DSD March Special Board Meeting

001We are recording. Okay. >> Good evening everybody. We are going to call the meeting to order at 5:30 and just will take a roll call. >> Trader >> here. >> Woric here. Humpy >> here. >> Canadler >> Here >> rise to the flag. the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Notice of meeting for Wisconsin State Statute 1980s board to declare a legal meeting. Ryan, was public notice given? >> Yes, it was. >> Awesome. Then I will take a motion motion. >> Motion by Mike. >> Second by Jessica. All those in favor signify by saying I. I oppose. All right. Uh, approval of the agenda. Ryan, are there any changes to the agenda tonight? >> There are not

002any changes to the agenda. Back to motion. >> Motion by Mike. >> Second by Jess. And all those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> All right. We will go ahead to routine action items. Item 2.1 is approval of the minutes of the regular school board meeting on February 16th, 2026 and special board meeting on February 20th, 2026. I'll take a motion. >> Open by Mike. Second, second by Robin. And roll call, please. >> Trader. >> Yes. Pumpkin. >> Yes. >> Mler. >> Yes. Thson. >> Yes. >> Kinsky. >> Yes. Wizoric. Yes. Awesome. 2.2 is approval of voucher and payroll checks. Motion to approve the February payable expenditures and payroll expenditures in the amount of 2,85,431.96. >> Make a motion. >> Motion by Randall, second by Mike, and a roll call, please. >>

003You're by Trader. >> Yes. >> Humpy. >> Yes. >> Nadler. Yes. >> Yes. >> Thompson. >> Yes. >> Lazor. Yes. >> All right. We'll move into public acknowledgements and comments. There's nothing written down. >> Oh, maybe there's going to talk tonight. Aley, you're up. >> Sweet. All right. Forgive my reading from a laptop. >> All right. Good evening. I am speaking today wearing some different hats. I'll wear my parent hat first. I would like to commend the music department for the solo and ensemble experience. I attended as a parent this last weekend and was able to witness a culture of students supporting each other and staff supporting each other. From the music teachers to the accompanist, our students were surrounded by support and encouragement. It's no wonder that they had such a strong showing this

004year. I'm very proud that my musicians as a parent are growing in a district that provides such support and experiences. Steph hat. Okay. Specifically speaking from my role as a director in the theater department. I want to thank the school board and the administration for the support that you provide the theater department. I have just concluded my fourth season as a director in the department. Over these four years, the support that we have received has meant the world to us. It validates the work that we do and it reinforces the goals of including all students in the department. As we prepared for the school previews this week or this last week, I came to the realization that without question, the district brings students to experience the artistic endeavors of their peers. Not every school places

005that amount of value in the work of their theater environments. It sets Dodgeville apart. The validation the participating students receive from the audiences at the previews, the compliments they receive from former teachers and other staff means the world to them. We are very proud of the growth that we have seen from our students and we are so excited to continue building the collaboration, public speaking, construction, organization, literary, musical, and time management skills that our students are developing. So, thank you. Your support does not go unnoticed and it is incredibly appreciated. Thank you. And thank you for all the time and energy you put into theater because I know that it's more than you're paid for. So, um it it the end product is always so worth it and having been a theater mom myself, I

006appreciate the hours that go into it. >> Thank you. >> It's always amazing to see what amazing productions you can have in a small town and >> you guys do such great work. >> Thank you very much. I'm very very proud of the work because back to straight into set but thank you very much. Much appreciated. >> Exactly. >> Thanks. >> All right. Um >> I would I would like to add to what she said about the music department. >> I also attended Soul and Ensemble as a parent and all of the music teachers. their support and their efforts to get the talent out kids is just incredible. At the pops concert earlier this month, um you could really see the talent of the kids and they really gave them a lot of opportunities to

007do it. So I just wanted to Mr. McNut, Mr. Fit Factory and even the accompaniest dawn for the effort that they put in to give give the kids those opportunities. son of the middle school level and so many smiles from the kids. >> Waiting for those score sheets to go up on the wall. It's always so exciting. >> One thing they did new this year, they brought in one of the judges from outside the area and they did a um practice mock in the auditorium and I was working on sets at the time. It was great just listening to the kids out there, piano, violin, um, singing, and it was nice to hear them get feedback before they actually went out to get judged. I think it took away a lot of their nerves, and

008I think that showed at Solo Ensemble. I think it really helped them out a lot. So, I appreciate Max bringing in person. So, it worked out well with them. Thanks, >> All right. Anything else on that before we move on to acknowledgements? That was kind of an acknowledgement, >> right? >> So, I know we do have some acknowledgements that we want to give. Um, I know Ben, you were going to give one from the virtual world. >> Yep. Can you hear me? >> Okay. Um, I'd like to take a moment to celebrate the success of our recent parent teacher conferences. Uh we ex we achieved 92% attendance rate over two nights. Um that doesn't happen by accident. Our staff um they did tireless outreach to get to the families. 92% is a direct result of

009the relationship that they've built. Um the commitment to ensuring every family felt invited and valued at our conferences. Uh the families, they showed up. Um their presence send a powerful message to our students that their education is a shared priority. Um I'd also like to recognize our PTC. a huge shout out for providing the hot dog dinner for our families. By removing the what's for dinner hurdle, they made it easier for our community to gather, connect, and focus on what matters most, which is our kids. Um, it was more than just a meeting. It was a true showcase of what happens when the community works together. Um, and you know, we we kind of talk about all the time at dees that it's conferences, but it's our our largest family engagement um event of the

010year. So, um, it was really awesome. Thank you, Ben. >> Thanks, Ben. I'm ready. Okay. >> I said yes, I'm ready. All right. I'm going to take a moment. I just like to recognize um Nurse Britney and take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for everything that she does for our school community. Her patience, her kindness, and her genuine care for students does not go unnoticed. She is consistently going above and beyond to help out around the campus. Um, it could be comforting a child, which is happening multiple times throughout the day down in the building, supporting staff. Our staff is incredibly comfortable going to her um if they're in need of some advice or just support in any way. And then just in general, if there's needs, she's always quick to say, "I

011can help with that. I'm willing to help however it's needed." Um, so her presence really makes a very meaningful difference on campus. So I just wanted to take a moment again to recognize her and everything that she offers for the whole district. But I know the majority of her time is spent at dees and um she is a critical critical role in helping us be successful each and every day. >> Is that a full-time position? I'm gonna recognize so I'll speak on behalf of Joey. He's not able to make it, but he sent me a document. So, I'll read you through his document. Um, we have the boys basketball acknowledgements. The SWC conference champions, they finished 16 and 10 overall. Coach Matt McGra was named to the SWC coach of the year. Uh, nine players

012were named as academic allstate honors. So that means they had a 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher. Um FCCLA acknowledgements. We had senior Addie Hoyer who has been named a top 15 national semi-finalist for the FCCLA member of the year, the highest honor an FCCLA member can receive. She was selected from more than 260,000 members nationwide, making this an incredible national recognition of her leadership, service, and dedication to our school and community. Advisor Sarah James was selected as a top 15 national semifinalist for SECLA advisor of the year, chosen from over 7,200 adviserss across the country. And then something that's been going on here at the high school, they've recently looked at recognizing staff for their years of service. And so there are a few staff members that they wanted to do special call outs to.

013So Carrie Roasley was recognized for her years of service, dedication, and commitment to DHS. She is currently in her 24th year at Dodgeville High School and will reach 28 total years in education. She um we're thankful for the experience and the care she brings to our students each day. Sarah Burkhard was recognized for her dedication. She is currently in her 18th year as a high school English language arts teacher and also serves as a National Honor Society adviser. We appreciate her continued commitment to both the classroom and student leadership. Bill Wley was recognized for his outstanding service. Bill is in his 39th year at DHS and his 40th year overall in the Dodgeville School District. He currently serves as the alternative education teacher in our Seeing Forward program and continues to make a meaningful impact

014on our students. Annette Anderson was recently recognized in the front of the DHS staff for 30 plus years of service. She is currently in her 30th year as an administrative assistant and are grateful for her contributions. And the last staff member would be Jeff Bradley for 23 years of coaching golf at the Dodgeville High School. Jeff began his tenure here in 1999 2000. Um not to date him but that was the number that is given here. Um and he was recently recognized in front of the staff not only for his coaching contributions but also as one of three staff members with 30 plus years of service. Jeff is nearing the completion of his 32nd year in education which is an incredible milestone. So congratulations to all of these individuals for their dedication in the high

015school building and the continued guidance that they give for our students. It's a good list. >> Yeah, that's impressive. >> It's really impressive from the student achievements and the club achievements to the the years of service. That's that's a special list. >> Absolutely. >> All right. >> You got some? >> First of all, Joey, I want to I just appreciate the work you did on sectionals for gymnastics and basketball. Um the gym was packed for all three of the events that we had and that was really nice to see. Um the Dodger dig that we got two weeks ago. I I wish we could mail that to every mailbox just to show what our kids are all doing. Um and then a big shout out to um girls gymnastics and our individual wrestler Mr. Peterson

016on his four time >> and cheer also going out and winning a state tournament and all the stu stuff's going on student co-curriculars. I think mathletes and all those have been going out winning all these awards and we don't recognize them enough. I think I know Pat's online, he'll put all this in the paper, right Pat? Um, but I think we we we have to recognize our kids are doing great things and yeah, we read things every now and then on different places, but um we can go on and on all night with the things that our students are doing. I think that the more we highlight that, the better. Um, we need to drown out the negative and highlight the positive that we're doing in Dodgeville. showed it from the rooftops >> and the

017musical. Kids did a great job even though they missed one night. They're all fun. They're having fun tearing those out apart right now. >> Anybody else have anything they'd like to add? A lot of good stuff. >> All right. Thank you. Then we will move on to information and study. And maybe we'll start with our student schoolboard representative report. There's not many of these left for you. >> No, it's surprising. >> Yeah. It's kind of wild, isn't it? >> Yeah. Um, as everybody knows, um, winter sports are now wrapping up and we're really into the club season right now. So like it'll be much of the same where yeah we had a really successful math competition and as many as 15 people meddled from the high school and 10 from the middle school. Uh Vinnie

018Serudi, Connor H. Hotman, Spencer Spy and both me and Ben got uh gold at the high school level. Um, VAC, which is Visual Arts Classic, came back with a lot of blue ribbons with many different kids going to state. And by virtue of the snow day, uh, forensics competed last night, so I can actually report on that with almost all of us going to state as well. Um, congratulations again to the boys basketball team who all got or who a lot of them got all conference and academics all state and especially to Mr. McGra who achieved coach of the year. And yeah, the play just wrapped up with everyone having tons of fun and despite losing a performance to the weather, the seniors all appreciated what time we had to perform and being able to

019do perform it. Um, extra congratulations to Hawin Peterson for winning state wrestling for the fourth time and being crowned king of the king of Wisconsin and going that entire time of being undefeated. And congratulations to the gymnastics for winning state with everyone doing amazing. And some of the spring sports are beginning practice already such as track and field, golf, and softball, which are all already going on with baseball starting up soon. And some things that are coming up, we've got some of those early sports like track has a few meets coming up later this month. Uh Key Club, the they have a hop and drop where they hide Easter eggs in families yards for people who wouldn't otherwise be able to. And that's really a new thing, but really important for the community and everyone

020or a lot of the school body is looking forward to the end of semester and the spring break that's coming up afterwards as it's been a very up and down winter quite literally been temperature. And I just wanted to shout out the Dodger drop as we have new video announcements nearly every day and it's always a lot of fun to watch and you can tell the people on it have fun. And they've got to interview some pretty interesting people like they even interviewed our mayor and asked about some of the stuff that's going on in Dodgeville and some of the developments that he's done. And I just think that's really cool and a good addition to our school body. >> I agree with you. I I loved that interview. I love all that they're producing.

021I think that the dodger drop and and the >> the dig are really great additions to what we put out to the public. So, we appreciate all the work the kids are putting into those. >> It's always really fun to watch. >> Yeah, >> you can tell. Yeah. Like the people have fun as they're doing it. >> You can tell. >> Yeah. >> Especially doing like the mic drop and stuff. The >> more fun parts of it, too. And >> yeah, they're really good additions to to what our kids are showcasing. >> They're also starting to try and branch out a bit and like interview people around the school instead of just being solely yearbook. Yeah. >> So, they're Yeah. trying to get out more, too. So, it's really interesting. >> That's awesome. >> Anybody

022have any other questions? >> No. >> Awesome. >> Thanks. >> Thank you, sir. >> Survive the ACT. >> Oh, yeah. That happened. >> The ACT. Everyone survived the ACT. >> Uhhuh. Oh, yeah. Right. So, that was yesterday. >> That was yesterday. >> Yeah, that was yesterday. He He didn't have to take it. So, >> so >> senior >> Yeah, it was a shorter length of time. Was it this the first year that it was a shorter length? >> Yeah, science is optional, I think. >> And science was optional. Okay. >> I got to sleep in. I was happy. >> Wonderful. Thank you. All right. Then we are going to move into committee reports. Uh I'll start. >> Okay. >> Uh we had a policy committee meeting with one thing on the agenda. Um there is

023no action on it tonight. We discussed the mandatory cell phone policy that all districts in Wisconsin must adopt by July 1st of this year to go into effect for next school year. And so we had a sample WASBY policy in front of us which we reviewed together and had some discussion on. Um and we'll have further discussion on next month because there have been some other changes at the state level that we have to consider as well. Um and really it comes down to how much is mandated by the state and how much local control do we have about when kids are allowed to use their cell phones if they under what circumstances. And so um that was kind of the gist of our conversation this month. So we'll be continuing that in April again

024at the policy committee meeting. So that was it for policy. Then we had the co-curricular meeting and um Michael Canadler was virtual at that time so I did chair that meeting. So I'll give the notes from that. Um we had updates from the various administrators. Um the first thing we heard about was at the high school Mr. fromhal presented a new program within the advanced tech class um where kids become project managers of a project that a business or community member may want our students to um basically create a product for them like whether it's engraving a water bottle or making a keychain or making a business card something that a community member or a business would want produced they could do so locally with our students doing the work actually producing the work but

025also taking the leadership skills and taking that as a project and doing the invoicing and the communication and um so Mr. from Helad with some kids designed a automated integrated system where um a community member which I think is actually live currently. You can go on the website and submit an idea for a project and it will um automatically contact all of the students within the advanced tech program and a student can claim that project and give a quote and um work on a design with that person and then actually produce something and that business or community member would pay for it. So it would be at no cost to the district to do that. Um and it would be a good value for the community member or business. So, it's it's in the early

026stages and in the works, but it seems like a really cool opportunity for our kids to do some hands-on um production activities. So, that was interesting to hear about. Um and as part of and then Mr. Gallagghan also gave an update within the same egg tech realm. Um because the first Dodger Media or Dodger, what are we calling it? Dodger Media, it was Friday. Yeah, it's like a CTE Friday where we highlight all the cool things the kids are doing within the CTA CTE programming that we have here. Um, and so the first video was released a couple of weeks ago and there have been two more since highlighting all the neat things that happen in sort of the shops and egg tech world and then also in the digital dodger media world and in

027the um digital media also. Those are two separate things. So, those will be coming out weekly. And I think it's really it was cool as a board member, but also really as a parent and a community member to see a consolidated visual of seeing the kids doing the things that they do every day at school. Um, because I think you can hear about it, you can read about it, but when you actually see it, it's just hits you a little bit differently. And it was just so amazing to see all the neat things that we're doing. So, we'll continue to look forward to seeing more of those. Um, from the administrators, uh, from the elementary school, we got, um, an update about how the guiding coalition at the elementary school is working on their PLC

028work. Um, forward testing will begin after spring break. So, the kids will have a little break and then head into some testing. And as we heard earlier that family conferences at the elementary school had 92% attendance from families which is really great to be able to get all the families into the the building and you know talk to the teachers and I think I think it's just I wish we had that attendance rate at conferences throughout DMS and DHS and um but it's great to see that engagement the lower levels um at middle school level forward exams are already starting this week there is the sixth grade trip to Chicago being planned. The Battle of the Books just ended and two of the students in the middle school entered a book trailer contest, a book

029video trailer contest where they made like a video trailer and submitted it and one of the students from Dodgeville actually won first place statewide for her video trailer. Um then uh a presentation was given to the board about the fall and winter test scores for both math and ELA. Um, in math, the number of students who are two grade levels behind has decreased from fall to winter. However, students in both math and ELA are a little bit farther behind where we want them to be right now. So, we have specific goals in place to kind of bring them higher up into the >> Was that the at the middle as well? Okay. >> Yep. So, um there are check-ins once per month for the rest of the year as they aggressively work toward improving those

030scores. Um math and ELA curriculum is coming due in the next year and a half or so. So, at both the elementary school and the middle school, they've started the process for reviewing how well our current um resources are doing for our kids. So that'll be an ongoing process for the next year and a half as we decide whether we're going to renew that curriculum or choose something else. So we'll get teacher feedback as part of that process. Um at the high school, as we just talked about, ACTs were this week for all kids, the preac and the real one for the juniors. And um a couple weeks ago there was a college and career fair fair held at Dodgeville and we invited all the surrounding school districts to participate. There were 40 fe 43

031vendors and um higher education booths there where kids could walk around and engage with all the vendors for a couple of hours. Um, uh, let's see. In the special ed realm, we got an update about the different tiers of instruction for our kids. Um, we often hear those words tier one, tier two, and tier three. And I think, um, sometimes that can, for me, it used to get confusing. So, it's nice to just be reminded sometimes what those mean. Tier one is where we teach to all kids the core skills that we want every kid to learn. And when a kid shows that they need just a little extra help, they're moved into what we call tier two. And they get a little extra help in whatever way they need it. And if they need

032even more help, they go into the tier three. And so we kind of reviewed or we were presented with sort of a review that was going on within the district just to, you know, make sure all the staff kind of knew this is what it looks like when a kid enters tier one in math or ELA or science or whatever. So, that was a good reminder. Um, and last, two other things. Summer learning is underway. The summer courses or the planning for summer learning, I should say. We're not in summer yet, but summer planning for summer school is underway. So, all the course descriptions are being um written based on what teachers want to teach. And so, hopefully in the next couple weeks, we'll have that available so families can sign their kids up for

033the two sessions in summer. um June 20 June 8th through 25th and July 13th through 30th Monday through Thursday 8 to 11 a.m. >> There's a little plug for the school. >> And lastly, the Seeing Forward Charter School open enrollment is open through the end of April. So, if any kids from the Dodgeville School District or beyond in any other school district would like to enroll in our very exciting project-based studentled learning opportunity, they may do so until the end of April. Currently, we have 42 kids enrolled, grades 6 through 12. 40. Oh, now we have 45 enrolled. 6 through 12. >> This just 52 53. >> Okay, great. >> So, we're at So, 50. That's great. And that was kind of our goal to give the full grand. >> Yeah. Our goal be is

034to exceed 50. So, and now we need them to actually get on our third Friday count, but we're heading in the direction where we were hoping to be. And we just sent out letters um to specific families that are either open and rolling out or school. >> So, that number could grow. >> That is the goal. And we have, I think, four additional parents who as we're looking for board members for that school. Um there's four potential parents looking to join. So, we're going to be pursuing those. >> That's great. >> Awesome. All right. Well, that was in a nutshell what we heard about and discussed at the curriculum committee meeting. And that's all I have. Any questions? >> Okay. So, awesome. Thank you, Randall. You've got the last two, right? Did you do >>

035I was there for building and >> Oh, you were there for building and grounds, right? You were missing the second. Got you. So, you can go ahead and do yours, Laura. >> Okay. Thanks. So, yeah. So, from the March 11th, uh Wednesday building and grounds committee meeting, um Ryan and Brad Godfrey kind of led us through some of the things that have been happening in the district. Um Ryan mentioned that the HSR came in and looked at different projects and that company will put pressure on vendors for rising problems from past projects and also give recommendations for other vendors for maybe future projects. At dees there was a roof uh leak and I believe it was fixed. Um and as were the electronic uh locks on the doors um that um is going to happen

036over spring break right where they're going to fix that. Um, we also had quite a bit of discussion on uh closing in the south end of the playground with additional fencing, extending it from where there's an existing part from the high school track fencing area down to that south corner. Um, still some discussion on that or you know when that one right now >> it'll happen but it's just a matter of when and to what um extent. Okay. Um, and let's see, we also talked about um just the retaining wall on the corner of Washington and Johnson Street, but some of the caps are off. They're being reglued. And addition to that, uh, soding throughout the school district will be taken care of, receeded or solded or whatever needs to be done to get it

037repaired. Um, at DHS, there was a boiler condensation above the library that was repaired. A leak above the green room was fixed. And there was a leak above uh room C5 at the high school and Brad uh told us he was going to be getting to that. I don't know. >> There's a cap that came off and so it's not a leak. It was a cap and we got the cap put on and so that should know >> Even better than solved. >> All right. And then we also had discussion about this uh solar uh project and I noticed that that is also another info and study item. So maybe I'll just save the comments for that at that time. So, and that in a nutshell is what we talked about at B&G. >> Any

038questions or could I ask for clarification at all? >> Thank you, Laura. All right, we'll move on to >> So, now I get to go. >> Now you get to go finance. >> So, the finance meeting, uh, we reviewed the bills as per normal and, uh, there were no major issues or concerns identified with that. um that list that we review is is really the major expenses or unusual expenses for the month but I reported out that I currently am reviewing all of the checks and wire transfers. Um we also reviewed the budget reports and from those uh we saw the accounts are reconciled. We are pretty well on target for the budget items at this time of the year and we are slightly underrunning the budget year to date. So things are going well

039even though we will continue to monitor the electricity cost. It seems that those are up and the reasoning behind it seems to be the usage of the facilities that seems to be greater this year. And so one of the things we're going to be looking at is the payments that outside groups are making for use of the facility to see how much of that might offset that extra cost. And so we'll be talking about that more in the future. Then we moved on had some discussions on the referendum that we have that's also on our discussions tonight. Uh basically we were looking at some of the things from the referendum that while we're all very hopeful that it passes in the um circumstance that it doesn't we look at we are looking at what things

040we will need to go ahead and spend money on which will impact the next referendum because of the extra borrowing and things that has to happen there. So, um, we'll I'm sure we will hear more about that. Um, we also as part of the referendum discussion determined that we take action tonight to set the day and time for our annual meeting now so we can communicate that out to the public as we communicate the importance of that meeting and setting mill rates and things so that the public can make sure they're there to understand the budget that we'll have for the upcoming year. And then uh we looked at the short range pling list because there will be a cost for um the security fencing at the elementary school, but there will be further discussion

041on that. No, no decisions made right now. And then lastly, uh we talked about the community dashboard and the financial items that are being reported out there um to discuss what other information might need to be there. There was nothing really brought up in the meeting, but we'll continue to review that and and add as needed. Any questions? >> All right. Thank you, Randall. We will move on to 4.3, which is the standard and pores rating. >> Yeah. So, um met with Baird and the standards and pores representatives. Um and one of the things with our current financial situation being where it is and our fund balance continuing to be depleted um we are going to be rated at a lower rating for our S&P rating. Um, and so I just want to let you

042guys know that due to the ongoing fi financial circumstances, which has been the deficit spending, the depleting fund balance without a past referendum, um, our standards and pores rating has decreased from an A minus um to an A+ negative. Um what that means is when we start thinking about any points where we're looking to borrow money, um we're going to pay we're not going to get the the premier interest rates. We're going to start paying more because of this. Um and now that we're on this negative trajectory, um that negative, if we have a past referendum and we have a positive year, the negative can go away fairly quickly. um the to go back to the AA minus that's going to take multiple years in a positive trajectory. And so this is one of those

043points where because of this ongoing financial spot that we're in, we're going to continue to risk it going to a lower and lower score. And so the longer this goes on, that negative or that A+ can continue to drop. And then at any point when we're trying to go to ever needing to borrow a significant amount of money, we're going to pay a higher rate. Okay? And we can't just get one year and it's going to fix it and now you're going to go back. It's like your credit score. You can't just do it for a short amount of time and it goes back. It's going to take a significant amount of time where they said, you know, really this could take you three or more years to try to get back to that as

044soon as you have some level of stability. So stability can get rid of the negative marking and it'll just be an A+, but it's going to take us some time to rebuild um our S&P score back up into an AA minus category. Do >> you have a a gauge on what the interest rate is comparing those two? >> I don't have that. I haven't dug into that at all. >> I'm just curious if it's half a point or multiple, you know. Yeah. Okay. >> And I guess my question uh right is that just like so I'm not familiar with these rankings and the lettering um on that. So to go from an A minus to the A+ is that just a one drop in my person. >> One drop. >> And what is the top

045rating? Do you know? I mean okay. And if you don't know that >> I don't know that one. Okay. >> We could look up the S SNP rating score and yeah I could do a Google search on that. No, >> it was just more out of curiosity to know, but it was just that drop between the two. It was just one or multiple drops in between. >> The the negative would be an additional outlook that would make it drop even more where we won't get the we could get the lower end of the A+ ranking. Um, so the the first goal is really to get rid of that negative outlook. >> Just that word >> that goes up to AAA is the highest. There we go. Thank you guys. A >> with no plus or

046minus on it. >> Correct. There's a a plus and a a minus a plus. >> Okay. Does anybody have any other comments, questions regarding that? >> No. I think this highlights um our financial situation and you know we are we without passing a referendum and needing to rely on some borrowing >> um that just makes the you know the money that's not going that we have to spend that's to kids increase and the whole point is to have as much of it go to kids as possible. So >> there's multiple layers of impact if it doesn't >> Yeah absolutely. All right, we will move on to solar project updates. So, I broke down I met with Ivonne um Monday last week and kind of went over some of the bids and then followed up with

047one of them to kind of get a scope about what might we be able to do differently. Um and so on the bids with Ethos that was a local um in the state of Wisconsin vendor they gave uh you had a 249 kilowatt plan that was $519,000 and then after the direct pay or the focus and and then the focus on energy rebates it brought it down to 348 $8,000 which had a 10-year repayment. The one that kind of fit the our project scope but was still a little bit higher than where we would have funds. I know there's been a group trying to raise $25,000. Um there was a 41.76 kilowatt that was came in at 96,000 with the rebates would take it down to 62,000. Um, and so that was the one that

048was the closest into like a dollar range that we were looking at. And then the last bid was, and this was for the elementary school, was to do an 89.3 kilowatt, $229,000. And then after the direct pay and focus on energy brought it down to $154,000. These were all roof mount ones. And so I did connect back with Ethos and they are going to come, they're actually on in Dodgeville um the week after spring break. They're meeting with the library group and so I asked them to come on site and let's talk about what would a ground display unit look like. We looked at a couple we did some aerial looks of out right outside here to maybe put a ground mount right outside the science department or to do some sort of ground mount

049over by the greenhouse in that grass area. And so really looking at what might that look like? Um, and then also talking about, well, is there a scalability factor that we could look at as well to say is, okay, if we got started on some level of a project, knowing if the group could raise $25,000, could we put in a project that was $25,000 to to um benefit from some of the rebates. Um, the challenge with that is you got to start by July 1st, correct? Yeah, July 4th, I think it is. >> So, we would have to start one of these projects and knowing with some of these if the site if the materials on site, is that a is that a way that we could navigate? Um, so those are kind of the

050we're starting to strategize how might we be able to get started on anything? What might it look like? where could possibly be some locations as we start to ren this into a ground display versus a roof display knowing we've got to further look into some of the roof um capacity related needs. Um the one area that I know she talked about immediately um the lady from ethos was a great spot would be in the yard the green space between the entrances entrance and exit at the high school. So, right next to the parking lot, you've got between the greenhouse and the entrance to put a ground display there is where she would recommend it going. But I told her, "Why don't you come on site and let's talk and look at where might something look

051like and can we rework up a plan that would fit within a a $25,000?" Um, and so that is something that they're going to continue to work on and then they'll u meet with me on that day and we'll discuss this further. >> So clarify right now, are you talking about having them give you a couple of different ideas based on different size systems like either the 10 kilowatt or that 47 or 42 kilowatt system? Is that more >> very basic ground display just to what would it be to get us started >> to really keep the energy going? So uh with that and I know we had some discussion at the building and grounds committee meeting there was a couple of things and that was uh maybe on the outcome of the referendum may

052perhaps have us go in one direction or the other. Is that a possibility depending upon the size a 10 kilowatt or a 42 kilowatt system? >> Well I think we would have to be looking at like what kind of fiscal investment do we want to make. I think it's more I think that would be the pieces if we were to look at this plan which is 62,000. If the fundraising was 25,000, there's going to be a gap there. What is the amount of gap and is there any commitment the district is looking to put forward into this? Um that would be the dis discussion you guys would have to have. Um or if we're looking at this saying no, it's a net zero. you know, with where we're at, we need to make sure we're

053not putting any money into this. This would have to be fundraised dollars. And so then what how large of a system are we willing to let this group go forward with? >> So is it possible I'm just still getting my feet me with the the procedures and that. So is it possible to create a request for proposal for to get different bids out there instead of just having ethos mean for the 10 kilowatt versus a larger system? Is it possible to discuss that at the next building and grounds committee meeting and have that brought forth to the board or what would be the procedure for that? >> What are you guys thoughts? >> You mean for having some other company bid it? >> Yeah. Well, I think before we can before we can do anything,

054I mean, >> we just can't say, "Oh, ethos, we've been talking with them. You're going to get our work. Don't we have to do go out for bid?" Right. >> It it would have to go out for bid if we approved if we approved a pro that that's when we would need actual a project that we know this is what we're committed to that we would then need to bid out. So, because it exceeds that $5,000 or whatever that limit is. >> Did we approve that already, though? I thought we did. We approved the fundraising plan. >> Yes. >> And at that time in that conversation, it was a net zero that the district was not going to invest dollars. So we approved that fundraising plan, but we haven't approved a plan for an actual

055build, what what this would look like. So in order to go out to bid, we would need to understand that and where our fiscal commitment might be if there is any. But that's kind of where we left it was we approved the fundraising plan that $25,000. Well, the not not even the dollar amount, just the the concept of the fundraising plan and the levels. So, we haven't approved a project. We don't know what this looks like yet. >> How do you do that? Was it like the chicken or the egg? Do you I mean you can't know what it's going to cost unless you have company >> right >> bid it but you can't go out to bid unless you have a project to get multiple bids for. So I'm confused as to how you

056get to that point of saying like this seems like a reasonable size project and now we want to see which company is. >> So I I think when you talk about a building project so you talk about what you need want the architect puts together what that plan looks like and what those costs might be and then we decide yeah we want to move forward with that. Um, and I like we're not at that point yet because everything we've talked about up to now is that smaller system and that $25,000 fundraising plan, but with our investment being zero. >> Did anybody quote a 10 kilowatt system? >> Nobody quoted the 10. I think that would be the pieces. And I think Ethos would be the one right now that it sounds like they, you know,

057if we were to say is, yeah, we're looking for an under 10 kilowatt system and most likely this sounds like it's ground display, then we would be looking for a project that would be a under 10 kilowatt, possibly under or maybe under 25,000 um display project. And so and that would be what Ethos is currently drafting off so that we can start to see okay originally when we put out the request for information um we were looking at rooftop and to go be net zero on our energy consumption and so that's where they started coming up with these types of plans which the lower plans you can see I didn't even talk about them but we're starting to talk in the millions of dollars and that's where Ivon was saying too is like this is

058larger than what you are currently thinking down the road maybe, but right now that's not what you're thinking. So the best option is your middle option or we go, you know, go out for a and this would be that do we go out for a bid on a small plan to put it out to companies that are local. these groups could bid on it, but this would be as we're definitely looking at something small to get the momentum started for us and then we see what kind of dollar amounts we raise and where we might want to expand. So again, apologize for my lack of knowledge. So when you do a request an RFP, can you say can you give a bid for a 10 kilowatt one and maybe if it's get better or a

059larger system? Can you do like we want one for a 10 and one for a 40. Can you do that or No, >> I would put the bid out for 25,000 and just ask what can you create with the 25,000 because that's the funding we've asked for >> or that we've the funding committee said that they were going to go look for. Um I would base it on that. >> Go the opposite way. Yeah. >> And base it on the dollars available or potentially available versus >> a system size set. Yes, you I was just looking here quick and it said that you can get somewhere between 10 to 15,000 kilowatt system 10 to 15 kilowatt system for about 25 grand mount. Um and it created a little picture for me. Um, and if we

060go about asking it based on the price or the amount of money that we think we have, I think that's going to give us at least a conclusion rather than a 10 or a 40 or a 50 and they're just going to throw bids at us and we still don't know what the costs are. a better >> I guess what I'm looking at too is also um you know does that figure in like because I think part of the thing that's motivating at least me with this project and I think some others as well is still taking advantage of that 30% tax credit that's available and so you could pro perhaps get a little bit more for a system knowing that you're going to get those rebates from focus on energy and the federal government

061after July 1st or July 4th that's off the table and we don't have that and doing a little bit of dig on that uh uh the grant of solar for good. It sounds like there's just some question around that at all and Chuck maybe you and Ryan you can help me out with this in that they took over for solar on schools and the solar for good is now being managed by Renew Spensson and the reason that the solar on spiel they right they had given it all away so Renew Wisconsin is fundraising for that again so there's some uncertainty as to how much they would be able to uh donate I think is that what the mom has? >> Yeah, it used to be four school. One was four schools only and now it's

062going to be for all. >> I know that um I know somebody who wants to do solar and they are not going to make the timeline for the tax credit, the 30% tax credit. But apparently what's happening is that um solar companies are upping their rebate incentives because they don't want to lose out on the business once the federal incentives go away. So while it might not be 30%, it might end up equaling 20%. Something that it's not just 30% or zero. There are other incentives because those companies want to give incentives for people to still put solar on. So I know that that the p the person I'm thinking of I think it ended up being about a 20%. They don't meet the deadline for the 40%. >> So it's just something I don't

063know if that applies to schools though that was a residential. So, are we opposed to doing a putting out putting something together for a bid for the ground a basic round unit >> dollar amount >> based on the dollar value the fundraising potential >> but from a business standpoint if you put out a request for proposal there's an expectation that you're selecting from that and you're moving forward And I don't know if we're in I mean I don't know where we're at in the fundraising. I don't know if we're at the point where we can say >> we're we're planning to move forward and and select one of these. >> So you want an RFI so a request for information instead >> and that might be what we need to do because we what we

064got was way above kind of what we expect >> probably the scope of what we were thinking at the time. Now we've got a better scope, >> right? Right. >> And so we could do an RFI based on we're thinking ground now and a smaller scale to get started. >> Right. >> And that would come from us instead of MA instead of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. >> We could use them or we we can send this out. So we could post it into anybody that you know post it locally. We know we have a couple vendors who at least are in the ballpark. Um and now we're we're looking for more information. And I can connect I can connect back with Ivon to say, "Hey, are you able could you rewrite this? Could we

065rewrite this so that you can put it out with your networks?" But I I think we can that's stuff that we can put put out there. It's getting connected in the solar world. >> Are we still have have we seen any more donations come through or are we still kind of sitting in the same area? >> I haven't followed up since last meeting last week, Wednesday. We had 11 donors for a total of $10,200 is what was there. So, >> okay. >> So, that's the other piece. And I like I get the timing piece and and wanting to hit that grant cycle, but if we don't meet the fundraising goal to be able to plan to be able, you know, I don't know what all those how all those pieces work together. And Chuck's done

066this before, so he probably has a little bit of understand better understanding. But um I mean that that's my concern if we're if we're looking at a date to target to try to hit um you know some of those opportunities. I don't know that we can move that quickly. I don't know what that looks like. Well, I think if we start with the RFI, let's see where we can get see if we can get information and then I think that's we we go over in there and then once we get the RFI, we can see we have for vendors and then we can do the request for a proposal from that point. >> And Carrie, I think you had mentioned something about always wanting to keep like the students engaged and stuff like that. >>

067Yeah, I think that's really important and I think you might have some ideas on that. So, >> I've I've learned that um I don't know if the board members remember, but in some of the initial information that that uh Ivonne sent us, she was telling us about opportunities for teacher education and students. Anyway, Carrie Rwazley has applied for their summer solar institute and um I think it deadline was just recently and I I came across that and I sent her that information and she uh went ahead and applied for it. So, this is a a free institute for three days this summer that'll teach her how to um be able to engage students in we have a solar project um how to they can access that, you know, and learn from that and all all

068those different opportunities. So, she gets a $600 stipen for that. It's free for her and the school can get up to $1,200 worth of equipment. Um, which I just kind of Googled that again. What that was is different kind of digital multimeters, a solar path finder thing, a 12vt uh or 1.2 volt solar module that plugs in. So, there's a variety of things. She'll have equipment. She'll have some training. I don't know how her schedule works exactly. If it would just be through her club or if that would work into an environmental ed class. Anyway, I I thought that was a uh a real positive for seeing if this can happen maybe this summer. So, there was something operational uh by next school year. Um I thought was encouraging. So >> I I do think

069that that student engagement part is really really valuable because they as we've seen with their videos and the work they're doing like they can sell a lot of these things far better than any of us can. And so if the students are engaged and and committed to it, I think that only helps. So I love that. >> All right. Anything else solar project other than >> I'll put together an RFI and I'll look at the bond to see if they can help promote it. Otherwise, we'll promote it within the solar energy groups that exist. I think we've got connections with WASBY convention that we can send it out to those groups and see if at least I already know Ethos is is interested um and they're going to come on site. So, it's I can

070get that going as soon as I'm able. Awesome. Great. >> Yeah. I guess my personal preference is if we can get this and take advantage of the incentives that are still available, I think that's a win-win for for everybody, students in school and um our finances. So, >> all right. We'll move on to operational referendum and legislative updates. So, um I every quarter the revenue limit worksheet which is the fund what we use to base our funding model off of um >> extract. >> If none of you have ever explored with that, feel free to let me know when you would like to explore putting together the revenue limit worksheet. It is a fun task. Um the the interesting part that I find with it is just as things get are updating and you look

071at where are things projecting that changes the mill rate projections and I think we're at a point where um we have to decide you know I'm always going to come at it very fiscally conservative. I always want to overd deliver. That's that's an area that I'm going to be in. We have to also look at okay how fiscally conservative do we want to be and and looking at the revenue limit worksheet when we start talking about you know how much are we levying which is the top number in our mill rate divided by equalized values which is okay what are the values of the properties within our school district. Um I put together a table that I shared with you guys that you can see okay based on different numbers if we start projecting where

072are these numbers going to fall um with Barrett's guidance we always try to look at equalized values at being like a 2% increase well if you look at over the past five years it's been significantly more than a 2% increase so 2021 it was 6.3 22 was 15.2 2 or 22 was 15.2, 23 was 7, 24 was 10, 25 was 8. So equalized values have gone up significantly more than the 2% projected. But if you want to stay safe and make because the last thing we want to have happen is we say one thing and then come October the numbers come back and we have to go with a higher yield. That that would be very bad for us. Um however looking at it it's like okay this these values are projecting to be like

073feeling fairly safe that we could say we've definitely gone fiscally conservative on our denominator number which is how much is it spread out amongst the people in our community. And then we also need to look at okay how much has the um equalized aid the state um changed for us over time. There's been years where it didn't change much at all. If we were to see a 5% change, that would be a really, really bad year. And that rarely ever happens. 2% is a safer place to land that. Yeah, it probably will reduce by about 2%. So, we start looking at this table and saying, okay, where is the top number going to be? Where's that bottom number going to be? And what is a better projection as to where this mill rate is going

074to fall? We cannot give an accurate number until October 15th. So that's the absolute earliest the state finalizes the revenue limit worksheet is October 15th. So I wish we could do better projections. Um mid year we're going to get really really close but the final number is October 15. So as you look at this table you could see a mill rate drop down to you know best case scenario $7.40. 47. I don't want to stand behind that number. I'm just saying like that could be best case scenario 747 which is much different than the $810 we were projecting this to be. So you're talking you know good 50 difference here 60 from where we thought the mill rate would be to where it's projected. I don't feel like that's something we want to promote. Um

075I think that's too risky. I start to look in that land in the middle and even I'm going to say in the upper middle just because I I want to make sure we get this right to say that the mill rate is probably going to fall more around the $7 and 90 775 790 I think we're feeling I at this point I feel like it's feeling it's going to be a better projection which that's 20 cents less than what we originally at which that's $20 per h 100,000 um $500,000 home that's $100 less in the tax bill that we're looking at for the school portion. So, I do feel like we could consider making this public that the mill rate we don't believe is going to be as steep as originally projected. That it's going

076to be more like the 790 um than the 810. And even that feels like it's still a fairly conservative number that we feel it probably will be less than that. But we also don't want to underdel on our work. So I put that out put that out there as discussion. We're like what thoughts do you guys have? any opportunity to bring the number down, >> even if it's small amount, is still encouraging >> and it's better than holding out at what we're at right now. >> And I think historically that's what's happened. We've we've always projected very conservatively. Um, and it always come has always come out a little bit better than anticipated. And I and I do think bringing the public along and providing that information to them that this is what we where

077we feel like right now things will land. I think that that's got value to it. That's transparency. >> Agreed. >> Any other thoughts? >> So is this information that you want to make public? Correct. I'm comfortable going public with the 790. I I think you know we could start talking ranges. >> I there's a piece that I feel like people lose confidence when you start going ranges or at least I've never seen it done that way. So I don't know that I want to be the first one doing it. >> Um so I would feel better about saying yeah 790 it feels like it's that's where we're projected right now. And so we're going to update our information to show what is the 790 going to look like rather than um the 810. And I

078worked out a letter to the chronicle so that um we can convey that message as well as um information about when is the annual meeting going to be. So there's a letter that talks about when the annual meeting is. Um yeah >> so to explain it in a single sentence >> that possible right >> I mean >> that's I was thinking how do you approach >> a lot of people don't understand just the mill rate >> it's very complex >> yeah based on earlier predictions had the mill rate at $810 which equates to and then you and say whatever >> this would lower the impact from $245. >> Do you guys have a copy of that? The letters are all very >> I did it in a paragraph. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Yeah. Three sentences

079about >> longer than a sentence. >> And there's a couple things in there that you wouldn't have to put in there. I think the paragraph educates though because it also talks about the final numbers will depend on right >> what happens at the legislature on October 15th. >> I believe they said no. >> We we can set it. I think we're safer going with the 790 rather than anything lower. This is our best guess right now. >> Best estimate based on your conversations with Barry. And as you look at it, the middle diagonal is all 788, 788, 780. So we're still on this safer side, the conservative side of even our projections. Um hope my my hopes is that numbers keep going the direction they are and we can say, yeah, we're still even it's

080going to be lower than that. But I I don't get to determine that. So I don't have a strategy on that one. Yeah. >> Yeah. I think we need to I think publishing it just lets people know that we are we're watching that we're right, >> you know, >> we're doing our due diligence as we go through this >> and sharing it with them. >> I agree. >> I guess the one question I had is does are these numbers based on the 200 or the 250,000? >> They are. I have them based on the 250 >> 250. >> And I say that because depending on what types of things we're doing moving forward with fund 80, I want to make sure we're not we're currently at 200, right? >> So that also gives us a

081little bit of play with helping make sure we fall in line with these numbers. >> That's how much money is in that account >> in our fund account. So, as we look at potential strategies we're using moving forward on things we might want to pursue, that still allows us to have the funds there to be able to do so. If we if if we lower that amount, what you can see is as you lower that amount, it lowers the bill rate. So, if we needed to, if for some reason things didn't calculate, we might have to lower it more. Um, >> but this would this would put us right in line with where we're at. 200,000 is what we're currently doing. >> The difference between those is pennies, right? What we can do with that,

082>> right? >> It actually help our financial position attracting more pas. So that doesn't have difference helps the community. It's not just helping the districts >> and we just have to make sure that we have a plan with that otherwise we can't you can't keep building that all. >> Right. Right. So, we have to make sure like what what is the plan that we're doing with those resources to support the community as a whole? >> Well, I bet we've come up with a plan. >> There are ideas, but we just haven't articulated those. You're >> right. >> So, do you plan to put this letter out next week? >> This would be I I the two letters is what I'm looking at putting out next week. I need to make sure like dates and times

083actually align, but that would be information about our expected mill rate. And then there is information on the legislator's side um on if money depending on how money is given or if any money is given what does that mean to the school what does that mean to your taxpayers? >> The second letter that you sent was with the 800,000 need that we wouldn't need to borrow 800,000 from fund balance. >> Yes. Does it make sense for us to put that our fund balance right now is sitting at 1.3 where we're at or 1.1? I mean, not that people think, oh, just we're just going to take 800,000, but you know, the fund balance is some bigger amount. I >> just so that the public knows where we're sitting here. >> And I know the question

084was also is is this written well enough so that people understand that um well, you only need $100,000. Why are you asking for 2.5? That would be that next like do we even put in the 800,000? >> Um, >> right. Like even list the amount. >> Yeah, I think I would I would even talk about the fund balance. I would say we're going to have to spend 800,000 beyond our budget in order to in order to offset that difference. We don't I don't know that we need to say I mean basically we got to come up with >> we got to come up with money >> somewhere really borrowing or fund balanced the little bit that we have >> but just saying we're going to have to spend that much extra >> because of the

085difference between revenue and expenses. still just end it right after the 2.5 million annually on the second sheet >> to knock off the last paragraph. >> No, I'm saying instead of saying we have to utilize 800,000 from the fund balance, just we're going to have to spend an extra $800,000 beyond our budget to offset the difference between revenue and expenses. Yeah, I don't with going beyond our budget because we're in control of our budget. I don't know if that's quite the right wording. >> Yeah, that may not be the right wording, but something something we're going to have to spend more than our revenue. >> But I think the logical question to that is where's it coming from to short-term borrow it? I would say we would have to significantly deplete our fund balance >>

086to make um >> which will >> to extra borrowing >> because we won't have that, >> right? The the other wonder, and this is going off Mike's, is utilize approximately $800,000 of our $1.3 million that remains in our fund balance. Do we add that in there? Mike, I'm navigating a little bit with where you were at, where you're going. >> Does that clarify it? >> Maybe it puts it in perspective. Yeah, you know the percent for those. >> But what it doesn't say and maybe you can add that part is because that fund balance is further depleted, it's going to require more borrowing >> at a higher rate now interest rate because rating rating went down >> because if you say you're using it out of 1.3, oh well, you got the money then what's

087the problem? >> That's that's doesn't even cover checks over the course of a four month. And then it becomes this going back to policy. Do we need to speak about 12 12% of we need a 12% fund balance which is right around $2.2 million. So that's that's where this challenge that's where this challenge is coming in. We need 2.2 in our >> you could really expand that to try to explain it but I don't right but I just don't know if it gives clarity. I think you're right. 800,000 of gives a little bit of clarity. Um, >> and this will be a week that we'll have to put two letters in. Are they going to read both letters? >> Right. One letter is talking about the mill rate, which is our most important >> component.

088Um, and the fact that we will be reanalyzing the budget at the annual meeting, which is information that we knew was important. So now this la this part of the letter is I guess my struggle with maybe not using the second letter is the top of the story, which is this isn't just a Dodgeville problem. And so I know that that information is out there and people are talking about it and not just it's not just us talking about it, but I just think that that's a really important part of the story. >> It's not unique to us, >> right? >> Which then becomes, do we even touch the 800,000 at this point? >> Wondering if we don't. I mean, I think the message that well, we will further deplete our fund balance and require

089more >> additional or additional lending or additional borrowing, >> short-term borrowing, >> something like that without actually putting a dollar figure in there. >> I think the one comment that resonated with me with our committee meetings last week is that um the referendum, it's not going away. If it fails in April, we're coming back in November and it's going to be a larger ask. So the more we offset it, the more we delay it, the more money we're have to change. >> I think you have a letter a plan to come out about that >> that this this is part of that. So that would be the we've got to get this one right because then we're running out of weeks and we want to end with some more >> that's where maybe keep it

090a little more general and >> there are only two >> and absentee balance are in our yeah >> doorsteps right now. So, yep, that's where it's kind of this this is our last little week to really make sure we're making an impact. >> I just think if you put a dollar figure, then it becomes okay, what's the total fund balance and then what does that really mean? And then it becomes much longer than that. So maybe that last paragraph is like, you know, um this referendum until things, you know, change at the state level, we don't the idea or the referendum's not going away. So we'll be coming back again. >> Didn't you have that language somewhere, Ryan? >> I do. And I think >> I'll work it in and you'll get one more chance

091to see it and then I'll be sending it to the Chronicle for them to publish next week. So I'll word I'll word smith one more time with it. >> Just that last >> I mean because in the writing you know it's usually the first and closing paragraphs people will kind of like they're just skipping it. They'll >> grab grab that stuff for you know >> especially if you highlight things. >> So I'll see if Pat can highlight parts in the chronicle for us. >> See that? >> I think you can do it. >> Okay. I think that's all I have on that. >> Okay. And we'll move on to start here. Go anywhere alumni. >> Yeah. So, we are going to start releasing which I think the first individual was sent out today on Facebook.

092Y >> um and so my understanding was um around 2:45 one got released. And so the goal will be here is every Monday we're going to keep releasing more alumni and sharing their story. Um, we will come up with some themes on things, but we have our first five. And so, I just wanted to be able to highlight some of those. So, the one that got released today, Logan Jagger from the class of 2014, um, you've seen Logan advertised around the community as he's gone on um to for schooling for family practice and now is back working at Upland Hills. And so if you get a chance to take a look at his story, um Logan has been uh a resource for us and will continue to be an advocate for Dodgeville schools. Um so

093um and I I can say one of my favorite athletes and character kids and so it really was special seeing him come back to the community and wanting to give back to Dodgeville. Um, the next one that will be recognized again in the medical world, athletic training, Lauren Hawinson. So, she has submitted her information back to us and so she presented last Friday in Michelle Lateral's careers class. >> Three three alumni back last week. >> Oh, that's awesome. So again, another one of those all of these students are special and it's going to be as we're getting them in, we're confirming stories, trying to get them to submit a photo um and just share a little bit more and all of them are trying to find ways that if they can connect with careers, connect

094with our kids. We want to let our kids see it doesn't matter where you start, there's a connection, there's a growth, there's some place, there's somebody. Um Logan's back in Dodgeville. Lauren is in the Madison area and so that's where she is located. Um John Treenick, he would be the next one that we'll be recognizing. And so knowing between board meetings here, we're going to have about five weeks. So I'm going to put five out here tonight. Um John is in the Holman area. Um and he had a special story just with his health and going on now and wanting to be a writer and is inspired and really wants to try to give back to communities. spent time at the Mayo working at the Mayo Clinic, um, and really enjoys the writing and telling

095the story that way. And so, um, this is one of those things that John, this he talked about how this inspired him now to he's always wanted to do something like this and now this was the piece that finally got him to make that next jump. And so, I think that's just really that's part of this is being able to tell your story. Um, so class of 1988, Terren Tour, class of 2018, currently in Madison, Wisconsin as part of the Army National Guard. Um, and really just highlighting again the connections that he made in a teacher's classroom and now how that impacted him going on to what he wanted to do next. And so again talking about the stories with uh Mr. Dorshy and Miss Baxter um both were very influential influential to him. Mrs.

096Baxter serving as well. And so just those connections that these kids make with the teachers and those impact them for the rest of their lives. And then for at least this session of our introductions, Elena Tanonado, and I apologize if I pronounced her name incorrectly, um, but she's in the professional world of the businesses, um, and she is, um, and actually I see on here I don't have I want to grab this real quick. I think Minnesota is where she's at. Yes, she's in South St. Paul, Minnesota. And so, um, you can see on her lenses the business law courses that she took here in the school district. Um, being a part of DECA, some of these clubs and organizations are where students first start to see like where are the connections and what are

097the things that I'm passionate about. um we'd love it to always be as yes it was the core reading and math curriculum that really got them going. Um it is also those pieces but then it is the clubs, the organizations and it's taking them on to do other things. And so start here, go anywhere is really this opportunity for us to really highlight the students, hopefully build some connections so that at some point they can maybe come back and whether that be in person or virtual and speak to students who are maybe thinking about the careers or resonated with one of their stories. Each week we'll send one of these candidates names and their story to the chronicle as well as posting it on social media as long as they are allow that. Um, and

098kind of moving forward, we're going to pull in different themes because we we do have all of our distinguished alumni that we can reh highlight. We've got our athletic hall of fames that have contributed and have always been willing to add. Um, as well as our staff. We have so many staff that graduated from here and now are teaching in one of the three buildings or serving in some capacity here. And so the goal is is if you're started here, where have you gone on? go online, submit the um form. It's on our web page. You can find it on social media or you could uh talk to Kim Shrader here in the district office and she'll take your information and um we want to know more about your story and we want to see

099ways that we can connect with future generations. >> Yeah. Right. Have you had much response from the Google form that went out on the >> That has gained popularity. So, it went really quick. Um we gained quite a few in the first couple weeks. that it lalled off and now I can see that since that post has went out we started to gain some traction there and so um I know it was in the chronicle then that we were going to highlight it as well and so we're just starting to get get that story out there >> rough idea about how many additional uh stories you received >> I think we're up to 15 more >> is where we're at >> from a students perspective when when these alumni come back and speak to students

100like during the distinguished alumni presentations and those kinds of things. Do you feel that that's impactful? >> Yeah, I mean I definitely remember the times when we've act like had guest speakers come in. I remember um getting to see the guy who was like who worked under Obama and the um Getty Images. I don't remember their names obviously, but >> yeah. Uh yeah, it was really interesting to see that like I mean these people are from Dodgeville but they've gotten to go out and do great things beyond just you know beyond Dodgeville and it was really interesting to see and hear their stories and it yeah I mean it's just a good thing to see at least from my perspective. >> And how were the middle schoolers with the alumni that were here last week?

101Um they were fantastic. Actually sat in for the majority of of it and it was very um they were all they all graduated fairly close to each other but where they've been once again um out in Baltimore going down to Tallahassee going out to Chapel Hill. So once again, that kind of all all over the United States, but then still their roots and now they're all back in the area with two of them living right in Dodgeville and then with Lauren being, you know, fairly close as well. Um, and hearing their stories from when they were here, but then also their stories, um, when they've went to college and all of them have been to have more than just their bachelors when it comes towards education. So hearing that that if this is something that

102interests you that this is what it has to and they and they were all very respectful of those that are not looking to go to that there's other avenues that you know if you're looking at something in physical therapy that there's the you know you can go to Southwest Tech or you can go to a technical school that it doesn't have to be a four-year school that you go to. So it wasn't it was a lot of when they first started out there was a lot of schooling talk but then when they got into it about how different people get into the field as well. Um but very very interesting very quiet for a middle school classroom. >> Well I love these um I I know some of these kids. They're not kids anymore but

103they're still kids to me. Um, so I love that they're contributing back to us in any way. So whether they're physically coming in and talking to kids or writing these letters or these profiles, um, I I love this. And Jessica, you and I probably need to write something. >> Yeah. I mean, I feel like it would it I'm sure it feels great for these people to be asked to write about their successes and >> be able to take time to reflect on, you know, their past and >> what got them to where they were now. Because sometimes I think if, >> you know, you actually have to intentionally sit down and think about it, >> right? >> And then it you realize all the great things that you had when you were a student here.

104And hopefully that is the true message through all of this. It seems like it will be. It was for me. >> Yeah. >> And in there, too. Right. >> Right. Yeah. >> Great. >> Yeah. >> Thanks to everyone that's contributed so far. I hope we get many many more because I know that there's thousands of stories like these. >> Um and I I love I love them. I love it. I love it. So, thank you. >> Feel good things for us and something to be proud of of what we we've started here. And it was beyond us. It's the investments that the community made to continue to keep this school thriving and those are the things that we want to see happening for generations to come. >> Fantastic. >> Awesome. So with that, I think

105we can move into our action items. Um so I I know that our first is a consideration of approval of resignations, retirements, and hiring of district personnel. I don't see any things listed there. >> There are not any that we have. >> We can table that. >> We can table them. >> Awesome. >> 5.2 is consideration of spring co-curricular contracts. I see that on board docs there is a list. Y >> um so I would take a motion to approve the the track and field coaching contracts as presented. >> I'll second. >> Motion by Randall. Second by Mike and a roll call, please. >> Shrader, >> yes. >> Pumpy, >> yes. >> Thompson, >> yes. >> Kenski, >> yes. Wizoric, >> yes. >> Awesome. All right. 5.3. Consideration of approval of the Wisconsin School Nutrition

106Purchasing Cooperative. Brian, the details on that are public comment. So, it's this co-op that allows us to have more purchasing power. So, we've partnered with the schools. Um, and it's really a B is for food service. >> Okay. I'll make that motion. Motion by Jessica. >> Second by Robin. And a roll call, please. Humpy. >> Yes. >> Canadler. >> Yes. >> Trader. >> Yes. >> Thompson. >> Yes. >> Okay. Amended 5.4. Four, which is consideration of approval of early college credit program and start college now applications for the fall semester of 2627 school year. Those are also attached in order >> twice a year >> automatic automatic. It's seen on >> I have a choice. I'll make a motion. Motion by Jess. >> Second by Mike. Awesome. And a roll call, please. >> Uh, Shrader,

107>> yes. >> Humpy, >> yes. >> Canadler, >> yes. >> Thompson, >> yes. >> Okay. 5.5. Consideration of setting the date for the annual meeting. So, we'll be looking for a motion to set approve setting the date for the annual meeting on >> October 24th. >> 26. Okay. >> Yep. >> I'll make that motion. Motion by Mike, second by Randall. >> What day of the week is that? >> And what time? >> It's a regular board meeting. So, we were going to do Yeah. Right. >> Right before that. 6 p.m. >> Yep. Okay. >> Who made the motion? >> Second by Randall. Okay. >> Trader. >> Yes. >> Humpy. >> Yes. >> Masler. >> Yes. >> Thompson? >> Yes. >> Kinski? >> Yes. >> Wazor? Yes. 5.6 is consideration of approval of donations. Ryan, do

108we have any donations today? >> Not that I'm aware of, but I'm just double checking that there wasn't something. No, we do not. >> And we're going to table that >> for clarification that 26th will be the fourth Monday. So, we will be moving the board meeting to that 9th. Okay. Just want to make sure that still gives us plenty of time but allows honestly will give me more time to work the numbers. Um >> we'll have the state numbers come up. >> Yep. So just knowing that we've intentionally put that on the fourth Monday so for later we don't get confused that we're doing two meetings that month. >> All right. So 6.1 is adjourned to executive session for discussion of personal information as per Wisconsin state statute 1985 1C and F as described

109the following consideration of financial medical social and personal information and consideration of employment promotion compensation and performance evaluation. Take a motion motion. >> Motion by Mike. >> Second by Robin. And a roll call please. >> At what time? 702 >> 702 >> strader. >> Yes. >> Pumpkin. >> Yes. >> Canadler. >> Yes. >> Thompson. >> Yes. >> Kinski. >> Yes. Yes. >> All right. Thanks everybody for coming. We're >> Could I could I add one thing? Can you hear me? Okay. >> Yes. Um, and this is in relation to these uh tributes that graduates I I am in accordance with. It's it's a great idea. And the people I've reached out to have all been very eager. Whether they've actually written their tributes or not is something I don't know. Um but they have all

110universally I started out with a fabulous foundation and I'm I'm so happy that um my origins came through system of their um education. But one thing that occurred to me and I was thinking of it um I've been thinking about it for quite a while actually given the of teachers across the whether it's special education, elementary, uh you name it that we need and there's a shortage and I I speak specifically to retire teachers on our board. Um, I think it would be really wise to at some point bring in some retired teachers andor current teachers and try to educate students about the great value it is to choose teaching as a and all the val that go with it and of course the heart is the pain and the butts that it as well

111but um but it is it's valuable. is undervalued in our society brings you great satisfaction but I don't think kids ever think about it much uh because they are you know obviously teachers are in their noses all day long and sometimes you they just get weary of that nonetheless I think it would be a great way to promote idea of our own as Ryan about quite a bit to actually have an intentional some intentional presentations by uh current or retired teachers about the great value of the profession. >> Sounds good. Mike, I'll follow up with you and we can talk through that in greater detail. >> That's all I usually a lot more if I were in person, but good evening everyone.