001[Music] Hey. [Music] Hey. Hey. [Music] just set up as as we're going through that. >> Just catch your breath. >> Catch your breath. Everybody ready? >> Well, it's okay. We'll get started six o'clock. So, okay. We'd like to open the meetings for this evening for the school board for the uh school district of Lacrosse. Um just for the board members, we're going to we started with the budget hearing. There will be a roll call and other for that. When we go into the regular hearing or regular meeting, there'll also be another roll call. As we do have people attending remotely, all of our votes will be roll call. You'll have to remind me because I'll forget once we get going. So, I'm just kind of let you know the process. Um, so we'll start out.
002We recognize that the school district lacrosse occupies the land of the Ho Chunk people. Please take a moment to celebrate and honor this ancestral Ho Chunk land and the sacred lands of all indigenous peoples. Will the secretary please call please call the role >> Mr. Mcneski >> here. >> Miss books >> here. >> Dr. Garcia >> here. >> Mr. Jackson >> excused. >> Here he actually. >> Yay. >> Thank you. >> Mr. M >> here. >> Mr. Newmeister >> here. >> Dr. Sprag >> here. >> Miss Zla >> here. Quorum of the board of education is present. So the public public budget hearing of October 20th, 2025 is hereby called to order. We will now stand and have pledge of allegiance. Please for it stands one nation indivisibley and justice for all. We'll now move
003into the um budget uh presentation and um Miss Spring will present us the 202526 operating budget. >> Okay. Um >> and then for the P is there anybody here from the public? If if so, after her presentation, we will take public comments. >> All right. D local taxes. So the revenue limit minus state aid equals the local taxes. revenue limit makes up approximately 7 75.6% of the operating revenue budget. The 2526 budget was developed with an estimated slight revenue limit increase of approximately $960,000 from last year's uh budget. At this time, the increase can be attributed to the combination of the 2527 state budget maintaining the $325 per member funding for public schools and an increase in voucher amounts per private schools. These increases fall within the revenue limit authority of the district. The 2527
004state budget did not increase funding for the general equalization aid, which usually helps to even out school funding between the state and the local property owner. No increase in the state allocation for equalization aid in either year of the 2527 bianial budget will result in a local tax impact. Using the DPI July 1 aid estimate in this early calculation, state aid for Lacrosse is estimated to decrease by approximately 810,000 from last year. This means that any increase in revenue limit authority for a district that is not offset by state aid will result in an increase to local taxpayers. revenue limit minus state aid equals local taxes. The proposed property tax levy shows an estimated increase of 9.7% or approximately 4.6 million increase from last year. A large portion of the levy increase is due to
005the increase in the debt levy for the voterapproved elementary upgrade referendum debt. The total proposed levy is estimated to increase the gross levy rate from last year's amount of $7.25 per 1,000 of assessed value by 26 to $751 per 1,000 of assessed value, which equates to an increase of $26 for each $100,000 of property value. The school levy credits were not increased in the state 2526 budget but will remain at the level of the past two years. These credits flow through the municipalities and are seen on a property owner's tax bill. These credits will further decrease the impact of the school levy and result in the net school district levy rate. But these dollars are not known until December. The proposed budget and notice of the budget hearing was published in the Lacrosse Tribune on
006October 4th, 2025 as required by statute. When all numbers related to revenue limit, enrollment, property values, vouchers, and other exemptions are known and calculated, the budget plan document will be updated in time for the levy to be set on October 27th, 2025. Any questions? Patty, I may be jumping the gun here because I'm looking ahead to one of the documents that's in our regular agenda. Uh the updated budget pages. You mentioned the u the gross levy rate estimate at $7.51. This document shows a change to $761. Can you tell me where we're at? Right now for the budget hearing we're at $7.51. I understand based on a budget that we approved based on the numbers we had based on the numbers that we now know and we'll talk about in a week from tonight. It
007will be the 761. Is that correct? when you set the levy, it will be at 761 >> just for transparency purposes. I I understand that there's a difference. >> We'll go over that in a little bit in the in the main uh meeting the updates so that you're prepared for next week. >> Just want to be clear for the public this being >> jumping like I think that's a good point to bring up. >> Any other questions from board? Do you have any is that your presentation? >> That's it for tonight. >> So, is there anyone here from the public that would like to address the board on the budget? Uh does not appear that there is. So, here uh seeing that there is no one else um we would then look for a motion
008to close the public budget hearing. Make a motion to close the budget. >> Motion and a second to close the public budget hearing meeting. Um we'll then have a roll call vote. >> Mr. Alberts. >> I >> Mr. Beeski. >> Hi. >> Miss books. >> Hi. >> Dr. Garcia. >> Hi. >> Mr. Jackson. >> Hi. >> Mr. Mup. >> I. >> Mr. Newister. >> I Dr. Spray. I >> Miss >> I. >> So the motion has passed. We without objection now we will adjourn to the regular board of education meeting for this evening. Give everyone a moment to pull that up on their devices here. >> I don't think there's a line outside of Hogan. Just wondering where we are. >> I do appreciate the um reserving spots for the public. Sorry. If we didn't
009then go, right? Okay. So, we'll now move into the regular board of education meeting for Monday, October 20th, 2025. Uh, will the secretary please note that the roll call is taken at Will the Secretary please note roll call is taken at the public hearing? I have to read my script properly. And so a quorum of board education education is still present. The regular scheduled meeting of October 20th 25 is called to order. Then move on to the approval of the agenda. Tonight's agenda has been previously distributed to the board. I would entertain at this time a motion with a second to approve the agenda as submitted unless there is a motion to amend. >> I'll make a motion to approve the agenda as presented. >> Second. Motion in a second. Any discussion? Roll call vote,
010please. >> Mr. Alberts. >> I. >> Mr. Bneski. >> Hi. >> Miss Foots. >> Hi. >> Dr. Garcia. >> Hi. >> Mr. Jackson. >> Hi. >> Mr. Ma. >> I. >> Mr. Newmeister. >> I. >> Dr. Sprag. >> I. >> Miss SLA. >> I. >> Motion passes. Um, public speakers. There are none registers. Are correct? >> Okay. We will then move on to the recognitions and the Bert Grover Award nominees. I will turn it over um to Dr. Engel. >> Uh thank you. Uh so annually uh through uh one of our professional organizations, we have an opportunity to recognize uh businesses and individuals for their uh dedication to students. And so um this year um I worked with uh Mr. Oscar Oribe to um uh put together a recognition uh and So, I'm going to
011have him introduce uh the award. >> Yeah. Um, hi, my name is Oscar Rivbe, principal at Summit Environmental School. Thank you for your service. I'm here to to talk about Smith's bikes and with me is Eric Pushner, owner of Bike Smiths, and Randy, his wife, is in Phoenix in a business trip. So um um I nominated Smith bikes uh for this award because they exemplify what an exceptional business partnership with the school district is. Uh for the last two three years they have helped us um spans North Side and Summit to acquire at each one of the schools 30 ride bikes. Uh they donated the helmets, they donated their time putting the bikes together. Um, and this program comes with a curriculum that helps our PE teachers to um, help our students learn how to
012bike. Um, not only they do that, they volunteer at our school uh, at summit. They we have a summit strut yearly and they bring the finish line, donate oranges and and bananas for our students. And in addition to that, they have formed the 906 adventure team uh club that serves most of our students in the school district of Lacrosse. This is a club that uh gets together on the on on the summers and they bike in the beautiful driftless area with the trails that they also have uh help be part of it. Uh Randy is uh the president of the Aura Trails. So they are highly invested in our community. They highly invested in our students and our success and we are very thankful for their their work and when I saw the opportunity to
013nominate them for this award I I I I took the chance and I I was hoping that they receive it fortunately they are just runner up I guess uh but not in my heart so at my heart they are number one so thank you for for you for that and I don't know uh you have that >> if you would like to say anything here. >> He's I'm in a few words. >> The one who speaks most is is up working. >> We have a certificate of recognition from WA for the nomination and thank you for everything that you've done for our kids. Look forward to a long partnership. >> Thank you very much. >> On behalf of the board, thank you. >> Thank you so much. I don't want to be rude, but I
014gotta go home. Good night. >> Drive safe. >> Thank you. It's a great recognition. Much deserved. We'll then move on to the consent agendas. First is the superintendent consent agenda, which is a mechanism used by the board to deal with routine business that must come before the body. Are there any items that members would like to remove from the superintendent consent agenda? I could just make one note. I've been trying to do better about highlighting positive things uh as a part of some good culture work. And one of the things I noted in the school contributions, the grants and contributions was there were $37,000 donated by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration to our community schools. Uh just thankful for such an amazing group and their commitment to public education in our community. >> Thank
015you. We then look for a motion to approve um the items on the superintendent's consent agenda as presented. >> Like to make a motion to approve the items on the superintendent's consent agenda as presented. >> Seconded. >> Motion and a second. Any further discussion? >> Roll call. >> Mr. Alberts. >> I. >> Mr. Beeski. >> I. >> Miss Folks. >> Hi. >> Dr. Garcia. >> Hi. >> Mr. Jackson. >> I >> Mr. Ma. >> I. >> Mr. Newmeister. >> I >> Dr. Sprag. I >> Miss Zukla. >> I motion passes. We'll then move on to the approval of the board consent agenda. The board consent agenda is a mechanism used by the board to deal with routine business that must come before the body. Are there any items members would like to remove from the
016board consent agenda? Hearing none, we look for a motion and a second to approve the items on the board consent agenda as presented. >> Like to make a motion to approve the items on the board consent agenda as presented. >> Seconded. Motion and a second. Any discussion? >> Another roll call, please. >> Mr. Alberts. >> Hi. >> Mr. Benki. >> Hi. >> Miss Fs. >> Hi. >> Dr. Garcia. >> Hi. >> Mr. Jackson. >> Hi. >> Mr. M. >> I. >> Mr. Newmeister. >> I. >> Dr. Sprag. >> I. >> Miss Sukla. >> I. Motion carries. We'll then move on to the information section of the agenda starting with the referendum construction plan update. and I will turn it over to you, Dr. >> Yeah. So, the first thing I wanted to share, and it's
017related to all of this, we had a Hogan farewell tour uh last week, Wednesday. Um, a number of administrative staff were there to kind of help show people around and guide them. And I think we had probably between 80 and 100 people show up. It was well attended. Uh, people were very excited to walk through the building. We had uh former employees who were seeing old spaces and how they've changed over time. We had neighbors uh who wanted to kind of take a peek at the building, you know, before it moved on to its new phase. And we had former attendees at the elementary uh who were really excited to to kind of look at old classrooms and reminisce about their time there. Uh there were three people from the who were sixth graders in
0181980, the last graduating class of the building. Uh and they were reminiscing about their teachers and what happened where and uh all the sorts of fun things that you might do at your old elementary school. Uh so it was a really great time. Um at your tables there's a print out of this um little pamphlet that was made for Hogan uh the Hogan School, a little history. Uh so if you get a chance to peek at that, it's it's pretty neat. Uh some cool history uh pictures. Uh so that's kind of neat. And then um Matt Wenty, our HR director, is interested in history and he found these photos from Hogan. Uh this one is when it burned down in uh 1919. Uh and it was rebuilt above the foundation. Um, and so the foundation's
019original to 1899, but the upper portion is new. Send that around. And then this other is a classroom from the time period um in the early 1900s. It's kind of another neat um view of public education at Hogan Elementary. Uh what struck me most about the conversation in the hallways, especially by the alumni of Hogan, was um every one of them could name every one of their elementary teachers. And it's been 45 years at least since they've been there. And so to me, that's a real testament to the power of public education, the impact that an elementary teacher has on a person's life. And and as I was listening to them talk, it's like, wait, I can name all of my elementary school teachers, too. And if I start to think just a little bit,
020like I can put myself back in my seat. I know who my neighbors were in some of those classrooms. I distinctly remember like whole weeks of Mrs. Copus' fourth grade class, you know, and so I just thought it was really heartwarming to see positive reminisces about uh their time there. And we also heard a lot of excitement about what was to come next. And so we had our poster board up there and people were checking it out and asking questions and uh there was certainly some nostalgia. There was also a lot of excitement. So I just wanted to to share that. Um and then I'll invite Joe up and put him on the spot just a little bit. Uh just kind of a general timeline for uh demo and bids for our upcoming Hogan site
021project. >> Yeah. So evening and it was a wonderful evening and it was fun to to reminisce with with the people who came through at Hogan the other night. Yeah. So, right now we have the bid out for the demo of the Hogan building and that will be coming back on the 28th next week and then I'll be bringing that to you the following board meeting and so that will be for the demo of of Hogan and then the board then we will be putting out for bid uh for the new school on 104 or 114 so beginning of November coming back on the n the 9th of December and bringing it forward to you on December 15th. And so that's kind of the timeline for both of those things. So we'll know what the
022demo cost us before we open up the bids for the other part of the building. >> What's the timeline for the groundbreaking? >> The groundbreaking? That's a good question. So right now we're working on getting rid of the asbestous or preparing to get rid of the asbestous as we move as we move uh the Hogan staff out next week. And so once we get that done along with once we get a contractor, we'll we'll know a pretty good idea. But late November, early December is looks like when we'll be doing groundbreaking for the demo of the building. >> For the demo of the building, for the groundbreaking for the new building, probably first weeks of January, >> January, >> the 15th, the uh the school board would approve the award for the bid and then
023we'll need a little bit of time to site prep and some other things. And so a formal groundbreaking probably the first weeks of January. So we'll coordinate with all of you to see if we can identify the best possible time And so we did do the groundbreaking at State Road as you well know and they're moving dirt out there as we speak. Um we will have a camera out there so the community can watch the the process going. I got it on my c I got it on my computer today and so we'll be working with it and Nick to make sure that everybody has access to that. So you could get on the web page and see what's happening at State Road at any time. Any questions about referendum construction plan? >> Scott or
024Jeff, do you have any questions? >> Nope, I'm good. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> You'll then move on to the 25 2025 26 proposed budget update. I'll invite Miss Patty Spring back up. We've got some updated budget books and some uh additional context now that we have gotten through third Friday count equalized aid >> something in the past. Uh the updated pages were always given to you on the night that you would approve the budget and the levy. So that's um that's not to confuse the the changes from the proposed budget for the budget hearing um to what we know now because it's uh passed October 15th. As you remember the last meeting we were able to update you on all the enrollment information that will be in the final budget plan
025document and this is the update of the pages that have to do with the financial side. So if you um want to look at page about the revenue limit. So we're expecting that the revenue limit the pi um is going to increase. However um we are not increasing the equalization aid as I mentioned earlier. So that means that the increase of the pi the difference will fall on our taxpayers. So that is true to what we predicted. um the revenue limit uh the voucher I said uh the funding has increased and then the $325 per public uh school student uh in last year's uh revenue limit calculation is now part of the base of the revenue limit. So that increase will continue to increase the revenue limit and that's why you want a per pupil
026increase. However, the state budget did not increase the equalization aid as they have in the past to support those increases um in the revenue limit. So, 71% of the school districts in the state of Wisconsin will see a decline in their equalization state aid. And uh that means that u many districts 301 districts the taxpayers will see an increase um to their their taxes. So general aid allocation uh is at 5.58 for the state and uh 5.58 million for the state but it didn't increase in the state budget. So um that amount stayed flat and that is why the aid has gone down. Questions on that page. Okay. So the next section is the operating budget, the summary that we had in the preliminary budget book. and I I bolded every um dollar amount or
027percentage that changed from that original proposal. >> Thank you for that. >> Okay. And um so the revenue increased overall by 727,458 from the proposed budget. So that's good, right? Revenues increased. So this narrative explains those uh pretty much the same and why did that increase. So overall from our proposed budget we had an increase in open enrollment uh in from other districts. That's revenue in uh we had a per pupil categorical aid uh that increased uh not the amount but the membership the three-year average increased from our uh estimate. So that is increasing just slightly by $14,000. Um the tax levy for the general fund is increasing by 642,000 but our aid is going down by um see uh 2427,000. So, the state tuition uh report actually we are a county that holds uh
028the the students that are educated at the jail. So, we have a a state tuition report and we anticipate an increase in that revenue from the prior year. And then um just uh the general uh tuition, we expect a little bit of an increase. So, Then going on to page uh 56 the revenue breakdown. So if you compared the revenues in this to the uh proposed budget with the same page you would see the change in the local taxes. the other state uh categorical per pupil aid state equalization aid decreased the open enrollment increased and the state and local uh tuition increased. So that uh shows 727,458 additional revenue from our original estimate. But if you go to the uh expenditures on page 57, same thing. I bolded any changes from the preliminary budget. And
029if we go to page um 60, the breakdown of categories. So what changed on this page? the preschool education 4K the we anticipated more students attending the offsite uh locations than uh actually happened. So we will be uh having less money that we send to those centers based on their student enrollment. So that expense decreased. Um and then there were some adjustments uh to the special education co-curricular activities and other special education homebound. The total dollar of those three areas did not change. There were just some adjustments between the functions or the programs based on how we have to report to DPI. So, we've already prepared the budget to submit to DPI and that it's live. It's not due yet. We won't submit it until after the board approves the budget, but uh DPI can
030see what's in our general ledger and they might have pointed out some areas where we needed to make adjustments um just between some accounts. the contracted uh education open enrollment and the vouchers of course increased and then we had an adjustment between the instructional technology support and the instructional supervision as we found that one of our employees was being charged to the wrong area of the of the budget. So that's was um an increase to one area decrease to another which is the same. So, as it all ends up, we have 1,00 um I mean 1 million3,330 more in expenditures than we have in um revenue. So, what does that mean? That means that we are going to have a deficit beyond those uh approved use of fund balance by $245,000.2 $275,000 that we will
031um be having to take out of fund balance because there's nowhere to adjust those budgets for that increase that we are going to experience in expenditures. Uh if you go to page 61, this is also showing >> Can I ask a question? So the budget is different than actual and so the budget you're planning for full staffing full every that's the proper prudent way to budget. Um then reality happens and uh we may have positions that aren't filled or of something a a contract that didn't start till later. So it's possible when a year and a half from now when all this is said and done we may not use that much fund balance if those things were to happen. Is that correct? >> Correct. Right. You know, this is an estimate. >> Correct. >>
032We are forecasting based on what we know and and as a board knows at the end of the year when we come to you with any budget adjustments um that would show if we went into fund balance for um >> for operating expenses. >> I appreciate Miss Spring's conservative budgeting practices and in the five years I've been here, we have not had to take out of fund balance at the end of the year. we've always had minor additions to it and so this is a prudent risk given our practices. >> Budget should be done conservatively like this. So thank you. >> So um and then if you go to page 64 it breaks down the expenditures in a different way but actually the changes are still the same. So, uh, contracted personnel and property services,
033open enrollment out, contracted education, which includes the voucher increase, um, instructional media and technology, and that shows the decrease of that, um, employee that was charged incorrectly. So, um, so the same deficit uh, on both ways of the expenditures presented. If you go to page 83, that is the fund summary. So in between the the um revenues and expenditures, you're going to see some changes in mostly in fund 10 uh fund 50 also food service because we receive um a donation uh from the community uh foundation for Jim's groceries which in which increases actually the expenditures and the revenue because those They're donations for our food pantries at our schools. So, we book those as soon as we know. But otherwise, um everything should be pretty similar. Um one other thing, the referendum capital projects
034fund, if you compare to the last, uh preliminary, we had many we anticipated much more in expenditures than we anticipated in revenues. And that's because we have not gone out for our bonding yet for the remaining funds which we will do in March. So then at that point we will do a budget adjustment for both revenues and expenditures through 630. We'll bring that to the board. Um on page 84 is a breakdown of the revenue limit state aid total levy impact. So this is where um uh Mr. Dr. Sprag might have noticed that the uh gross levy rate of course has changed by 10 cents um when the actual numbers came in and that is because of the increase in the revenue limit and the decrease in the equalization. >> And sorry, we still don't
035have any idea what the the first dollar tax credits. >> No, we will not know that and you'll see that before I do um on your tax bills. Um the next is the tax levy component history. Uh this also just uh breaks down how this is how the total gross levy is broken down as far as general operating referendum capital fund and the debt. And you can see the debt increase considerably um from last year because of the uh elementary upgrade referendum. and we start paying that debt back. Any questions on the tax levy components? So the next page uh 87 is the equalized value history. So I had I think anticipated about a 5.5% increase in property valuation and uh it looks like it was more like a 5.82% 82% over last year. Um,
036so this is broken down by the nine municipalities that support our district. And as you can see, some most of them increased in property value. Um, Bergen did not. So that went down a little bit. Questions about this page. Okay. And then lastly is just the breakdown of uh the percent of equalized value change over the last 20 years. So as you can see that um the municipalities are listed the largest to the smallest valuation. So they have all grown but they um they don't all contribute at the same rate to the district. So I would um I would take any questions you have now. I would suggest that if you um can take some time this week to look at it. Um and if you have any questions, please contact me because this is
037you'll see all of these pages uh compiled now with the uh new budget book. uh it'll be virtual for your meeting next uh Monday and then when it once it's approved uh we will put together a hard copy for you if you would like that questions any questions does not appear to be >> okay >> thank you M >> All right we'll then move on to the Wisconsin Association of School Boards Wasby fall regional meeting report from October 9th, 2025. Um I understand board members Vagneski, Fuches, MA, Newmeister, and Sprag attended the meeting. So um any points you'd like to share with us as a board? >> So I had the ability to attend not only the workshop, but the the update the I'd say more so like the dinner update we had as well.
038For the workshop, we mostly talked a lot about attendance and chronic absism, which has been a big problem throughout the entire state. We learned first off legal framework outlined in Wisconsin code of statutes 118 um.15. I'm not too much of a don't too much to say the legal words, but 15-1. Please correct me. I know I'm wrong. I'm trying to. But we learned kind of what defines attendance. And we also learned some cool exceptions for tense where did you know that a school district is to excuse a student if they are to go out to play taps for a veteran at a funeral there? I did not know that. Cool things you learned. But more importantly, we talked a lot about some of the strategies we've seen and what other school districts have done to
039help address this. I heard from the superintendent before we started a little bit of discussion about um good news towards chronic absism. But one of the things that I found very touching was talking to one of the other school administrators from I believe it was Westby that they said they actually helped have a stakeholder point of perspective where if parents know that there are resources available let's say like for instance those who usually struggle with absenteeism are those under um lowincome housing. If they know that schools are not only a safe place, but they can get resources to help increase their living conditions as is, they're more likely to attend schools. For instance, just letting parents know that there are accessible food pantries. Talked a lot about how we just got a donation forum if
040we allow parents know that there are resources such as that over there is that they saw there was a very notable change where students actually attended schools. And I thought that was really cool. among a couple other strategies here. Um, other than that, it was a great time to be able to network with other officials, get to know, kind of learn more among other people who are doing the same work we're doing. And I'd say it was a very productive time. >> Other reports? >> I I would be interested in school district contacting schools like the Apple School District, Whitewater School District, Boam. I believe that was pretty well it because within the last three to four years they've decreased their chronic absenteeism by at least double digits. And so um I believe it was
041uh Whitewater as an example in one year they went from 24% absenteeism to 14 chronic when I say absentee chronic absenteeism and they gave us the contact information but it was also interesting in terms of how far like Appleton went. They uh hired a attendance coordinator. They have yard signs they put out, posters, postcards, rack cards, and stickers that they sent around the community to try and encourage good attendance. And so they made it a citywide or district-wide thing to say, "We need students in school." And so it was just interesting to hear that the extent that that they went to along with Bo and Kashkum and Whitewater. That's good. >> Apple, it was kind of cool. They even mentioned that it was like a political campaign almost. Um, which, you know, >> y >>
042that's kind of how they saw it. Another also with the absenteeism, um, one thing that was touched on was a sense of belonging. And I talked to one of the schoolboard reps from Pullman about that. Um, and I'm gonna contact her a little bit because that's one thing that they're really working on is having a sense of belonging for their students and they find it my I actually have my brother who went here like a team kept him in school. So just like having friends and support and whatnot um helps. And again, as I think we've said previously, but a big thing I think behind all of them was the students need a sense of belonging. >> I was unable to attend the workshop uh because I wasn't done with work yet, but the uh
043the business meeting was a business meeting. It was nice to hear the legislative updates, the kind of advocacy work that Bosby is engaged in and a good chance to network with a couple of my old pals from CIS4 who were there. So, sounds like a good workshop though. >> Anything else? >> I think it was district did a presentation on attendance. That's something you want to do report on sometime. I know that there's been a lot done here, but it might be interesting to hear. I only remember that because I had to miss that meeting. So, um, no, that was two years ago. My bad. Two years ago. >> Yeah. Yeah. be happy to give an update. We'll talk about progress and there's certainly some bright spots various places that we can highlight and strategies
044similar to other places. >> One thing I forgot was I believe just about all those district districts had a district attendance committee that met on a regular basis to compare what happened this month versus the last month and so on. So, um I don't know whether has one or not. We do. Yeah, we've got a district attendance committee that meets uh kind of globally. We have building attendance teams that meet on a weekly basis. Uh and we have a partnership with the county called the chronic absenteeism response team that meets to talk about our kind of most tough most difficult challenges uh uh kind of on a case- by case basis. So we have layers of support built in. It's certainly a focus of ours uh and happy to share out what we're doing and
045always excited to learn more. >> Good. >> I appreciate the work on that. I think particularly since COVID, it's been national epidemic issue and just thinking about these students that are getting disconnected and and just disconnected from their education and and what's their future and what does that mean for us as a society. I'm also thinking budgetwise of if we can keep them connected, they're less likely to not attend a future year and can keep our enrollment numbers up. So that helps us too. >> Absolutely. >> But more much more concerned about those students futures. Thank you for that everyone. We'll move on to matters reserved for board action. First item is the first reading for the changes in operational expectations OEE1 instruction program and this is the policy changes that were presented last time.
046Um any discussion any comments? >> In general I liked them. I think it it read better in many of the cases. And I'm I want to again reiterate items eight and nine even though they're highlighted have been approved previously just those are not being we we had proved them a few months ago. So they're changes from original but I I just want to recognize that Mr. >> Mor just a table and tell our workshop next week here. Um there's particularly something I was looking at when it comes to mind you this is large about standardbased grading think it's good to us have a fair look but when I was over at Logan there was actually something about curriculum I think we should probably bring up and add to our own policy take a look in
047is that is how exactly does our grading affect those kids with IEPs that I had a very strong feedback from some of the instructors there saying that I mean maybe not to have something completely separate from let's say like what we're doing over here is that they were kind of looking I what can I do to help barrier jobs right there and at least policy wise is to help kind of adapt towards those kids with IEP. So I thought it'd be a better thing to have is just add some policy on later afterwards and let's say have a workshop dedicated towards our IEP students or to have um some of these instructors come over there and share what are some things we can add upon that to make this better for that. >> So you're
048looking to table this possibly possibly table it is >> until after the workshop next meeting. Is that what you're saying? Or >> Yes. And I also want to look further into the IEP thing, see if there's anything we do better, whether it be after we approve this, look back to it later or just upon um maybe separately another time. >> I think maybe a review of what their guidelines are in terms of federal regulations, their IEP itself, and then the grading implicit in that. Other comments, thoughts. How do people feel in general about the idea of holding off approving this till after the next workshop this evening? >> I I feel like the IEP question is a pretty big one and probably will take longer than a meeting or two. I think that that's something
049for a cycle of review. I I would be comfortable with moving forward with this and continuing to have that discussion, get the data because that that's brand new to me, right? And so the idea of adding a policy in on this cycle that is providing specific direction on IEP standards or grades when when that as Jim notes intersects with state statutes quite a bit. I I think that just warrants more time and should shouldn't necessarily style this. >> I be a good learning opportunity for all of us, but maybe more complicated than we realize. >> So when you say cycle, you mean like a year from now? >> I it could take us that long to get our heads around what we actually want in terms of policy at that level. And of course we
050we could if we work faster, we could bring something up for review. >> Okay. >> Later on, right? >> Just I want to understand. >> Yeah. Sometimes it's waiting a year for things get things fall off the table and you forget about them. So that's that's my >> Yeah, I'd love to look into this further. Um like M I still think best table but where the board goes I definitely take look into this further if there's any way I can go and see some time. >> Dr. Jim's right like a lot of that is governed by federal regulations. So, whatever policy we make would probably just be an echo of the federal regulations that govern IEPs. Um, but I'd be interested in a in a study of it, a workshop around it and how we
051handle that in the district. >> For for my own clarification, Mr. make with the IEPs. Are you looking at because you talked about standard based grading, are you talking about policy related to student assessment and grading and IEPs? Are you talking about IEPs and this um policy overall? I just want to make sure you understand what what your perspective is on that. >> My understanding it's what you said the first part there and mind you I feel uncomfortable I guess just overall voting yes on this. We have a workshop come up here beforehand as I want to get more information on that before voting on policies taking a look into this here. But largely where I'm coming from is just how exactly is standing affecting those PS. >> Mr. Demeister, did you have something you
052want to add? >> See, and I I feel this is a policy statement and below that is another thing as far as how students are assessed. So that would fit underneath this. But this is basically what we're looking for. And then how students are graded, whether they're graded on a curve, whether they're standard based grading, whether it's IEP or whatever is another layer under this. >> None of these policies mandate standardsbased grading the way it's I mean the state mandates that we adopt standards and that students are taught according to the state standards. Um, but nothing in this policy says we have to do standards based grading. They're not related. It's a practice question. >> I agree. >> That's that's been my bigger question is what's the appropriate level for for the policy statement and
053and where are we thinking about getting like too too into the administrative weeds. >> Yeah. See, even we even canceled out formative assumative or qualitative and quantitative and we've taken those out and simply said assessments. That's still pretty wide area, but it um is a policy. >> Did uh Scott or Jeff online, do you have any comments or questions? >> I think that's uh that's quite a hurdle we're going to take with that. Personally, I I agree that we want to take a look at it, but I I think that it's something we can vote on tonight and accept it or not, but and then have uh some future talks on that process because I do agree it's not going to be a one or two meeting. I think it's I think it's a series
054of meetings and you know, it's going to take some time if especially if we want to dig into it correctly. So, we'd be looking for a motion unless there's further discussion. >> So, move it forward. I'm going to say we approve this reading of operational expectations 11. I'll make a motion to that effect. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Um for the first reading of operation expectations OE1 instructional program. >> Any further discussion? All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oh call. Thank you. >> Mr. Alberts. >> Hi. >> Mr. Bneski. >> Hi. >> Miss Fs. >> Hi. >> Dr. Garcia. >> Hi. >> Mr. Ma. Mr. Newmeister >> I >> Dr. Sprag >> I >> miss. >> I'll I'll say I. Okay. We'll
055then move on to operational expectation monitoring report OE7 for any uh administrative changes to the interpretation and indicators. Um, we haven't provided any recommendations for changes. From our perspective, we believe the indicators still meet the intent of the policy and have been serving us well. >> So, the action tonight is to to approve it as is for for the coming year. >> That is correct. >> Look for a motion. I'll make a motion to approve the uh the no changes for OE7 asset protection monitoring report template. >> I'll second >> motion in a second. Any further discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mr. Alberts. >> I. >> Mr. Vneski, >> I. >> Miss FS. >> Hi. >> Dr. Garcia. >> Hi. >> Mr. Mup. >> I. >> Mr. Newmeister. >> Hi. >> Dr. Sprag. >> Hi.
056>> Miss Sla. Hi. Okay, go on to announcements and we will look to communications from our student representatives to the board. Thank you for hanging in for all this budget discussion. I'm sure it's about like watching paint dry, but I think for it's important for you students to kind of see how important that is to us and how many pieces are involved in it and obviously we don't expect you to understand all of it because we're all struggling with some of it too. Um but um appreciate that but I'll turn over to you to get your reports. I'm looking to uh Emerson and Joe. You guys can flip a coin. Who goes first? >> Um I guess been like major changes or updates to our school. Um one thing is uh we've recently taken a
057school trip on the Mississippi River Queen boat and we've are continuing to work with our Apple Vision pros. So on that field trip, we took like these like spatial photos that like work really well with like the Apple Vision Pros. So that's we're continuing to like utilize that like newer piece of technology. Um I guess another thing we're starting a school newspaper. Not sure when we're going to start it, but it's like in the works. So >> feel free to share copies with us. Thank you, >> Emerson. >> Um, Logan, nothing really exciting either. I mean, besides sports and a craft fair coming up this weekend. The craft fair, actually, I take it back. The craft fair is very exciting. Um, the first playoff game for football this Friday. We play Wisconsin Lutheran. If anyone
058knows where that is, let me know. Um, volleyball, we have our first playoff game again. It is tomorrow uh against Brooklyn Woodville. Same goes for that one. Um I'm not quite sure, but I hope we beat them. Um the crowdfair, it's this Sunday at Logan. Um I hope you all are able to make it because this raised thousands of dollars annually for our scholarships for our students, especially our NHS students. Um, all not all, but a majority of our NHS students do volunteer at this. So, it'll be very fun to put it together and see how it goes. >> Thank you. Uh, Mr. Begnesi, do you have any updates from CISA? >> No, we did not have a board meeting. >> Okay. Dr. Garcia, the Lacrosse Public Education Foundation. >> Yeah. Um, people can still
059apply for gold star grants. So, teachers, staff, parents, and students in the school district of Lacrosse can apply for a grant for a project that they have in mind. And we've seen lots of presentations on really cool projects that teachers have carried out with the gold star grant. I'm pretty sure the sugar shack out at Summit was a gold star grant. Um, a couple of others that we've um seen here. So, those are due November 3rd. And then the Golden Apple Awards will be having again in the spring for the second time. And nominations for a staff member who's made a positive impact in a student's life are open. And community members can make those nominations. Students, teachers, colleagues, um any faculty or staff member who's had a positive impact on students life. And the
060people who are nominated will receive copies of those nominations. So even if they don't end up being um winning or being, you know, recognized formally, they'll they'll know um that people in the community appreciate them. And as someone who gets those from UDWL sometimes through the Eagle Teaching Award, they're it's very cool. Uh it's a big part of um teachers work, I think, to feel that little bit of gratitude when people want to recognize them for doing something awesome. So, if you know a phenomenal teacher or staff member uh that you want to recognize, you can go online and find the website to nominate before November 6th. >> And in general, how does the word go out to parents and so on? Does it go out to our school newsletter? >> Yep. We send out
061a notice uh by email to all staff and then we send out uh correspondence through parent square uh email and other methods to all of our contacts in the school district. Thanks. >> Thank you. >> My Safari can't find the server, whatever that means. So, I'm just going to read off of this paper. >> Um, so for the board president announcements, there is a meeting next week at 6 PM. We will um then discuss and approve the budget um and the levy. Following that will be a workshop on standardbased grading. So the students may be very interested in that. Um so those meetings are usually short. Just telling you it's probably going to be a little bit longer that night. And then um the board linkage schedule will be coming out soon. Laura's been working
062very hard on it. There's still a few pieces she's looking to me to get back to her on. So um we should we you'll be hearing about that soon um hopefully even possibly next week and so that we can um start to get people signed up to attending these linkages. So thank you. Dr. Engel. >> Uh just a couple of things. First, it is uh National School Bus Safety Week this week. Um we have um lots of kids riding the bus every day. And so ensuring that they get to school safely is really important. Encourage people in the community to look for stop signs and be aware of kids crossing streets in order to get to and from the bus. Um, we will be fully moved over to central, all of our district staff on
063Wednesday, October 29th. Most likely. >> Most likely. >> Much less confident. >> The move will happen on the 29th. We'll be over there on the 30th. >> The move will happen on the 29th. We'll be over there on the 30th. It's going to be great. um >> looking for volunteers to help. >> H we've got amazing people who are going to help us out, but uh the there will be a period of transition and so I just want to warn people up front. You know, we may not be able to find some things in boxes. There may not be all the storage we need initially. We're still we want to get a sense for how things work before we put up and invest in permanent signage. And so there will be a period of growth
064and understanding as we iron out the kinks of this this new circumstance. So I just hope people extend a little um grace as we work through that transition and I think that is it. >> Okay. Then move on to agenda planning. There's a proposed uh agenda for the October 27th budget approval and levy certification meeting as well as the regular meeting for November 3rd for your consideration. and we look for um a motion to approve these with any additions or corrections. >> Well, I'd like to add you talked about the attendance committee. Could we hear as far as what they've done in the past or what their plans are to improve tenants district? >> Absolutely. >> Well, I add to the >> November 3rd. >> Yeah. I don't it doesn't have to necessarily be the
065next meeting, but I'd like to hear Yeah, I can work with the the folks that oversee attendance and whether it's November 3rd or maybe the following one, we'll do it as soon as practical to get in front of the board. >> Do it. >> Okay. Any other comments? I'd like to look for a motion to approve the agenda. >> I'll make a motion to approve the agenda. >> Okay. Any further discussion? Need a roll call vote. >> Mr. Alberts. >> I. >> Mr. Bneski. >> I. Miss Fuks. >> Hi, >> Dr. Garcia. >> Hi, >> Mr. Ma. >> Hi, >> Mr. Newmeister. >> I >> Dr. Sprag. >> Hi, >> Miss Sucla. >> Hi. >> For debriefing, Dr. Garcia. >> Yeah, it was a good meeting. I thought >> people had great clarifying questions and
066comments and so that's always good. The budget proposals, we get a little more clear on what's happening with them every year. And I think the questions to um sort of clarify for the public what it is because it can be really opaque. We're good at this meeting. So >> So with that, we will adjourn this meeting. >> More impromptu, but a lot of what I introduced to the board kind of like something I wanted to do a project. I wanted to start a a scholarship for some of our students who experience housing instability. I failed to follow through on that mostly because I had a crazy college semester and my grandpa got in point of hospice. So, I apologize to everyone there. I meant to uh double up on that. But if anyone's interested in
067uh participating about that, I'm going to get that submitted um on the 28th. So, if anyone wants to bring anything on the 27th, I just ask you to bring the form so I know for sure that I can have a trace that it's not just mind you, I'm the one managing kind of the funds for that. But just if anyone wants to contribute, next week's the last day for that at all. So, it's just something I've been doing kind of outside the board. Didn't know if there was a way to mention this kind of beginning of the board meeting here, but I hope I can bring up the board debriefing just kind of just give a challenge for everyone else there. >> Is that a deadline for just like the initial setup? Can you accept
068donations later? >> I think so. I need to double check since there's a due date in November, early November that I forget at the top of my head and that's why I was trying to get this done in October. >> But thank you for your time there. >> So, we will adjourn this meeting. Um we'll have a five minute break and then we will go into a um workshop um immediate uh at that time for the purpose of uh long range facility planning. So >> thank you. >> And that'll be in the library like last time right here. See you back in five minutes. Does Scott have copies of all any documents that will be in Jeff any documents that will be discussed? >> I am sending them them right now. >> Exactly what I
069was thinking. to this.