation cord and you unfold that the unfolding of that graduation cord is inclusive to the requirements of our district the district requirements as far as your core classes your electives and so on. So that is in is inclusive of your participation as well as your accomplishments within the requirements here that we approve not only
035for our district as well as state requirements. >> Mark, can I ask you a question? >> Y. >> So since you are so involved in FFA, does do clubs like that do they even provide cords? >> I um actually curiosity. >> You talked about a letter as an example. I actually have my my uncle's letter from when he was an FFA here in Winnie County back in the late 60s early or late 50s early 60s where they did letter in FFA. >> And can I say something quick? The National FFA organization does have them to purchase. The cords do and the youth apprentichip kids do receive them at their um little banquet that they do have. >> And I know like the Eagle Scouts do as well. That's how this came out before. >> Okay.
036Okay. >> It's like I'll >> I'm going to say most amazing awards, big awards like that have the ability to purchase something. It's just a matter of >> skills USA does have them to purchase too >> and that would be something >> and again I think it's just again all these things are wonderful things. We do recognize these other groups and clubs. It's where to draw that line. We have lots of wonderful organizations. We have lots of wonderful things happening in our athletic programs. All all of that. I'm just not sure where the requests will stop. I do appreciate you acknowledging because the one program you did u mention was a non-school sponsored program. So I appreciate you acknowledging that that would be really hard to regulate. So um like that we could if we
037opened it up to non-school sort of things that would be like 4 H's all other groups this honor society that Tracy mentioned. So I appreciate you acknowledging that would likely be hard to do. >> Yeah. I I'm you should be proud for coming and speaking like that's it's challenging to come and do. Um I I struggle also to see like where to like draw the line, you know, cuz you're going to have one person that's got 27 cords, you know. Um and at the end of the day, it is a, you know, we're an academic institution and the graduation ceremony is recognition of that specifically. It was the same when I graduated 20 years ago. Um, it's not to it's not to diminish anybody's achievements. Like I think they're they're all fantastic. Um, FFA, whether
038it's choir, whether it's Boy Scouts, you know, all of the above. Um, it's not to diminish that, but the graduation ceremony itself is really a recognition of your academic achievement. you know, is is there a way, you know, maybe in your private family photos, you wear your cap and gown and your cords from those clubs, or maybe we could find some type of a compromise that way. >> I I just I want to say thank you for coming and speaking. Again, like I said to Croy, it's not easy to do that. You very nice speech. Love your bullet points uh summarizing it. Um, you obviously have done this before and you mentioned you did with I think Skills USA. Um, I want to let you know I have heard your name since probably you were
039a freshman because uh, Mr. Melby will give us updates. I've seen you in the newspaper. I know you're very accomplished. So don't don't let just cuz we may say we're not going to allow cores for FFA or Skills USA uh, feel like you haven't been recognized. you've been recognized a lot and kudos on your achievements. I mean, you're going to do great after high school. Um, so don't whatever we decide, just don't if we decide not to allow it, please don't let that diminish your graduation day and everything you've done at Winn County High School cuz you you've you've done a lot. You've done a lot. >> I just had a question going back to what you were saying about like the graduation ceremony being like a reflection on your academics. If the school's mission
040is to prepare students for life outside of the classroom, is that only preparing you academically then and not preparing you through workrelated skills or leadership? I mean, I wouldn't say that like I think I haven't had a kiddo go through high school yet, but I mean I've had kids go through elementary. I've had kids have a kiddo in middle school. And I think I mean life skills are something that is worked through their school day. Um but it's it's not how your graduation is calculated. You know that's it's GPA based generally speaking. Correct me if I'm wrong. >> X amount of credits and do the community service hours. >> I don't I I I kind of to to springboard water off of what both of of Jill and Katie have said because you don't wear
041a cord around your neck doesn't diminish or anything that that you've done. I mean, you've still accomplished a great deal. And a lot of times that's in here. Um but graduation is academic geared and it basically shows that you've um completed the requirements for graduation. So it's it's very hard to draw the line I think is is been the biggest debate over this um since it's come to us on several occasions. Um, and so we we have adapted this to keep it more or less clean so that it doesn't dilute other things that you've that you've done as well. So it doesn't work the other way for someone wearing, you know, many many cords. Anyone else? So, we will not make a change to the policy at this point. >> Do you think we need
042a motion to that effect or just leave it as is? >> I don't know if we need a motion to say we're not going to change it. >> Okay. But again, thank you so much for coming. It's not easy. All right. Um, approve minutes from March 2nd regular schoolboard meeting. >> I'll make the motion. I'll second. >> Motion by Cundy, second by Harter to approve the March 2nd regular schoolboard meeting minutes. Uh, roll call, please. >> Veric. >> I. >> Harter. >> I. >> Kundy. I. Cowarts. >> I. >> Hansen. >> I. I'm sorry, abstain. Um, setting the record straight on the elementary school and its future. Um, I had asked for this to be on the agenda because it had come to my attention um that there's been some misinformation being pres presented to
043voters in the district um specifically in regards to a referendum and building a new elementary school. And I just wanted to clarify and go on the record to say that this board at this point in time has not made any decisions regarding a referendum, operational or otherwise, or a new elementary school. Um, historically, we've reached out to the district community to obtain input on referendums and the future of facilities. I don't envision that process changing. Um, if you are questioning any information that is being presented, um, I urge you to contact Dr. Larson, um, uh, or members of the current board to get clarification. Um, we do want you to have accurate information for the upcoming election. >> Can I have point of order, please? I I don't know that we can talk about elections
044in a board meeting. I think it's illegal. I don't think we're talking about >> I'm not talking about an election. >> You just said the upcoming election and you said voters. >> I would disagree. U Mrs. Hansen is reading a statement in regards to then what's been going around in the community and wanted to make sure accurate information was out is out there >> and a schoolboard meeting is to conduct the business of the school district not to provide it. Well, I'm just saying that that and I am saying that that the district or the the board hasn't made any um decisions about upcoming referendums or um facilities. Anyone else? I just wanted to touch base a little bit along with that. Um, and I'm not, you know, we're talking about the financial obligation or
045responsibilities of our district when we talk about, you know, spending money and so on so forth. Um, we had a request for our agenda to put on as far as Winnie County finance 101 and we did that. It specifically showed the financial situation of our district. It showed our um our equalization aid, our property tax ratio. It showed all of that. That came to us as a request. Uh we went through all of that. Um so I'm seeing out there and hearing out there questions that financial responsibilities aren't being met. And I specifically wanted to point out that, you know, we are one of 420 school districts, public education across the state. We are one of 13% that have not had to go to referendum for operations. In the last years of the operational referendums
046that are out there, as an example, there has been 180%. I mean, and more. We have not even had to go to borrow for short-term borrowing. And as long as I've sat on this board, I've made it very clear on my position of maintaining a fund balance. A fund balance that's variable. It's ins and outs. Money's coming and going so that we can maintain our operations of our district as well as maintaining our facilities. I know I've taken a little heat when we put in the skylights because I had wanted to get the job completed and spend the money. I took that out of fund 10 balance. To me, it's it's an obligation of us sitting here on the board to make those financial decisions. And I feel as though that we have we have
047not had to go for any referendum as far as operations. And yet we're dealing with the fact of our equalization aid lessening each year because we are a property rich district. So we lose equalization aid. We have our state revenue, our property revenue. That's how we get our monies. And we're seeing that pie shift, the transition that's shifting from the state onto our taxpayers. We see that we have >> order. This isn't on the agenda. I'm sorry. I'm gonna ask that we move to the next agenda item, please. Now, we're violating open meetings law. >> Yeah, I think we've >> Okay. Teacher compensation. Mrs. Ver, >> uh, finance HR committee met and, um, we met with the, um, the various, um, leadership team. what you think you have a new term for it, but from
048each building. Um, and they presented to us a draft for the educator compensation plan, which is in your packet. Uh, pretty much mimics the existing plan that we had, however, with some increases um, starting in the 26 27 year, but just following the same $200 per year increases um, that we've been doing. Um and they shared with us their how they came to this uh it was it was very they did surveys got feedback um and this is how they developed it. So we're basically recommending that we approve what they brought to us with one exception. That exception is under uh section 3A a stipens and incentives related to educator effectiveness. They did not change those numbers. Um and as a committee we are recommending we increase each of those stipens by $50. So um
049the first level would be $350, next level would be $550, the next one 800, and then the the one after that 1,50. It's a a very minimal increase and a great way to show our appreciation. Yes. And I I would like to say that um we um as the HR and finance committee appreciated the leg work that the district leadership team did. Um their request um could have been much more. They they kept it very reasonable. Um, and this just kind of moves on from what we've done in the past with the $200 um, annual increase. Um, and and that's really all they ask for. So, and we've had this cycle in place for a number of years already, and it's it's worked. It's been effective and very satisfied as far as our staff goes.
050um according to the cycles that go through the years and as well um the the performance raise and the siphon um that you're presenting. I can appreciate >> other questions, comments from the board. >> Um I have a question. I'm not quite sure who to ask it to if it should be an administrative or board related. So, this was my first time seeing the kind of incentive um program for staff and I was I guess I'm just wondering and forgive me if I missed it in here like what exactly it's based upon like is is student achievement a factor? Um no. So um back in 2010 the state required us to use a certain kind of evaluation system approved by the state. >> Okay. >> And there are essentially two and we chose to use
051what's called the effectiveness model >> and those are six categories. Yep. >> Um within that model and that's how that performance pay in the year three is determined. So the amount of distinguished ratings you get. Our goal is always to be effective across the board, but then additional dollars are placed in there. So, it's a it's an evaluation tool that we're required to use and um back in the day, the board felt it was important to acknowledge performance. >> Does that help? >> Yes. >> It takes it takes a lot of work on the teachers part because they have to provide what we call artifacts to support why they think they're in particular categories. So, um, it's it's I don't want to say it's labor intensive. It's I'm sure very rewarding, but it's takes a
052lot of time on the on the teachers part, too. >> Yeah, I can imagine. >> Back in the day, Katie too, it was decided to use this model because some districts had performance pay that they had to do additional things on top of the current evaluation system. So, they had their evaluation system kind of over here. And then in order to get an adjustment in pay, they might have to do a port portfolio and present in front of their peers and all these other things. So we they're already doing the eval. So we that's why we decided to tie our pay to that. >> Okay, that makes sense. >> Yeah. And and the survey of course you was the when they surveyed the teachers, the majority of people do like it. Of course there's always
053that um subjective feeling with Eval, but um overall the feeling was they liked it and didn't want to change it. So that said a lot to us or the committee too. >> Well, I think it says a lot too. There's a lot of staff that have been here for a long time too. So, >> and as well on the other end, it was always talked on the new educators when they come in. It's starting to recognize those as well. They're put into the cycle and they're as well eligible for the stipens. So, we recognize them which was a big part to new educators as well. >> Okay. Anything else from board members? >> Um, I move to approve the new teacher compensation plan as presented with that uh increase of $50 uh in the uh
054each category of the annual stipend. >> Motion by Barry, second by Harter to approve the teacher compensation model uh as presented. >> Roll call, please. >> Harder. I >> Kundi I cowarts >> I >> Varic >> I >> Hansen I >> um administrative compensation. >> Yes. So, HR finance also discussed um the admin uh compensation and um we are just recommending a pay increase for the 26 27 year tied to uh the CPI index which is a 2.63% increase. I'll make the motion. I'll second it. Motion by Coney, second by Hansen to approve the um recommended uh increase for the administrators. >> The hell was that? >> Uh roll call, please. >> Harter I. Kundi. Cowarts. >> Hi. >> Veric. >> Hi. >> Anson. >> Hi. >> Um personal communication device data. >> We'll report
055in your packet about um violations. I I feel like we're going the wrong way, but uh >> I I feel like we always have to clarify this, but it's cumulative. Correct. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> But I did It looked like we were about three times over what we were last time, but we're also about three times further along in the year for my estimation. So, we're seems like we're on track. Not getting better, not getting worse. Is that Would you agree with that? Yes. Um I attested to our teachers are doing their due diligence really looking for the cell phone usage. Unfortunately, it still happens. Um obviously you can see that. Um I think we have our students who continually have to have their parent or guardian come get it. Um so several of
056them are just the repeat defenders for lack of better words. We also have a lot of kids who have never had a violation and follow the rules completely. No, >> I wish it were less. I just we do our best to control what we can control and unfortunately have to have consequences when things are seen. I will say I go up at lunch very often. And not that I'm trying to look, but I really do look. I don't see cell phones out and it's really actually delightful. like we've all wanted them to talk at the lunch tables and communicate with each other. And again, I don't go into the classrooms necessarily, but you can see where the violations are, but lunch it's it's a really nice time for kids just to talk with each other
057and laugh and eat their lunch. I can imagine that's probably refreshing to see versus in the past if they were all like, you know, you see you go in a restaurant and you see five people at a table and they're all like >> really us adults, you know, adults, too. All guilty, but so I can imagine that's nice to walk in and see that >> admin reports. Um, any additions from administration, questions from the board? >> I have just a couple things I'd like to point out and I appreciate the fact that the middle school you had past year's um, attendance data um, in there because we do talk about um, attendance. Uh, we had that given to us when each of our campuses gave a report as far as our school report card and
058attendance was one item that was on there. As well, I would like to congratulate, of course, all of our athletics, but as well, I'd like to mention the VEX. Um, we have four middle school students qualified for VEX Worlds in 2026. And so, that's outstanding um for the VEX program within our our middle school students. I actually had a question for you, Mr. Jerbeck, if you don't mind. So on here it mentions that you'll use Google calendar that allows secretaries and other authorized staff to easily unlock doors. Will we make sure that kids can't just send an invite to a door to unlock it at random times? >> It's limited to to a certain group, but right now it's a kind of a complex interface where only really it facilities like know how to use,
059but um we discovered in uh updating our door lock controller, we found that it can interface with Google Google calendar. But it's only a very specific Google calendar. So students wouldn't have >> but it would make it really easy for secretaries because they use it very often that they can just find the door and you know ask them up. >> Okay. >> So I had a question for Mrs. Hughes. I can ask you Mr. M if you would like or I can always just reach out to her too. Or do you want to take a whack at it? >> Well depends on what the question is. and I don't have that information to be honest with you. So, >> no that and that's okay if you don't. Um I I noticed in here and it
060does say that more information will be coming out but about the 4K wraparound care. >> Yeah, it's in discussions. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, um well with 4K we're talking about uh having wraparound care for our AM. It would be through the boys and girls club that we currently use. However, it's just going to be a very limited amount of kids. It would be in um the 4K little shed, affectionately known as the she shed. Um that's where that program would be housed. So, we're working on getting all the certifications to be able to have kids in that space. So, >> okay. And that's what I was going to ask is like are are we charging like would we be charging >> It's a Boys and Girls Club fee >> or is it um the
061same state regulations as like a childare facility? >> Yep. Whatever the boys and girls club have, Katie, they have to follow that. So, I'm not sure of all their rules, but right now, we have to do our part in making sure that building is safe for kids. And we might already have that. I feel like there's part of me that >> all that stuff was taken care of recently, like the heating and cooling part was updated and all that stuff was done last week, I believe. >> Yeah. I guess I was just having worked in early childhood for 10 years. I was wondering if the state rags were as high as the requirements for a licensed facility. And um we do have two small businesses in town that do have that and I want to
062be cognizant we're not hurting their businesses. >> And again, we only have 30 spots. So, and they would be I think Lisa has it in there if I remember correctly. It would only be for our resident students unless unless unless kids um >> or it would be offered to them first, I think it says. >> And it likely be a lottery kind of system >> likely. >> Okay. They currently offer this in Amro or they did last year I believe already. >> It's going all day 4K once their new building is completed. >> Okay. So, >> so all their sections will be all day 4K. >> There's also some new state programming for um I'll say daycare centers to get funding to have an all day 4K system. So, I I know um one of
063our daycarees has already applied for that. So, it's a per student kind of um dollars they'll get from the states. So they're um they have that opportunity. So they might be taking advantage of that too cuz 4K is not required. >> Right. >> Okay. Anything else? All right. Board reports and communications. Yes. I have one from the CEO family. Uh words cannot express the feeling in our hearts. Thank you for being with us during this difficult time. Your thoughts, prayers, and words of sympathy will always be remembered. And the Seal family is uh on behalf of Mary Basler and she's a high school food service uh employee here within the district and it was her mother that passed away. >> Uh committee committee reports HR and finance >> uh we haven't met. >> Okay. Marketing
064and public relations have not met and policy >> nothing we have not met. >> Okay. With that, I would entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> So moved. >> Second. Motion by Kawart, second by Harter to adjurnn. All in favor say I. I. >> Opposed. >> We are adjourned.