001Right. Areas approved district board of education to order. Wait for that. Right. But no. Yeah. >> All right. We'll start a roll call. >> Orader >> here. >> Janet Matis >> here. For Wallace >> here. >> Rich teams. >> Yes. >> Isaac Wallace >> here. Next the publication. I, Kimberly Johnson, hereby certify that notice of the Kikapoo Area School District of the March 11th, 2026 regular school board meeting was published in accordance with state law. Have a motion to approve the agenda move. I'll second by both. All in favor? I I All right, we'll move on to audience to business and board members. Let's go with student council. >> Uh my name is Chloe. >> I'm Lane. >> And we're both members of the student council in the high school. We're both juniors and we're
002just kind of going to be summarizing what's going on in the middle school high school. Um for middle school math, the sixth and seventh graders have just completed the mid module assessments for module four of their respective grade levels. They will complete the module before they begin preparing for the forward exams in early April. Spanish 8 students are growing comfortable speaking to one another in a language that is new to most of them. We are we have learned how to greet others and express feelings. Since this is only a nineweek course, we stick to the basics of days, numbers, months, colors, foods, parts of the body, as well as descriptions of our classroom and surrounding areas for high school teched working on wood. They have been working on woodworking projects such as bow and arrow
003holders, tables, chairs, and signs to donate for the Viola sportsman's club banquet. And the P class have been working on some zeroturn mowers and golf carts. For high school math, we have been focusing on moving through the appropriate math curriculums as well as incorporating some ACT prep. The high school math team had w had their twin conference math contest earlier this evening and we had 24 participants which is possibly the most that we've ever had and the results haven't been in yet but they will be coming. for junior class. Uh they've just been working on preparing for junior prom, which is on April 18th, and the theme is a night on the bayou. The senior class just wrapped up their cookie dough fundraiser and is now turning its focus on planning the senior trip, senior
004tea, and graduation. Forensics, get ready to cheer. Our phenomenal forensics team crushed the subd district contest for speech on February 9th and we're sending six amazing students to the next level. Huge congratulations to Broen Kerry, Haley Hend Henderson, Jennese Soua, Wendy Kelly, Maline Smith, and Sage Bourke for advancing to the district forensics competition. They'll be bringing their talent to West Salem High School school on March 12th. Wish them luck. Middle school leadership. In partnering with the high school student council, we are working on setting up activities for mental health day on Wednesday, April 1st. Future plans include coordinating the middle school spring dance, eighth grade graduation ceremony, and the end of the year incentive day trip for the middle school physical education. We are in a pingpong unit and we are also working on our
005spring training playing riffle ball and fitness testing. In the next few weeks, we'll get into an archery unit as well as another swimming unit work study apprenticeship. With the conclusion of CTV month at the end of February, we had the honor to recognize the hard work of all our current work study/ youth apprenticeship students. We currently have 11 students enrolled in our youth apprenticeship and nine students are enrolled in work study. >> Thank you guys. >> Any questions for our cynic? All right. See you guys. >> Hello and good evening. I appreciate the opportunity to share a brief introduction and I look forward to learning by listening and observing this evening. Um yeah, my name is Ashley White, running for uh the ATL large write in position to sit alongside all of you on the
0067th. Um my background is in people, process, and program management within the dairy industry. And I've been um with Organic Valley for going on 11 years in June. And throughout my career, I focused on collaboration, engagement, continuous improvement efforts, um, a lot of staff development, and strong communication really while driving end results, a huge focus on data and getting things over the finish line. As an alumni myself, and while my daughter is now the sixth generation from our family to reside in our district, I do care deeply about our school and the communities that it serves. I'm committed to listening, learning, and working together to address the needs of our students, our families, and our staff. My goal would always be to support uh environments where every student has the opportunity to thrive and every
007voice always feels heard. So, I appreciate your time today and uh as well as your service to our district. I look forward to meaningful conversations about how we continue strengthening our school and our community together. So, please feel free to reach out and contact me anytime. Thank you. >> All right, moving on to the expendure needs. Any discussion? >> Any questions? I guess I'll make a motion that we approve second by J. Second by Earl. All in favor? >> I move on to our consent agenda. The consent agenda tonight, there's a lot. We have the meeting many minutes from the February 11th regular board meeting. Minutes from the March 2nd buildings and grounds consultation meeting, minutes from the March 2nd special meeting. Um we have one retirement um Sam Gary and the resignation from Vicky
008Olsen and information about the senior trip to Wisconsin Dells a Wisconsin school balance evaluation report and a number of donations. Um Doug Coupler $500 for the spectad department Mary $800 for the music program and Patricia Schroer $200 for music. Any motions to approve the consent agenda >> and also Eth is looking to donate um to donate the solar panels to the trackship if if it goes through. >> That was Oh, that' be a part of the donations as well. Yeah, I'll repeat that motion second. Motion by both by Janet in favor. I I right into our action agenda. Um all right, number 7 A. Um, we have a request from bids >> and we have Allison online, right, Alison? >> Yep. Uh, can everyone hear me? Okay. >> Yes. >> All right. So, um, I
009did send out to four separate audit companies for requests for bids and we got one bid back from Johnson and Block. Johnson and Block is our current audit firm that we go with. So, I was very glad that they did send us a bid. The costs are going up from when we sent out our last request for proposals um in 2026. It's increasing just under $7,000 from what we were quoted to pay for this past fiscal year audit. Um and I know they do have the little caveat in there like it might increase slightly if there's extra work, things like that that need to be done. Um, when we went out to bid 3 years ago, they quoted that we would have to pay $19,900 for a 2425 audit. We have actually paid $500 more
010than that. So, $20,400. Um, yeah. Otherwise, I mean, this was our the unfortunately the only bid that we got back. So there's not a whole lot of competition in it, but I am very thankful that we did get a bid back because it's been um a big topic of conversation between business managers and the CISA about getting any type of bids, especially someone that's local and actually having the auditors on site. I know that there are some school districts that the auditors never step foot on the school property. It's completely done online virtually and they never even see their auditor face to face. We talked about that at CISA too that and some of the schools that are down on like very southern part of the state are going like to firms out of Chicago
011and different parts of things just because they get no bids. So we're like she said we're fortunate we got a bid and very fortunate Wisconsin block that we know that you know they send people that are knowledgeable about Wisconsin schools. So >> you know what our district's like by doing it for the last three years. So this wait for another three years then. >> Yes. This would this would lock us in for three more years with them. >> I'll make a motion accept from John from Johnson block for these next three years. Second. I have a motion by Jan. Secur. All in favor? I >> I >> opposed. >> Thanks, Alison. >> Thank you. >> All right. Next up is the makeup for fleeer snow days. >> Yes. So, we just wanted to um be
012prepared um as we're getting down there with snow days. We used three out of the four um looking at potentially Monday, but we already have a schedule for us, so that's a bonus. Just just so we're all clear, and I said this to Kim before, she put two days off last year when she made this schedule. That would have been snow days. So, I think she might be a witch. >> You think that's a year ahead of time, she's taking days off. We're going to be snow days. And you're right. Um, but anyway, should we use this last day, then additional days, we were looking at taking that Monday after Easter to replace um potentially when we're done with our snow days and we need to make up days. Instead of putting them at the
013end of the year, we would use the day after Easter. >> All right. approve that. >> I don't Do we need to approve that? Yeah. >> Motion to make a motion to approve the future snow days and how it works out. I guess we need to use it for the day after. >> We got a motion. >> Oh, second. All right. So motion by roll, second by Janet. All in favor for the make up snow day. It's April 6th. >> I I opposed. >> Right. We'll move on to see 513 communication devices. >> Yeah, we wanted to bring this in front of the board because we made um a few adjustments. Our existing policy already requires that students devices be powered off and stored out of sight during instructional time and administration has been implementing
014that expectation by directing students to store phones in their lockers during the school day to ensure consistency and minimize distraction during excuse me instruction during a recent situation. um questions were raised regarding whether the precise location expectations specifically the locker was clearly articulated within our written language of the handbook and the board policy. So while administration had been consistently communicating this expectation through announcements and school procedures, it was determined that adding explicit language regarding locker storage would remove any potential ambiguity. So, as a result, the handbook and the policy language will be updated to explicitly state that personal communication devices must be stored in student lockers during instructional time unless otherwise authorized by staff. Um, additionally, Wisconsin recently enacted their 2025 Act 42, which talks about requiring school districts to adopt policies prohibiting this use
015of communication devices during instructional time by July 1st of 2026. And our current expectations already limit their phone use during instructional time. So this clarification about specifically putting in into the locker helps ensure our language aligns with our direction and with state law. This adjustment actually does not change our expectations or our current practice. It simply ensures that written policy clearly defines the procedures already in place to support instructional focus and consistent implementation across the school. So, kind of a background as to what's going on with that policy and what we're doing with it. >> Yeah. And we just talked this at the policy committee meeting in complete agreement that it only makes sense to make it crystal clear so everybody understands the rules. Right. Any other discussion on the All right. If none get
016a motion to approve the revisions and policy motion and second it motion by Earl by Rich. All those in favor I posted. Right. We'll move on to the digital sign. So, the digital sign actually went before the building and grounds committee um with all of the information um the power of the sign. The power for the sign is already there from the existing sign. We plan on using the one brick pillar that is closest to Biola for the sign and then the other brick pillar cringes crew shop crew will um destruct that um so they'll be removing that. There's um let's see G Alan Gley is the quote that was accepted and he has agreed um to contact DOT contact the village of Viola and take care of all um kind of the the busy
017work of establishing this digital sign. Um he did give us a new quote and made a donation himself. We have raised $22,260 through donations and would like to use the $10,000 donation from Organic Valley to bring us to complete um funding opportunity to get the digital sign. Um so the the building and grounds had decided that it was time to make this move. we had enough of the funding to cover the sign and it is indeed needed meeting needing an update. Um so we'd like to bring that to the board for final approval. >> Yes. I just want to clarify I don't think we we we didn't make a decision that this was approved. We the conversation was that that there's some new information. We have additional funding available now. The existing sign sounds like
018there's issues in disrepair that needs to be either fixed or replaced. Um, and then the funding, you know, from Organic Valley just seemed like we kind of had three different sources or three different things that changed since the last time this came to the board and felt like this was appropriate to bring back in front of the board now year or so later. >> So, did we ever get quote from any other company? I thought we shot once but I didn't never got one back >> last year but yeah he never did give us a >> yeah you're supposed to get it back to within a week or between they never had and then well we had one back year a year ago whenever you know the cross which was >> yeah I remember so
019>> and and this one is up I don't know about I can't remember it's $100 or so from what originally a couple hundred thousand but >> the organic valley donation it's fortunate it's kind >> I think00 it's on top >> he wrote it up there on top of his >> yeah except he said 24 and we only raised 22 but yeah >> but it also mentioned that organic ballet got the total donations >> $29 $10. So >> that's why as building we thought we going to take do that >> once what they'll like do this spring hopefully. >> Yeah. as soon as we pay down the deposit. >> Once the deposit gets >> once he gets the deposit. So it would be like I think what was it? Six weeks >> and they could long
020as he's checking with VOT and everybody make sure that was one of the specifications to make sure we're >> not too infringing too close to the road if we have to make back some or whatever. But I mean he said >> the only feedback he had for me as far as the OT was no flashing and no scrolling. >> Um but he would communicate again but that was the initial information I think provided >> makes sense. >> All right. >> Any other questions on sign? And so I'll make a motion that we go forward with purchase of sales of the new signing. I'll second it. I have a motion by Earl Sec organic specifically and all we have a motion as noted. Um all those in favor I opposed. First message we got there is
021thank you to >> All right. Next item is the ethos signage on the truck shift. Um so the ethos signage is um an offgrid solar lighting solution for the track shed to pro to improve the visibility and function uh functionality without the cost of running electrical service to the building. The local partner Ethos or Ethos has offered to assist with the project by providing the solar panel, the mounting equipment, the wiring and the installation labor. The system would connect to a portable power station that the district would purchase, allowing the solar energy to charge the unit and power lighting within the shed. The district's cost would be limited to purchasing the portable power bank, approximately $329, and installing the lighting, the interior lighting, while Ethos supplies the rest of the system. The proposed setup would
022be capable of powering several LED lights for evening moose. Um, Ethos or Ethos, however, how do you say that? >> Ethos has also requested permission to install install signage recognizing the project and would be like to collaborate on a press release highlighting the partnership once the installation is complete. So, I do have a a picture of what that signage would be. >> They're looking at putting a smaller sign by the door walking into it on the east side that a big thing on the west side. >> Yeah, that's what we >> Yes, that's we didn't want to have a big sign out there saying >> Yeah. So, I think they can drive it and help us see it. >> No, I think that's very reasonable. Yeah, I thought it was nice. >> Hey guys, so
023hurry up. >> Right. Um, I'll make that motion. Second. I got a motion by both second by Earl. All those in favor? I opposed. All right. On to new playground equipment. Um so we have been talking about um the need to replace our playground equipment at the top. Um and we have had a very generous donation to um fund this um particular um playground equipment in full. Um so the district would be looking at um purchasing a couple of benches and the wood chips underneath. and the wood chips are part of the Lee Griffin which would be already kind of funded. It's it's uh on a rotation. Um so the donor would like to fund the entire play system that would go on top of the hill in so a donor for the the playset
024up on top of the hill. I guess we're looking for um approval for the playset. Uh the the shop kits would actually be installing and setting it up. Um the playset itself would not get here until June. Um so Mr. Crrames is hoping to have run like a summer school class and bring in the kids which would also benefit us um for student count. Any other discussion? We just need to approve accept the donations that we have to approve benches. What do we have to do? The request was they would they would fund this playset in its entirety, but would like to have benches. Um, which I guess we can bring back later like the price of the benches or what kind of benches. Um, but the donation comes with that request that there would
025be two benches up there. Um, and I think that we can do that very reasonable, but at this point we don't have a price for benches. So, it' be just approving the playet and the donation, I guess. >> So, this just to be clear, is this an anonymous donation >> at this point? Yes. I'll make a motion that we accept the donation. Um obviously the benches I think that we should move that right now because um obviously if we had the choice we would pay for benches over the playground. So that right now we're move supply benches. Make a motion. I'll second motion by Bo, second by Janet. All those in favor >> I post. >> All right, move on to a 26 27 school. >> Um, so this also went to the building and
026grounds committee. Um, and the recommendation is that we move forward with the purchase of a 26 model bus in order to continue our planned replacement rotation. Maintaining this cycle keeps our fleet reliable and helps position the district to qualify for the high cost transportation aid, which helps offset transportation costs. It also allows us to replace buses while they still hold value. Um, recently Jeff sold bus 10 for I think he said 32,000 um and another bus by like 29 which helps offset the cost of these new buses. And when we um maintain our newer fleets, we are able to capture that resale value rather than keeping buses until they have very little market value. Um continuing this rotation um helps avoid large replacement spikes in the future and keeps our maintenance costs manageable ensures we
027can provide reliable transportation for our students. So for these reasons the committee and I guess we are feeling that the replacement schedule with the 2026 model bus is a responsible approach. >> I do have a question. Um, I don't know if Allison's still on, but she may be the one who would know the answer to this. Um, so what did we get for high-cost transportation aid last year and did it actually pay for a bus? Because that's the that's one of those kinds of where they appropriate a certain amount of money. And some years we've gotten really fortunate because other districts haven't had as much. We transport a lot of miles and a lot of kids a lot of miles compared to some other districts. So some years we get really fortunate, other years because
028more people qualify and apply get less. So do we know how we compared last year or have >> I actually this year >> I did guess although we don't know what that will be this year but um we have a kind of historically in 2021 we received in 2122 we received 100,383 in 2223 it was 106,848 in 232 24 it was 129,227 >> and in 2425 it was 152,673. So, >> yep. And I vaguely remember what we paid last year that would have covered bus basically which and it doesn't always it doesn't have to. I just want to make sure we hadn't got to that point where because of cost of buses going like this and aid being like unpredictable basically. >> No, that looks good. >> Yeah, I thought those were good numbers too.
029Thanks. I mean Jeff had walked us all through too like the overall cost of ownership has actually been fairly flat despite the cost going up because he's getting more out of them. Cost of ownership's actually stayed about the same earlier about the insurance was adant. Oh yeah. And that's that's a big problem. >> One of the buses at Crawford or whatever. >> I don't know how they got it through inspection. >> They did some work on it after they took it, but yeah, we sold one that they put the money into because they had to get it to pass inspection. They needed it, >> right? Right. And those other two we sold on Wisconsin surplus didn't really but they're maintained. >> Well, yeah, that's just it. He definitely has them up and so even though
030the price's going down's going down. We have two two votes in the packet, but I think he was fine with the 20 2026 135 367. >> Oh, okay. So, we're looking for a motion to approve the 2026 bus to purchase in July. I'll make that motion. I'll second. >> All right. Motion by Earl, second by Bo. Those in favor? I >> I >> opposed. All right, carries and moving into ourformational agenda. Got two discussion items here. Start with 26 27 insurance. >> So, just really a quick update uh as to where we are with insurance planning because I'm sure you're curious. Um, this would be for a July 1 renewal cycle. For the health plan, our preliminary projections indicate an increase of approximately 8.7 for next year. The primary driver of that increase is claim
031severity during the 2025 year. In a smaller district like ours, with the majority of our current enrollment being family plans, we only have five employee only um participants. Um even a handful of high cost planes can ship the overall results really quickly. One positive piece of this picture is that last year um Allison and I were able to secure a two-year stoploss reef locked. And that decision is actually protecting the district from what could have been much larger increase this cycle and is projected to avoid about 80,000 in additional stop-loss costs next year. It's also given us that time to evaluate the structure of our plan thoughtfully rather than reacting to one year of claims experience. As part of this review, we are working with the insurance center to model several possible approaches, including some
032plan design adjustments such as um 8020 co insurance structures, um benchmarking our plan against our surrounding districts, um premiums, reviewing our enrollment structure. Those are some of the things that we're looking at. I will also note that insurance costs are a topic across the region right now. We discussed this at our recent pack meeting and on my Vernon County superintendent meeting. Many districts are having very similar conversations. Some districts have had favorable claims. Well, actually only one that I know of. >> Most are preparing for these increases. A few are even exploring switching carriers. um and would love to move to a self-funded model. In addition to our health plan, we are preparing for the July renewal of renewal of our dental and vision plans. The current dental provider has proposed a 15% increase largely
033due to high utilization. Because of that, we have initiated a request for proposal process to s solicit competitive bids from multiple carriers to ensure we are receiving the best value for our staff and the district. As part of that process, we are also asking carriers to price a few potential options so we can understand what is available in the market before making any decisions. At this stage, we are still in the information gathering and modeling phase and no decisions have been made. Once we receive the modeling results and the dental proposals, we will bring the information back to the board for discussion before any recommendations are made. I think our next uh insurance center meeting is in April. um due to the length of time they really include to pull in some more data, specifically
034the February data, our goal is simply to remain proactive and ensure that we are continuing to provide strong benefits for the staff while maintaining long-term financial stability for the district. Um so our goal is simply to stay ahead of it and to make thoughtful decisions instead of reactive ones. So, do we have a timeline because like you said with the July 1 renewal and then uh Janice I believe was often invited toward the end of the school year so that staff you know may get a chance to communicate to staff. So when do these plan designs I think we need to work backwards because I think it's it's this is March >> right >> we need the board needs to be involved >> quick time bring it we're going to I think that we have
035we have the board has to be involved >> so do we have a timeline when they need these plan changes so that they can be implemented for July 1. Well, the insurance center is kind of leading this and they're so has to tell us when they need this so that it can be implemented by July 1. We have >> well April we're meeting with the insurance centerpil because that's when they deemed it was important because they needed to bring all of the data forward so that decisions can be made. Um so Allison and I will meet with the insurance center in April. >> You have a date? I mean we can't wait till the end of April. We have a board me in April that we we're communicating with the insurance center and they're saying
036in April that's this that's what we're getting from them. >> So, >> but as soon as you get a date, we need to know the board needs to it's it's time for the board to be involved in this. there are some of those changes that could be very drastic and I don't think it's fair to wait and say in May we're going to come to you and then in May by the end of May we're going to tell staff. So I mean and we can have a special meeting or something but we need I think it's time that the board get involved in this planning. I understand that, but we can only bring as much information as the insurance. >> But you can bring it as soon as you get it. >> But I have
037that's all I have. Um well, I think we we got to be a little careful here because I've been looking at these last three years and to say an 8.7% increase. I don't recall what they told us for a percent increase, you know, from last, you know, last year to this year even. But you know in the fiscal 2425 year so the year that ended last July they gave us we ended up with a total cost of 1.055 million and at halfway through and this would be just what they paid by the we what we paid by the end of December we were at 604,000 and that's not going to be halfway through the year because of the runout stuff. So, if you double that, and I didn't look back, I guess I should have
038to see if half and half even is appropriate there, but I don't think that's even halfway. And that' be 1.2 million. And I mean, so we're up over $100,000 close to 50, you know, and I think you can save percentage on these things, but even just the the stop loss premiums went up a lot more than that last year. And part of that is because we have more people. But that's the thing is the dollars are there. And where where are we going to get these dollars from? So I I discourage you to keep the board informed and let's we need to we need to have board discussion on this except we also we know we also have a problem in that area too and it might as well be right out there. We have
039to consider a premium. That's one of the few things that you listed other than the 8020 and I'm not sure exactly how that would work either, but um that would actually give us a predictable amount of revenue flow to offset some of this cost. Some of the other things may or may not work and will be really hard to quantify. You know, I'm not sure what kind of plan changes we were looking at. I mean, it is possible that some of those might produce a very quantifiable amount of revenue, too. Mhm. >> Um but in looking at that, we have right now a six member board with no real hope. I guess it's some hope maybe that we can get to seven members soon, but right now we have a six member board. And unfortunately,
040fortunately for them, unfortunately right now for us, three of those members are on our insurance plan and cannot participate in this disc in this decision. that makes it pretty hard. But I think we we need to and that's one of the other reasons we need to get board educated on this. I will talk to I don't know I will have to look. I mean I can as a board member request a special meeting that where we can discuss this and you know it'd be nice to work something out where we could do that as soon as you find things out in April because if we need we need to make some changes. I mean, we're >> budget last month and you know, >> I mean, I think the insurance center absolutely knows that and we
041know that as the admin team um and we're just trying to strategize the best um ways to do that and needing that data from the insurance center is what they need um before we can put together any legitimate plan. I guess >> I think we can I think we can talk about some things without having complete data. I think sometimes you just have to get some opinions out there. Uh especially that setting implementing premiums which virtually every other school does is something that's going to be hard to do. It's a hard it's a hard enough board decision when you have a whole board be able to make that decision. And now we have basically half a board that has to make that decision. And I think it it us to to get some discussion going
042as to if there's not a stomach for that, where are the funds going to come from? Not for just next year, but the following year, following year, where are we going? We have put this off a long time and I I don't have a big good stomach for it either. But I think sometimes we just have to realize that, you know, we need an extra $400,000 each year, but last year was fun like that. And it looks like from the budget looking at this year is same way. Where where are we going to be in two years when there's not an extra 400,000? I think we need some a plan to make this insurance whatever you know sustainable into the future. >> I agree discussion. I just question does it make any sense to have
043the discussion if we have the information? >> I mean I there is absolutely no stomach on this board to implement premium. It pays to have that discussion. >> And again, there's only >> the option before we can discuss it. >> You can't discuss it. Let's be blunt. You can't discuss it. Bo can't discuss it. Scott can't discuss it. So, it would be nice if we don't have to make the decision till after April where we should get the board members not to put Ashley on this, but that will at least be able to participate. I also don't know and maybe Kim does whether the discussion of the plan design is something that can be done in close session. It may have to be done in open session. I I don't know. You know, there's not
044the individual like we're not going to be talking about an individual employee or anything. We used to be able to say competitive and bargaining, but we don't bargain the insurance thing anymore. I don't believe I think that's one of those things you don't bargain maybe even sad >> we my recollection from the nine years on the school board is when we talked about insurance and different plans it was all >> that that's kind of what I thought >> that was never that was never anything we ever talked about and closed I will say this and this having been the union president for however long before I was no longer the staff and you can talk about this Aaron you guys have probably had it everybody. The discussion has been had and it's been brought up
045that we have been really lucky not to have to pay premium. So that it's not like that is going to blindside people to say that if that is a decision that the board comes to or fiscally whatever and Allison and Kim and you guys come to it's not like it's going to be oh my god where did this come from? because I had that conversation and I said it this spring when Janice came and I said we haven't paid premium for ever because of and I was trying to point out the fact to take advantage of the things that Janice brought to go to the family clinic that that could change and I said that and that's not my place but I have enough experience with insurance and other things that I just shared that
046I said that may not last forever and the longer you do these things the longer this will go without you having to do But I I don't know how anybody can look at anything on the news and not realize that something's probably going to change. So my point is is I don't >> if anybody is blindsided I don't >> they shouldn't be >> I don't know how they could >> I would say too that Janice has presented at the beginning of the year for a number of years and has also commented that that would at some point come to an end and we we pushed it as far as we could and I think that's kind of the understanding of the staff like it's unexpected and when you look at round which is part of
047that benchmarking um that the insurance center will bring to the table too. And then um like our pack meetings and we've started a document shared document to understand where everybody else and what how what they're providing as an insurance benefit to staff. So just bringing all of that data to the table and defining what ours is going to look like to meet our financial goals, but to also continue a benefit to the staff. Well, obviously we're going to provide insurance, but we also have to be aware of what where that makes us end up financially. We don't do anybody any favors by not being able to stay solvent. Well, can I just recommend I mean the the April board meeting is early in April. I think it's the 8th whatever it is. >> Yeah, it
048is very >> that that that Kim find out when she's meeting or when her and her team are meeting with the insurance center and then after that they need a week, two weeks, whatever to put together a coherent recommendation and then we have a special meeting like you recommended Janet. Yeah, I I think that would be a good idea and plan it for later in April. Um, actually, we used to have a second meeting in April quite often and uh bring the new board members in if we check what the date would be when new board members are seated board members in April at the end of April like we used to do. >> Yeah. and have a board meeting and have a special board meeting and and that way you have because it's going
049to take some time to discuss and you know tonight's agenda went very well even though it looked very long. It went really quickly but you can't always count on that and you have just agenda. >> I think that's a good idea Rich and we can plan that later in April. Yeah, because I mean and hopefully the insurance center obviously they need their data also to be able to talk intelligently to our administration that hopefully that's relatively early in April and then it gives our team time to put something together and you know third or fourth week in April we we have a discussion. >> However, you know, I'm not really looking for administration to bring a recommendation and say this is what it should be. I think there should be at least one scenario in
050there that is here's a realistic premium. This is what it would be for whatever those different plans are and >> I'm sorry alternative what we're going to get. So I'm sorry what Rich? >> No, I'm sorry. I should have said courses of action vice recommendation. >> Yeah. Well, I think that's a good way to move forward. So, all right, move on to question item two class. >> Yes. So, this is new um update on regarding the Well, I guess it is. It's gone through. Mr. Martin has been trained. We have 20 students who are interested in taking a hunter safety class this summer for summer school. Um we will have two oneweek sessions and there are 10 students per session. Um contacted neighboring districts to better understand how their programs are structured. Um, and the
051DNR has um has the curriculum um and they offer um what's the official language of those the >> safety certificate or the like? >> No, the the rifle, you know. >> Oh, what the like the training training >> training? Yeah. >> Yeah, training. So they bring those um they bring a trailer um >> trailer and they have they have guns but without they can't fire just so the kids can identify the parts and auto. >> So no firearms would be allowed on district but they do provide their training name >> whatever they are. Um so just information for you that that is a new class that will be offered. I think it's a great opportunity for our students to be able to have this hunter safety um opportunity and um grateful that James has been
052willing to get trained and and bring it to Kapoo. >> I think it was James >> Martin step there's we have a couple new people for summer school classes this year I think is that next month or May. So does this the sportsman club has offered under saving the year or whatever it was called for many many years. So does this replace what they do? >> No. Um it would be in addition to it the the difficult part when James originally had brought this up as an idea it was like you know I guess you really hadn't thought of it and he brought it up. It gets really difficult for a lot of our kids to get into those courses. They offer them a couple times a year. Um, Ashley, maybe you could even speak
053on this with your own kid. Um, Reagan, I'll speak on mine, has been very active in everything hunting and she was really not ever able to take the hunter safety course until last year because there's so many things going on and they offer it at a time and if you miss one, you're out. And so for so many of our kids that are in the same exact boat, you know, they they they can't get to go and they don't get to go. So when James brought this up of, okay, it's in school. It's a week of summer school, you can go. It's like that's a great fit. I really feel it will get a lot more kids. It's not going to take away from them with kids, but I think it'll get a lot more
054kids involved that, okay, this time works for me. I can actually do it and get involved. Um, and just to see the amount of interest with it when he first talked is great. I mean, there's 20 kids and some of them probably would do something else, but let's be real, they're not taking another class. This is 20 kids that are taking specifically >> this class. >> There's fishing at the same time. >> They'll switch. They'll alternate, but >> they may and we'll have to the summer school coordinator have to figure all that out. >> So, but yeah, to your point, Janet, yeah, it it's not going to take any away anything. It's just gives another option to some kids that, you know, can hopefully get it taken and get it. and it's a summer school,
055you know, reimbursement for us and give an opportunity to allow us to do it here. So hopefully that answer the question right. >> Okay. So like I mentioned before, I had attended the 603 pack meeting. Um at that pack meeting there were representatives from focus energy presenting information on available incentives and energy efficiency programs. Um so took away a couple ideas that we could potentially look into um should we need or be in that position. Um also had the opportunity to meet the new incoming president of Southwest Technical College. He was phenomenal. was really great. Um there was kind of some bantering going back and forth between the Bears and the Packers though. He's a Bears fan. Um the superintendent Cracker Barrel session provided CES some valuable time for collaboration. Um we specifically um spoke
056on and health insurance. Um, so all of the different districts were able to share kind of where they were at, what they were looking to do, um, some of the struggles that they too were facing. So that will be an ongoing conversation. Um, a team from Kikapoo attended the CISA 3II session with Tony Frontier. Um so we have administrative team the IT leadership and then two staff members who are exploring that administrative leadership pathway. Um attended um that session was establishing some guiding principles and action steps to ensure that the AI tools are implemented thoughtfully in ways that support the teaching and learning. Keeping that focus, the goal of this work then is to build district capacity to ensure that our AI tools are used effectively to support intentional teaching and learning rather than simply
057adopting technology without clear purpose. Um, let's see. Our first step actually in the AI was we did send out a meeting to staff um to ensure that there is safety amongst our students for the staff and the district as far as privacy and protections and legal considerations. The team will continue to meet um and develop this plan. I will keep the board updated on how we maneuver these steps to um implement AI. Um intentionally trying to provide some PD for staff to make sure that AI um is impactful for all. Allison and I met with Jordan and Elise from Fair to review the district's financial outlook and to receive their expert perspective on potential strategies that could provide relief for taxpayers while maintaining our stability. Um continuing to review enrollment trends, staffing projections, and insurance
058planning. Um, I participated in a Wisconsin Department of Transportation meeting about the proposed improvement project for Wisconsin 131, which is from Reedstown to Viola. Um, and includes a section of the roadway right near Kikapoo High School. The project is currently planned to include resurfacing the roadway, replacing bridge structures over the Kikapoo River, upgrading some guard rails and curb ramps, and realigning the curve south of the high school to improve safety. The project is currently scheduled for construction around 29, 2029, 2030 depending on the funding. Um, so I'll keep you up to date as I understand more from that as well. Then I had a letter from Jack Orthodontics out of an Alaska and they had um they our stu some of our students their clients write messages for teachers. Um, and out of those teachers,
059they sent me the what the students had written about why they appreciated them, and they will go into a drawing to receive a gift and a $100 gift card to use for their class. Um, so grateful for KJAC Orthodontics. And I think that's all I had today. Is there any questions? It is really long. Uh we had opera for the young. Katherine sets that up. Get participated. Uh saw some of you guys there. It was pretty cool. I think we do. She does it every two years. I know when she does it because she comes in I have to sign for her. Um Jan Malfie did the Olympic Treat Across America thing. Um kids read a lot of minutes. Um Jan also made a mistake because she left the whole preschool together. So the preschool
060won, but there's twice as many kids in there because we don't split them. But somebody should have filed a formal protest, but nobody did. Um, booked your breakfast, well attended. Um, I gave a tour on Friday for two new second graders that will be joining us next year as third graders. So, that's plus. Um, next Monday, I signed us up for a free systems perspective thing to look at how we do math kind of like we did with behaviors. That's almost three years ago now. Um, with Matt Renwick from CISA. So, um, we're going to use the same systems lens that we use for reading and math to make sure that everything is that how we're looking at our instruction and our interventions and our tier one and tier two and three all make sense
061because our next step is the stuff we're working on in math. The ACT 20 spring window for assessment starts on the 30th. Forward exam comes right after Easter. Um, summer school, we have a bunch of people signed up for middle school and high school again, classes, and I'll share those with you. Um, we actually had, I think, more middle school kids in the building last year than we had almost had elementary kids. And thank you, Act 20 and their as part of summer school. Act 20 has >> um this isn't well defined, but you're supposed to have intensive summer school reading intervention for kids who are in a personal reading plan. Of course, it's an unfunded funded mandate. I wasn't exactly sure how we were going to do that, but Anna actually came to me
062a couple weeks and over a month ago now and said, you know, if I could meet with two or three days a week with these kids who are on personal reading plan, she goes, I don't know if we would get farther ahead, but we wouldn't slide back because there were kids last year that left in May that were on lessons 72 of you fly or 60, 30, and 50, and when they came back and started in the fall, they were back at 15 or 20. And Anna goes, "I don't know if I get in my head, but I don't want to go back again." And um Anna asked Cassidy, the our new first grade teacher, and she would be interested. So, the logistics of this are not easy to figure out, but I think we
063have a pretty good plan of how we might be able to do that just in the mornings, two or three days a week. Um, and have kids get picked up and brought in and then they would go home. and she wants West Anna helped at the pool in Westby one summer and they do Westby's got a really popular swim and read program where the kids come in and swim and then read. So they don't really think they're coming in to read but they're coming in read but they get to go in the pool and Anna's love of the pool. We're going to um make that work and Jeff thinks we can make it work and Allison says we should be able to make it work and the only person who's not 100% sure we can
064make it work yet is me but we'll make it work. So, we're going to see how that works. And there'll be more details after the act 20 spring to see exactly which kids are in the most need and we'll go from there. And it would it would be awesome. I think it would make a really really impactful it would be really really impactful for some kids that really really need it because there are some kids that go home on June 6th and they don't read anything until they come back on September 1st and that would really help everything we're trying to do. So any questions I would be happy to answer them. >> Give us an idea how what percent of our kids have an what you call an individual reading >> personal reading plan.
065A lot less than last year. Um >> I can count them up for you to >> No, I I just kind of vague. >> There are we have >> there are six kindergarteners. There are four first graders. Second grade has eight. Third grade has seven or eight. There's more than that, but it's under third. Yeah, >> I can ask that. I kind of was curious. >> And then will they all come? No, that the form that I filled out. Thank you, AI. Um, it asks and just name and then the first question is, would you be interested in your child coming for instruction? Yes or no? And then the next question is, do they need to get picked up? And then we can My hope is we can kind of find out that all be
066in one place, but I know that's not going to work, but I think we can make it work. So Jeff said he goes we'll have people and if we have we'll figure it out. So and then we'll go from there and then we'll be able to count all of that as summer school. So that should help our ETFs. So but yeah, the number the number is going down there. I think I emailed the staff earlier this year in a celebration that It was like 23 or 24 kids that had personal reading plans last year don't have them this year. >> So, we're going in the right direction and our K there's not as many kindergarters. There's only four first graders. So, the investment that you made in you fly and getting teachers trained has paid
067off. Okay. >> All right. Uh C Purge competition was last Friday and out of I think 13 teams we ended up one, two, and three. So there will be more information forthcoming, but that means um we get a spot to go to the national trip again. So um Beth Gander and Mackenzie Schwarz were the sea sisters and they were the winning team with only two people. So um but again we are one, two, and three, which I think really says a lot about the program and things that happened. So which is great. Uh like I said, more information to come with that. I think financially they've had a lot of really nice donations the last couple years. So they should be real good with that. Uh, spring sports has started. Track actually started on Monday.
068Baseball, softball to come, which seems pretty crazy, especially for some of those kids that ended play on Saturday night and started on Monday. So, um, but things are rolling. Uh, we had Brady Euing as a speaker today for the middle school high school. I think things went really well. Uh, it was a neat opportunity for kids. It was pretty cool to see some of the middle school boys and stuff go up and won his autograph and sign autographs and stuff. So just being somebody local and having the experience that he did I think was really good. His message was um basically about purpose um process and progress. So I think that was was good and was well received by the kids. Uh just a heads up um start college now applications are due. Um this
069year with 50 kids in the senior class and a an extremely large percentage of those kids of high achieving four-year type college kids um we will have more courses and kids looking to take courses than a typical year. So just want to give you a heads up on that. Um the hope is that a number of them will take courses that will be youth apprenticeship type courses. So it will be paid for. Um but just kind of want to give you a heads up. we we don't we haven't had a class of 50 and we really haven't had a class of 50 that this many kids will be taking college courses. So, just want you to be aware of that. Uh and the last one, um ACT coming up. Um we've been doing ACT preps
070which I think have been going well. Um the actual test is on March 24th, so that will come. And the last one, um just to not forget, I think uh just wanted to give a shout out to uh Mrs. Sam Gary with 30 some years and just the dedication in the district and all the things that have happened um has done a phenomenal job and I think uh for as many things that people know that Sam has done in the district there's about three times more that people don't know that she has done um changing the sign is one example. So um just lots of things. So just a big shout out to her and thank you that she will will be missed. So that's what I have if anybody has any questions. Right. Any
071questions? Right. We move on to consult session statute 19.85 Take five one section C considering employment promotion compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or responsibility and F considering financial medical social or personal histories or disciplinary data specific uh person's plinary considerations or specific personnel problems or the investigation of charges against specific persons except where paragraph B applies which discussed in public would likely have a substantial adverse effect upon the reputation of any persons referred to in such histories or data or involved in such problems or investigations. Purpose of tonight is another school of track assistant coach staff 26 27 um year and student ladies motion by second by 10. All in favor? >> I >> disosed. I'll make a motion to approve uh M school
072as middle school assistant coach. A second. A motion by second by Janet. All in favor I carries just a motion. I motion second. All in favor? I