October 13, 2025 School Board Meeting

001We're live. >> All right. The meeting will now come to order. Roll call. Mr. Bro >> here. >> Mrs. Brunette >> here. >> Mr. Cowley >> here. >> Mr. Glanic. Mr. Hirs. Yep. >> Miss Johnson >> here. >> And I am here. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance led by Mr. Fus tonight. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. >> Man, it's hard to see that. >> I appreciate that, Mr. I appreciate that. The agenda was posted throughout the district according to schoolboard policy published as a legal ad in the superior telegram posted on the district web page. A meeting notice was sent to the connection for publication. Item three, approval

002of the October 13, 2025 agenda. Looking for a motion and a second, please. >> We'll make a motion to approve the agenda. >> Second. >> Have a motion and a second. All in favor, please say I. I. >> Anybody opposed? Good deal. Uh item four, the consent agenda. Item A, September 8th, 2025 meeting minutes open and executive sessions. Anybody have anything they want to talk about there? We're good. Good. The treasurer's report. Mr. Cowi. Okay. In the general account on September 30th, 2025, there was a balance of $6,297,71.92 in cash and investments. Receipts since the first 1st of October and not included in the September 30 balance are $62,9149. The dispersements from tonight's October 13th board meeting total $165,719.79. In the flexible spending account on September 30th, 2025, there was a balance of $28,547 in

003cash and investments. In the health reimbursement account on September 30th, 2025, there was a balance of $7,42123 in cash and investments. The debt service fund on September 30th, 2025, there was a balance of $675 in cash and investments. detailed report on fund activities included in the financial statements. >> Thank you, sir. Uh item C, payments of invoices. I would trust that everybody went through that. If you had any questions, you reached out to Mr. Fetchelott. Um I would like to say on that I'm not sure everybody realizes the nuances of the little stuff that it costs to run a district. Um, now I don't know how often we buy paper and toilet paper, but but there was what was it 15 grand? Yes. >> In paper. And we and I know we cut paper a

004few years ago to try to save stuff, but between that uh technology, what the cost is of that anymore. It's it's those we all talk about. Well, I'm sure we'll probably talk about taxes a little bit and everybody's going to see what their tax bill is, but some of that stuff that's totally out of our control. Those prices continue to go up and I cringe a little bit every month when I see them. So, that's just my >> two of us, Mr. L. That makes two of us. >> All right. Item D, resignations, employment, retirements. Mr. Uh, happy to report. No resignations for the month. Um, in turn, no new employees for the month and no internal transfers. Um, I do want to recognize two people. One is in the room tonight. Mr. Brian Smith

005has officially put in his letter of retirement. Um, Mr. Smith uh has been with us for 11 years in the school district of Maple and in total 45 years in the field of education. Now, we I had asked him, he said, "You don't have the time to go through all of the different things, but I I do want to recognize him for all his his efforts, not only for our district, but for education as a whole." So, um and then the second one is Miss Amy Mack. Uh Amy Miss Mack has been in our district for 19 years, and uh both these uh employees are looking to retire at the end of this school year. So, thank you to them both. [Music] All right. >> A bad gig. >> Retirement. >> I did my best

006to keep it. >> It's tough to compete with. >> We haven't approved it. [Laughter] Well, with that being said, uh I need a motion and a second to approve the consent agenda. >> I make a motion to approve the consent agenda. >> I'll second. >> Have a motion and a second. Uh all those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Anybody opposed? Very good. Congratulations to Mr. Smith on his upcoming retirement. And Mrs. Mack, my kids have only had two art teachers through elementary school. That's pretty That's pretty cool. All right. Item five. Uh, a a request for Mr. Noose for him and some FA FA students, six of them, my understanding, to attend an FFA mission and impact leadership conference November 13th and 14th in 2025. and the Chula Vista at the Chula

007Vista Resort in Wisconsin Delta. That sounds fancy. >> Hi, my name is Yan Hill. I'm a senior this year. >> And my name is Abigail Anderson and I'm also senior this year. >> So, we are requesting permission to go to a conference called Mission Impact. It is a two section conference is broken up uh by age, sophomore and freshman and junior and senior. Uh the fir uh excuse me uh the first conference is called mission. So they uh the freshman and sophomores go through and they learn uh basically their new their mission for high school is to uh how they can improve the clubs as a whole and impact is how this juniors and seniors can leave their impact on the club as a whole. It allows us to meet like-minded individuals who uh share

008a love for agriculture, FFA, and just learning in general. I think it is a is a I think it is a great way for us to spend a couple school days not in school. >> Way to call it. uh we both went to the first conference. So we uh we we great we are drastically uh it drastically changed our view of how we saw FFA and how we can further activities in our club and make FFA better. And now we are we are trying to go to impact so that we and possibly nine up to nine students will uh we can learn how to leave our impact before we go. I'll leave off the Abby now. >> So we would be leaving um November 13th um about noon on Thursday and we would spend half

009the day and then the remainder of Friday in Wisconsin dels. Um, so we're funding this trip and we are asking for permission to go basically. >> Any questions? I would assume you're going to just take a van or the car or something. >> Yeah. Yep. Yep. So, um, the one change there on the the proposal there would be up to nine. I think on yours it says up to six. Um and so uh we'd have up to nine students go be taking the band then down to the Chula Vista leaving about noon on that Thursday returning then in the evening of that Friday and so they would be out of school then the uh Thursday afternoon all day Friday. >> What is the Chula Vista? Because this says your I think your letter that was

010sent says the Kalahari >> should be the Chula Vista for >> the next one. Yeah, >> tell you. >> I think Yeah, I think there's three clubs all going to be in the Dells in this matter of I think a week and a half. So, >> all at different resorts down there, but uh FFA will be at the Chula Vista. >> We can't put FFA and Deco together to be >> fighting too much. Got to keep Mrs. Johnson under control. >> All right. Well, that being the case, I would uh if does anybody have anything they want to say? Ask >> no. motion and a second that I'm looking for. >> I'll make a motion to approve the chart. >> I'll second it. >> I have a motion and a second. All those in favor,

011please say I. >> Anybody opposed? >> Good deal. Have a good time. Learn a lot. Learn a lot. >> Good luck. >> Make a message. >> All right. >> Item B, a request from Mrs. Jennifer Rayo Rayo. I say sorry for her and DECA students up to nine to attend the DECA emerging leaders conference November 16th 17th at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin. >> Oh this bringing all the big guns >> like we can turn it down now. >> Hi we are here representing our DECA chapter. My name is Lauren Rita. >> I'm both officers. We are asking for permission to attend the DECA emerging leaders conference or ELC taking place November 16th through the 17th in Wisconsin Dells. This conference is hosted for Wisconsin DECA leaders and it's an incred an incredible opportunity for

012our students to build professionalism, create ideas, network and gain leadership skills. >> This conference has two days of professional speakers sessions and work-based learning. Content connections include but are not limited to the following leadership workshops tailored attractivemies and motivational speakers. >> We are seeking approval for a small group of tech members, nine students and one adviser with a school vehicle to attend this educational opportunity in Wisconsin dels. We will drive down Sunday morning and return Monday evening. >> Including the package we received are the conference details. Furthermore, we'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. We pay for this conference with the funds we've already obtained from our student organ organization accounts. The students will be working on the fundraising this month to help offset the costs. The conference itself will be $960

013for the 10 people to attend. Nine students in one chaper or um $160. The estimate of the transportation cost would be around $365.82 82 and that's 546 miles of round trip times 67 cents per mile and our room will be paid um 60 $50 per night for first which is around 500 bucks. >> This is an incredible opportunity for our students and we will hope that you consider our request. Thank you so much for our time and do you guys have any questions? >> Have either of you attended this before? >> No. This >> So I think the last time we did this was six years ago. So >> it's been a while. Yeah. >> Is there Oh, go ahead. >> I I'm curious to know, do you have any idea who the like keynote

014speaker? You mentioned it's a motivational speaker or who would that be? >> I'm not sure. >> No idea. Okay. >> They'll be there. >> Oh, yeah. Motivated. >> And are are there nine people signed up to go? >> Yes. Eight, I think. >> No, it's nine people now, >> including MJO is 10. So, >> well, all right. I think I misspoke. I think I made a joke about Mrs. Johnson. That was the next falling apart. Uh, well, if there's no other questions, I would uh entertain a motion and a second, please. I'll make a motion to approve the DECA to attend the emergency emerging leaders conference. >> I'll second. >> We have a motion in a second. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Anybody opposed? >> Motion passes. Have yourselves in.

015>> Grand time. >> Thank you so much. >> Item C, a request from Mrs. Laura Johnson for her and FBLA students looks like up to eight to attend the FB FBLA fall leadership conference November 10th and 11th in Wisconsin Dallas. >> Hi, my name is Doris Sewald. I'm an officer for FBA this year and currently we have over 45 students who signed up to participate in FBA this year which is great. There's a lot of underassmen which is super exciting for us. Um right now we're working to choose our topics for competition including like business tests, presentations, computer skill testing, and job interviewing. So that's where we're at with our organization right now. And currently there's eight individuals including myself who have expressed interest in attending a fall leadership conference in the Wisconsin Dells on

016November 10th and 11th. We'll leave the morning of the 10th and return the 11th evening. This um the conference includes an opening session with a keynote speaker, some breakout rooms for us just to learn about leadership and just meet new people who are interested in the same realm of business that we are and then a closing session typically another keynote speaker and just kind of all get together and talk about the conference. And on behalf of the FBA chapter, I'm requesting for permission for our group to attend this conference. The letter that was submitted outlines uh the St. Croy Falls in February. Are those going to be additional requests? Am I reading the wrong one? Currently, there are over 40 students signed up. Great expectations for your regional competition will be in St. Croy Falls.

017>> Oh, no. >> State leadership conference. >> Oh, yep. Okay. >> So, are we So, you're just at this point asking for what she just asked for, right? November 10 and 11, >> right? Okay. >> Right. I think I put the library. [Laughter] >> It's all right. Uh, how do you choose the eight students? >> Um, just some of us who have expressed interest in furthering our education and leadership skills and just are interested in going to this conference. A lot of us have previous experience with FBA and like myself are very involved in the club and are always open to finding new realms to explore conferences to go to. So we I let the first well could have been up to nine and we did have nine but then um one student has hockey

018at that time so she won't be able to attend. Um so the first nine that signed up because with the band it's 10 people. >> Right. Okay. And we have not been able to go to this for a number of years because it's so far away. >> So this is the first year in probably six or seven years that it's close enough for us to go to. Otherwise, it's always held down in Milwaukee area. >> Okay. >> So, any additional questions? Great. >> Well, then I would entertain a motion and a second. >> I'll make a motion to approve. Steve, >> I'll second. >> Yeah. >> All those in favor, please say I. >> Anybody opposed? Motion passes. Have yourself a good time. >> After the FFA one, did you real quick look up who

019the keynote speakers were? >> They're not released yet. They're safe. >> You're safe. You're >> Thank you guys. >> Thank you very much. Thank you. >> Item D, the Start College Now early college credit program for spring of 2026. I would assume this is Mr. >> It'll start with me and then I I have our expert in the room, Miss Croll, who does this work day in and day out. So, this is the um as we talked about the Stark College now and our early college credit programs. Um, our students are able to potentially request a few different college classes and or technical school classes through our UWS and Northwood Tech partnerships. Um, you have the list of students that have put in requests correctness. Um, and the criteria that we look at to approve

020or deny said classes. So, um, we do this every year roughly at this time. I should say roughly at this time at this time. And um you're certainly here to ask us questions if you wish. Um we try not to refer to any students by name for confidentiality reasons, but we can talk through some of the different options that they may have and or why we would support this. How many of these classes are actually held on site physic physically on site of the college in >> there's a lot of them that are but of the ones the kids apply for only one I think it's the Japanese classes in person the rest are all online but there are some kids that will choose to do classes on campus we had one student last year

021um but it's more convenient to do an online class. Um, so that's typically what they do, but they could go to campus if they wanted to. >> How do you decide approved or declined or denied? >> So students can take anything that we don't offer. So um, we look at what the course description is compared to our course description. Um, and so it's approved or denied based on that. So like for example, the intro to sociology class doesn't have the same name as our social issues class, but it's the same content. >> Okay, thank you. >> That's the one question I have is um the clarity or expectations of the students. In other words, if they did they not realize that we offer a sociology class, you know, or like the applied to applied technical

022math. I mean, I'm sure we have something comparable. I mean, >> we actually have that exact class. >> Yeah. So, that's my question is like did they not connect the dots there or >> sometimes um kids will fill them out without asking questions or without talking to me? Um, if they've turned in an application with nothing on it that could be approved, then I'll call them in and let them know that as long as they turn it in with enough time for me to do that. Sometimes they're coming in at the very last second on the deadline. >> But if if there's enough time for me to explain to them that it will most likely be denied, ultimately that's your decision if they're approved or denied. But like I can give them a pretty good

023guess. Then I give them a chance to pick something else. Um or show them how to pick something else, give them a little explanation. And >> and if a class is offered here without college credit, are they still not able to take it for college credit? So there's no route to say get associate intro so sociology college credit, >> right? Which is different than it used to be. There used to be a rule that if you took all of what the high school offered, you could take it through the college and that's no longer the case. So, you might see more denied than you have in the past. >> Do you know why that was changed? >> It's just the program is always evolving just like anyone who's open enrolled can't do the Start College

024Now program through their they have to do it through their resident school, not their the school they attend. That was something that our whole county learned last year. So that's been in practice now, but it's so you might sometimes get a application from another school. Um Mr. Fetch Carter that made sense to him because of how those things are funded, but I don't understand. >> Yeah. So the the one >> but we don't have any open enrolled or open enroll kids that apply this year. I will also share that there's an update in the WSV WAS related to the start college now uh programming in Wisconsin is >> so that's not a local decision anyway that's a state >> from the statute which like can be sometimes to be honest clear as we do our

025best to sort through all of it >> it's very complex >> and we do offer a lot of great opportunities to our students this is available to them. There is some financial penalties if they do not pass said class and >> I believe we're I don't want to step on a tournament scroll. Parents are very aware of that. >> You get a after this meeting um kids and parents get a letter stating what they were approved or denied for. And then um it clearly states expectations of if you don't if you don't successfully complete meaning you have you don't pass or you withdraw after the deadline that we whatever fees that we've had to pay they have to pay. So sometimes they might drop within a window where they're only paying a portion of the

026fee then we would just charge them what we got charged. >> I see there's about 12 students that are involved. Is that normal or is that high low? It's hard. It's up and down. Um, I would say it's probably pretty average, but I feel like I have seen an uptick in this because we always let kids know we send a letter home in their welcome packet. It's in the announcements, but the colleges have been doing a lot of mailings home and advertising, too. Um, so that's another way that kids, I think, are getting more interested. I also tell kids it's in their best interest to request two, three, four classes, but most likely they'll only take one because with scheduling on the college end, if it fills up the class they want full, then if

027it's not listed on their form, they can't take another class. So like this feels like a long list, but we end up really only probably getting bills for one class a kid. But if it's not listed as an option on their application, then they can't take it. So >> So the one that has five that were approved here, they will choose one >> most likely. He might do a few, but most likely it'll be one or two, >> but it gives them some options, especially if they want to attend on campus because it's based on their schedule and um trying to match that with our schedule can be complicated. So there's more options and there's more flexibility to be able to schedule up >> for these online courses. Did they have to have a set

028time at 11 o'clock? This is your course or or is online where you >> do whenever you have free time >> college can be two different things. It can be a set time, but most of our kids are taking classes that are flexible as long as they complete things by set deadline. Most kids take a study hall and do a class within the study hall. Um, some don't want to take a study hall and they do it outside of school depending on how tough that class is and how much time it takes. >> And I think that's been a bigger change too. There's a lot more online learning options than there was even two, three, four years ago is signed at the times where historically students were making the drives to these campuses walking through

029the doors. >> Yeah. And they're limited to these two schools. They don't have an option going outside that >> not necessarily, but the way the programs are set up, they're set up for high schools to work with their home schools, which so we did have a student apply once to another college and they really recommended that they stay within their home school. So if they needed something within our area that represents our area, I guess is better way of saying it than that. That's what's recommended. >> Okay. >> And it's likely those credits would transfer if they chose to go to a different school. >> I can say from what I first got on the board to now that list has grown substantially. >> I think it's good. >> It's good. >> And there is

030a funding source for it. We we do use federal dollars to get that. Those dollars continue to shrink. >> That's right. We want to continue to do this. We'll find a way to continue to do it. It's an important opportunity for our students. We believe it opens up some doors that maybe don't always get opened up. >> I'm assuming we need a motion to approve these and I'll make that motion. >> Second. Any other questions? All those in favor, please say I. I. >> Anybody opposed? Motion passes. Thank you. for that item E early literacy remediation plan the second read [Music] >> uh so you I've got the uh document that uh is now a requirement under the legislation of act 20 so with that it's something that we had to bring forward and as

031I shared last month it's uh something that every school district had to do and I worked through our building ownership team at NES ran it by them kind of their thoughts after I used the uh WSB and OSA templates and then ran it past Miss Paulus over at Iron River and brought it to you guys. So I was wondering if there's any questions for tonight. >> There's a lot in there. I >> there's a a lot of usually reading. So the elevator speech version is we have really good practices in place. um that is a testament to our staff and when act 20 legislation came down it tweaked a little bit about how we assess it did add some things with how we communicate to families some of the personalized reading plan language did put

032a little bit more on our teachers backs um but unfortunately every school district is in the state or in the state was in that same boat um so this paperwork really outlines what was in place in school district of Maple um I tried not to tweak it to say anything that we weren't already doing. So that's that's elevator speech. >> I guess >> bottom line up front what I was trying to understand from this is >> um since the implementation of this act 20 program >> what two years ago >> yeah something like that >> summer of 23 >> is it too early to to know if it's been effective so far? >> Can I speak candid? Uh so they moved the goalposts. Um so what happened with our first assessment? Mrs. motions behind it

033might be smurking a little bit. So last year the assessment that we had to use had a different cuts score if you will or set of cut scores than it did this year. >> So it's hard for us to say a little bit of well did did we improve or did they move the score? You might have read some things >> normalization of the data that is >> so you are hitting the nail on the head. So, one of the data geek pieces that I get to do, uh, and I try to share, but nobody else has the excitement that I do, um, is I kept the system that we use, the old norms and the new norms together, so I could toggle back and forth and look at, well, if we had the same

034expectation this year that we had last year, how would we fare? Partly because I was expecting that question. And I believe that we are moving the needle. Now, you know, obviously there's a couple layers to that. If you remember in 22, Dr. Coney and I came to you saying we needed to buy a new resource for our reading materials. Part of that was after we looked at state report cards, after we looked at how our kids were doing within our assessment practices and talking to our teachers, we realized that our primary our prior um instructional resource didn't really fit our needs anymore. And that was when we went through the process looking at curriculum and the resources. So, we bought a new resource. And then on the heel zone that first year is when act

03520 hit. So we are what I'm believing seeing kind of some compounding factors. One we have a pandemic that thank god we're coming out of that still. But we had that effect. Then we had a new instructional resource which anytime you re train teachers and things you're looking at two to three years before you can really see everybody clicking and diving. And that's right now. And then we had act 20 hit and say hey you have to use this resource. consider it like a a state test for kindergarteners and they have this set of standards and now we have a different set of standards. So with those three factors, I think we're still improving and we're seeing some some better learning with our students as they're coming out of the kindergarten and first grade so

036far up. Uh but it'll still be a couple years before we really know what that effect size is. Good, good question. And and I think in December I get to kind of talk about the state report cards. So we'll dig into a little bit of that and especially at the elementary level talk about what are we seeing with our populations? Are they growing? Are the needs in improving or or decreasing? Um which I would love to talk about tonight but I can't. >> We got um so we got our first uh glance at them last week but I publicly talk about I think in December. Great. embargoed >> embargoed yeah so good question um like I said this particular document is something that all districts had to go through so luckily my professional organization OSA

037and WSB kind of came out and said hey here's the heavy lifting and they gave us some templates which is why you kind of see the forward way that it's for formulated so we took what we're doing and just kind of put that in there which was largely a lot of my work in July. Um, and then Mrs. Fleming, who was our elementary reading teacher, um, had a hand in it, went through it with me and kind of looked at, well, how does that align? Like I said, I talked to Heather and the rest of the BLT members. Does this reflect what we do? And the consensus was it's a lot of verbiage, but it's required, but yeah, that's what we do. Sorry. Any additional questions? That being the case, I would ask for a

038motion to approve the early literacy remediation plan. >> I make a motion to approve the early literacy remediation plan. >> And a second. >> Second. >> All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Anybody opposed? Motion passes. >> I appreciate the next step that anybody's asking. under the very lengthy statutes we have to post it. So I'll put Mr. Hinsman and then on the two library or two elementary pages then on the elementary pages on the lefth hand side there's a link that says important documents. So parents are kind of trained if you will to go there to get anything about the schools. So that's where we'll link that so that parents have access to it. Um because it's new this year I would force it out to all the elementary parents just

039saying hey so you're aware this is a document that drives our reading instruction. if they have any questions, they can schedule time to talk to me or come and see it. We'll take it from there. >> Does that does that include just real straightforward advice to parents regarding how they can help? >> Uh so great question. On the back side, what you guys don't see is the state has worked with again my organization to say here's some template measures. old pick on my own children. So, I had a third grade daughter. If she happened to be below the 25th percentile of performance, after our first benchmarking, my family would get a letter saying, "Hey, here's where your child was." Um, if she was anywhere above that, there'd be another letter that says, "Here's the results."

040So, our teachers do a good job of getting that letter out and also the test assessment questions or uh results, excuse me, and then a chance to ask questions at that level. And then if they're below, it's another set of tests to look at, well, what specifically diagnostically? Are they lacking? Is it a fluency issue? Is it a a decoding of basic words issue? So, the format of this document is also how do we diagnose if we go down the path before we ever get to the questions about special or anything like that. So, you'd get a series of different letters as a sub third grader. And I think to piggyback off of Brad too, we do the title one department >> absolutely >> do send out, >> you know, I'll call them newsletter type

041>> flyers,formational things that go out to all of our parents kind of with good quality reading practices, activities that anybody can do no matter where. >> Coaching the parents. >> Yeah. >> I don't know how frequent they got, but I know I've gotten them over the years my time here. >> I I walk that fine line. I don't want to be preachy, but please read with your kid every night. >> Yeah. >> You know, try to do some of those things. So our our title one teams and Mrs. and do a fantastic job of communicating here's what you could do and when the student has needs they work with them very personally on here's where your child is here's what we're doing here's what you can do to help us and they also organize some

042annual events every year for reading they can tag team lots of stuff >> thank you thank you all very much >> thank you >> uh item F the 202425 budget revisions Mr. professional center. >> Yep. This one's me. Um it is an annual process. This is this particular document is provided to us by our auditors. Um it's part of the audit process. Um that audit is for the most part completed. Um and we will get a very long funreading document about 75 pages in the coming days. Um that will get shared with our board. Um we also post it on the financial page of our website as well. But this is a basically a summary document of that uh particular um long drawn out full audit. So the the take-home points is this um you

043know what it compares as budgeted numbers to actual numbers. As a general rule of thumb, which is what we want to do from the business side, we want to spend close to or less than what we budgeted as opposed to close to or over what we budgeted. And for the most part, we did hit those benchmarks. Um, and and a few reasons why. You know, the salaries were for the most part very very close within $40,000. So, some of those are due to decreases in overtime hours and what we call leave, you know, leaves for various reasons, whether it be medical or things of that nature where we bring subs in if the teacher's gone for extended period of time. There was a decrease in employee benefits. So, fewer employees were essentially not electing to

044take district benefits. Uh we decreased purchase services or underspent there which is a result of a lot of different things. Updated service contract. We reduced transportation costs. We had a fairly mild winter which helps with utilities. Um and and that decreases there. That's always tough to predict from the business side of things because we don't know what mother nature does. The more snow we get, the colder it goes. as for anybody, the more we spend to keep our buildings warm and and our parking lots open. Um, but pretty annual process here that we have to do every year. Once the board approves this, um, it does get posted throughout the the district. Um, I'll entertain any questions, but >> So, this is all good news. >> I would say it's good news. Um, we're trying

045to be as fiscally responsible as we possibly can be um, with with the dollars we get to operate. um but also ensuring that we're providing opportunities for our students. Um taking care of our buildings to the best of our abilities within the budget that we have. Um but yeah, in a perfect world, yes, we want to spend close to what we have revenue-wise, but not be so tight that stuff comes out of left field, things break, stuff happens. So, want to have some kind of landing spot there. Does that difference in money go back into the general fund or >> it goes back into our general fund balance which you know for lack of a better term is our savings account which we want to continue to work on and that has >> thankfully in

046my you know three years doing the business manager job has has turned around and we're in a better standing um which I'm excited to share. It's important to have that we batten on the hatches now. Part of that is because we've delayed some some capital maintenance projects and um that's what we've had to do as a lot of school districts have had to do. But you are correct in saying I I look at this as good news. >> Um with with that I'm happy what I see here. I'll move to approve the revised budget. >> I'll second it. Uh, I'll roll call because we're talking money. Miss Johnson, >> yes. >> Mr. Hirs, >> yep. >> Mr. Clott, >> yes. >> Mr. Cowley, >> yes. >> Mrs. Brunette, >> yes. >> Mr. Prost, >> yes.

047>> I Yes. Right on. Item G, the 2526 tax levy and budget. Mr. Fetch Potter. >> So, this is a uh, you know, a continuation of our budget meeting. Um, what I am recommending or we are recommending as an administrative team is that we approve the tax levy for the allowable amount as calculated by the 2025 PPI revenue limit worksheet. Um, this is the worksheet that every public school district used in our state to determine their revenues. So, a lot of it is dictated by formulas, um, enrollment, land value. I'll talk a little bit about this stuff in in a little bit here, but um for the most part, the receipts and budgets do not change unless the revenue limit increases or decreases. So, um on October 15th, so within two days here, um by

048statute, the state will let us know what our equalized uh state equalization is and our equalized land value. This is not a new topic. I I've tried to advertise this as best as I possibly can with our budget mailer, the golden rod sheet that goes out um in September. Talked about it within our budget meeting, and again, I'm hitting it today. Um I anticipate a reduction of about $1.1 million in state equalization aid. And this is mostly related to two different factors. um the increase in the property value within our school district bounds and that coupled with our declining enrollment. So if I look at predictions right now, so please note I am saying predictions. Um we'll get this information finalized. I anticipate our equalized value will be north of $1.7 billion. Uh as of

049six years ago, it was half that. Um, and as you've heard me discuss in the past, property taxes and equalization aid account for about 80% of the revenues that we get to run this district day in and day out. Um, our state legislature with the last budget cycle, so the 20 2025 2027 bianium budget, did not put any new monies in the state equalization a pool. Um, this is the first year in 14 years that they did not do that. Um so that increase goes on the backs of our taxpayers unfortunately because in the very simplest terms the more equalization aid we get lower property tax level is or property tax levy is and vice versa. So um that will get finalized. I will obviously come back to the board meeting in November with our

050finalized numbers as to what the local levy will be. Um, I anticipate because of the cut in state aid that the property tax bill will fluctuate between 8 to 10% increase. Please understand that that is a projection. That's not a finalized number. Um, and it's important for our community to know that that does not mean that the school district is getting more money. Um, the state historically used to kick in about 60% of the bill and the taxpayers would kick in about 40% of the bill. Um, we've progressed towards about 50/50. Um, and we're getting closer to about 60% property tax levy, 40% state aid, which is very, very hard because people who don't understand the formula see a tax bill and say, "Well, mine goes up, so therefore the school district gets more money."

051That's not how it works. The reality is is that we get the same amount of money. It's just that how the soup is being made and how the ingredients are being provided is getting flipped on us. And it's mostly because the land values within our district continue to rise. and we do not have any input in that game unfortunately. So, um what this particular motion includes is your permission as a board to allow me to set that levy based off the revenue limit formula to our allowable amount. Um and once I have that information on the 15th of October, that will start to go into play. We've done it this way for for many many years in the district. the other options to come back and do a special board meeting because our next scheduled

052board meeting is November 10th. I have to have tax levy information to our municipalities by no later than first part of November. I want to say like November 3rd, I believe is the date, but it's needs to go out before our regular schedule. So, I'm willing to answer any questions around this particular item. Um, but we will continue to get information out to our community once I know that. Um, but this one is a is not what we want, but some of these factors are not in our control. >> But I would say that the 3.65 interest rate is >> that's next >> is pretty good, >> right? We'll get that one next. Yeah, that's the short >> or I'm not I'm getting ahead of myself. >> You are. >> We'll get to that one

053next. Um, this again, this item just allows gives the board permission for me to set the levy to the allowable amount. >> Okay. >> I make a motion that uh we let you set the allowable amount for the tax budget according to state policy. >> I'll second. >> Do your thing. >> This is also a roll call vote. So, Mr. Prost. >> Yes. Mrs. Brunett, >> yes. >> Mr. Collie, >> yes. >> Mr. Glanic, >> yes. >> Mr. Hirs, >> yes. >> Miss Johnson, >> yes. >> I vote yes. Motion passes. Now we'll get >> item H, a resolution authorizing temporary borrowing in an amount not to exceed $2.21 million pursuant to section 67.128A1, Wisconsin statute. Mr. Um, another annual process for us. So, we do short-term borrowing annually. Um, so this is a continuation

054of the work that we did in September. The board gave me permission to work with Ellers, who we've used in the past to go up for bid. Again, why we short-term borrow. Revenues come in waves. They do not come consistently month by month. So we have months where we have plenty of revenue and we have months where we don't have enough revenue to pay our bills, pay our staff, which for the most part are pretty consistent for month to month with some variability. Um so we went out to bid happy to report we got four bids um which is the most we've ever received in my time doing this. um the interest rate at the lowest and the recommendation is for Baird out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin to to choose them as our um short-term borrowing

055partner. The interest rate is 3.65%. Um everybody was in that general range. They were the lowest, the highest being 3.92%. Um so we would make this short-term borrowing for the 2526 school year. So essentially, we would get this money in the next few weeks. Um, and then we'd pay it back roughly this time next year, and that allows us to make sure that we can fund our shortfalls and pay our bills. >> And historically, I believe, hasn't Wendy put that into a a high yield type savings account to try to offset the interest rate? >> Yeah, we do the best we can, and she does an awesome job. and she always dislikes that she's unfortunately not here tonight for some other reasons, but um she does a very very good job of putting that money

056to work. Um we put her in our what we call our LGIP account, local government investment pool. So allows us to really move money on a functionally on a daily basis. Um so she does an awesome job of making sure that that money works for the district, works for the taxpayers, and we're getting returns on investment to offset the interest costs. So, this number is less than what it was last year. I believe it was about 4.2% last year, 3.65% this year. >> On what dollar amount last year, do you remember? >> Uh, that's another positive. Uh, it was just under $2.8 million if I remember correctly. Um, this year we're only needing $2.2 million. The goal is to eventually get to a point where we don't have to short-term borrow. That is going to

057be an ongoing process, but each year that you know it indicates the the fiscal health of our district if we can continue to try to decrease that. >> Any questions? >> What is the percent of schools that short-term? I think >> um you know it's it's it's 40 to 50%. Um, some schools don't have to do it for their fund balance allows them to float enough through the lean months to pay bills. That's our goal eventually is to do it, but it's it's a large chunk of school districts. To my knowledge, we've had to do this for 20, 30, 40 plus years. Uh, here in Maple, we used to do it on a monthly basis, which we do this on one fell swoop. Um, it's more it's more efficient and allows us to have that

058money work for us as opposed to doing almost like a line of credit with the bank. >> Any additional questions? I would entertain a motion. Um, and a second you want to get >> I'll make a motion that we shortterm borrow $2.2 million from the company. >> 2.21 million. Sorry, that's last say we got to make it right. >> I'll second it. >> The agenda and the board enhancement have different numbers. >> Yeah. So, which one is it? >> I got to look here real quick. It's 2.2. >> So, the one is a type of one, Mike. >> Yeah. Do you have that paperwork with you? >> I do. >> I think it's 2.2. Sorry about that, folks. I just want to make sure you got it right. It should be right on the cover

059page there, I think. Sorry, too. >> Yeah, we got to get it right. >> 2.2. >> There we go. >> All right. I apologize. >> That's good. >> Do it again, please. >> I make a motion that we uh short-term borrow $2.2 million from the Bay Company. >> I'll second it. Uh-huh. Again, money again. So, we're going to go around the room. Mr. Propes, >> yes. >> Mrs. Brunette, y >> Mr. Cowie, >> yes. >> Mr. Lanic, >> yes. >> Mr. Hersh, >> yep. >> Miss Johnson, >> yes. >> I vote yes. Motion passes. Don't spend it all in one place. >> Thank you very much. Uh, item six, the administrative report. Uh, we'll start with communications. Mr. Petrol. >> Um, you have your social media report with you. This is the the monthly report.

060We use uh schools for you social media. they they do a lot of work to make sure we're pushing out all the good stories that we have. Um so in total on Facebook we have over 4,200 followers and our average month monthly reach is roughly 18,700 um individuals or individual posts. Instagram is part of that as well. But we try to bring this to the board to make sure um they understand what we are trying to share. Our staff do a very good job of trying to take the time, take the pictures, put in the descriptions so our community can kind of understand what our what what's happening in our classrooms, what's happening with our extracurricular activities and have a connection to the district. So that is just there for your viewing pleasure. >> Just

061out of curiosity, who does all our Facebook, social media stuff? >> You can raise your hand, Jeff. >> Yeah. I manage it like the administrator, but all of our staff, they have an email address. They send it off to our social media people, which is what is their name? They go by two different names. So, I always get confused. It says social school for EU. Um, so that's one of the names that they go by, but they manage it all. Everything gets sent to them. They post it, you know, and then if they have questions or anything, >> they let me know. And then I have access to do e sort of things if something needs to get up and it's a weekend I can do that. >> But most of it's managed and handled

062by them. >> Okay. >> And and anybody could send you something and you might >> correct. >> Yep. >> Isn't that a uh a multi-year contract that we had signed? >> This is year two of three, I believe, if I remember correct. Yeah, I'm pretty sure on that. So, we got a one year one one year contract with them. So, it's an important tool. We don't necessarily have a staff member that has the ability to do that in their day-to-day oper operations. So, and it helps get some of the good positive stories out that we want to continue to get out in connection to people all across the world in some cases. >> It certainly gets used. >> Can I ask a quick question? Dan pointed out how how accurate do we think this school

063data is considering that has 635,000? I think there's typos. >> And then there's a Loyal, another district with an enrollment of 492 that is 200,000. >> I think those are typos. They have to be. >> That's what I'm thinking. >> Yeah, I can't speak to that unfortunately, but that's >> that's a typo. Yeah, >> it's a pretty good run if that's the case. I was going to say >> I saw that. >> Got a lot of time on social media front. If that's >> I know what they're not doing. pretty interesting topics there. >> I I I would tend to agree that that'd be a typo. There might be an extra digit there somewhere. >> But again, they provide us this information. Yeah, >> we of course look at where we sit as as ours

064and >> it's floated around that, you know, 15 to 20ish, thousand range. There's some variability for it for us. Want to continue to see it grow. Of course, that's that's good outreach in my humble opinion. Uh well then moving on uh item B pupil count for September 19th 2025 and the open enrollment report. Mr. Fel. >> Yep. Um another standard process. So third Friday count for us happened is literally what it says. Third Friday in September we and all districts across the state sit down and essentially count their the students that attend. And one would think that's a very very easy venture but um it is not. Um there's a lot of variability. We have what's called headcount, aka students that are walking through our door. Then we have enrollment and or membership. Um and

065that's two different factors. So we have our headcount, which is kids that are here. And then we add and subtract based off of are they open or rolled in, are they open or rolled out, are they students that are homeschooled but come in for a class or two, which we do offer and and welcome. um our students in preK um and or 4K are not counted as full FTE because they're not all day everyday programs. Um but I want to give kudos to a number of different people because this is not as easy as one would think it is. Uh Mary Ms. um and Barb Evans at elementary school, Gina Ha at I River Elementary School, Casey Moric, Kenny Star at the middle school, and then Aaron Winter, Trisha Buckmaster, Stacy Per, and then of

066course Jenny here all spend plenty of time to make sure this is accurate. It's one of the most important things we do. Um because the formula works out, the more students you have, the more revenue you get. So, we want to make sure that this is very accurate. Comparing this year to last year, it is virtually the same thing. Um, our our total membership for 2425. Last year was 1,217 students. Um, our headcount was 1,261 students. Um, this year our headcount is 1,259 students and then our membership was 1,215 students. So very close numbers. Um in a perfect world we're seeing seeing those grow. Um we are you know a far cry from where we were 8 10 years ago. We were in the 14s. Um but for the most part our enrollment has played

067out. To piggy back off of that, we also look at open enrolled in versus open and rolled out. When I reported on this uh at our last board meeting, those numbers were, as I'd indicated, very rough. Um they have adjusted as we expected them to. So that's there for your review as well. Um the good news is that we have more students coming to us than we have going out, which is what we want. Um we had an admin meeting today and had conversations around what do we continue to do to try to be attractive to our our families um that live within the school district of Maples. So good initial conversation. We anticipate more to come on this front as we, for lack of a better term, just try to offer what people are

068looking for within the the realm of possibility. We're not looking to create, you know, an online charter school that a student from Superior could enroll into. Um we're looking at what we might be able to offer to continue to recapture um roughly the 120 students, 125 students that are open rolled out of our district. In a perfect world, we have them all come to us. Some of them are open rolled for various reasons. We know that it's they live on a border and it's both parents work in the Twin Ports area. It's just easier for them. Um I know a few of those people and we have nothing bad to say about our district. It's that's the convenience for them and I understand that includ 100% but we always continue to try to look at

069what we can do better. the open enrolled in. What percent or is it all scattered through kindergarten through seniors or is it >> Yeah, we we have open enrolled in. We have open and rolled out in every grade level. >> Not just is more 80% is high schoolers. It's all just >> No, it's it's one of those charts. >> It is. So, if you look at and I'll show it to you. Um so if you look at the open enrolled pupil count document 2526 the resident additions column everybody see that one >> that is our open enrolled student out of population if that makes sense. So those are the students that and the 156 the non-resident reductions those are open enrolled students in why they're taken out of the formula and why you add them

070back in is because they fund open enrollment through a different still count >> because that's part of the head count and that's where the membership goes to. >> Is there something you're trying to bring to our attention with highlighters? >> Yep. So that's I want to get to that. We just try to look at numbers. So you know our largest class in terms of size essentially you'd asked about you know I asked do we do we see it across all grade levels the answer is yes we we have you know some growth in certain areas 11 four or excuse me 115kers 14 second graders and then the resident reductions those are excuse me the the three column there those are our homeschooled students that come to us for you know a block a day a

071class a day and we monitor that because we want to, you know, we have had some students that have been homeschooled that come in for a class and then ultimately end up becoming our students. Um, we want to continue to try to offer opportunities for our homesooled communities. Um, there are a number of families that do it. It's been generational and there's nothing wrong with that choice, but we do try to see if they are wanting to come to us and then we do get to count them if they of course show up as our student. Um, have we ever surveyed or are we able to survey the families open roll out? Just ask them what they like. >> So, this is going back. I'm looking to administrative team and trying to when we did

072that last >> uh so Dr. was still here and I can speak to the elementary level woman, but I was test at one point maybe 2122 and reached out personally to everybody that was going out at the elementary level. Got some feedback and a personal choice was a logistics looking for something different. So it was all over the place but certainly a timely conversation. I think the business man might talk to the superintendent about doing that again. >> Give him a kick in the room. Um, do we know how many students in the district or families in the district choose to homeschool? >> That we we have a number, but that number is variable is maybe the best way to put it. Is that fair to say, Miss Keller? >> Should be pretty. And what

073I mean by that is we don't necessarily we have what's called the homer system, believe it or not. That's literally what it's called, you know, >> which is ironic. Maybe a computer program. Have fun with that. But parents are supposed to enroll in the homework system if they have a homeschooled student. Now, is there checks and balances? Do we know that if student A that just moved in from wherever now lives in Maple and they're homeschooling? We don't know if that student exists. We ultimately don't know if that parent actually enrolls in. So that's why I talk about a little bit of variability. Um I don't remember what our homeschool count is. It's it's a >> current have 38 families with a total of 77 children. >> So it's it's a decent number, no doubt.

074>> And do we market to them for the opportunities? >> Well, that's part of that continued conversation about is there something we can offer? We do try to make sure and and in my experience, the homeschooled community is a tight-knit community. They do chat, they do talk. Um, and we have recaptured is not the right word. Um, but it's the only word I can think of right now some of those homeschooled students that have walked through our doors. Typically, it happens when the upper grade levels, you know, the middle school, high school age is when we see that. Not always 100% on that, but >> okay. >> Wasn't it a few years ago now? maybe where there was an opportunity for kids, homeschool kids to then start taking advantage of FIA classes, participate in sports.

075And I don't remember how long ago that was. >> Um, but I it wasn't that long ago. >> Five, seven years ago, longer than that, >> something like that. But when I >> I think I think your time frame is pretty accurate because we started seeing quite a few at the elementary level. So when that opportunity happened for homeschool, I I think that community even being tight-knit started going, "Well, I they do play we'll participate in this sport and then um and you're right. I I guess families that I know that did that started at the high school level where they would somebody participated in a in a sport and then it was like well you know maybe they can take this one class and then well and then next thing you know all of

076the kids are participating in school full-time. So I I think that was a good move from whoever >> whoever came up with it but >> state law state. Yeah. Yeah. But I mean it was a it was a good move. >> Yeah. It it's helped. I you know I don't have the actual count of students that have started in the home school ranks and ultimately have come back to us, but we all have examples in our heads of of students that we have. So um the take-home message is this. Our enrollment continues to remain fairly stable from one year to the next. Um, but we're always looking at ways to increase it because every student matters for us and it does for every every district. So, >> well, it's I I I would say next

077year it it's concerning looking at the current size of the senior class and the current size of 4K. >> Correct. >> The the swing that you're going to have there is pretty significant coming. Well, I'm just looking at the last, you know, two full, you know, kindergarten and first grade in there in the 70s. >> Yeah. >> And I don't know if that's um really unusual or I mean >> it's it's some of the sign of the times that we're seeing. Um I I don't believe historically we've had classes of 110ish give or take. um those have slowly faded into classes of roughly 100 that have slowly faded into classes of roughly 90 80 and now we're starting to see at least short term here in the sevens. So um you've heard me talk about

078this in the past 75% of the districts in in in the state have been declining enrollment. Maple's no different. Um we are playing it out but Mr. Lambert brings up a valid point. you know, from the total count, you look at the classes going out and you hope to replace them with the same number of the classes coming in. And as you all see on the chart there, that is not certainly the case. Um, which is some of the reason why we've tried to adjust as best as we possibly can with with staffing, with living within our means, but >> in the past, it's it's really easy if that happens. [Music] start a failing program here. Retention program >> Bring them all back. You must have a list. You want to see them all. >>

079So, this is this is work that we continue to do and continue to try to adjust and live within our means. But I will tell every board member and any community member that wants talking about this, it's not as simple as, well, you had a 100 students, now you have 75, so therefore you should decrease by, you know, 25%. With your costs, with your layout, it never happens that way because those 25 kids are dispersed amongst all four of our buildings. So, we're talking about cuts, when we're talking about this type of stuff, it costs the same amount of money for the bus to go down the road with 50 kids in it as it does for 15. Um, that's where it becomes tough and difficult to shrink as a school district. Take home points

080enrollments flat. We always look for ways to continue to increase that no matter what the mean. So, no formal motion. It is just information for the board. Thank you, sir. Uh item C, the fall regional one meeting uh tomorrow, October 14th at 2025, a landing at Best Western Hotel Shawamagan 6 o'clock. I would uh I don't know who else signed up. >> Um yeah, I will talk to those after the meeting here just to see if we want to ride together, if we want to be down there, but it's conversation that we'll figure out logistics once we wrap up this meeting. >> Uh item D, the district maintenance report. um I believe is now Mr. Amos. Do you happen to have I don't know if he had in here. Didn't see it. Where are we

081at with the uh hot water? We I'm happy to report we have a hot water heater that is that is working. Um by no small what we have, as you guys have heard me talk about, we have a we have a we don't have any redundancy. We have one hot water heater that serves this entire building. I do not like that. um because um stuff breaks and the the reason why it was down so long for this particular round, it is getting up in age. It's, you know, the original to this building. Um and parts are getting harder and harder to find and longer. It takes longer and longer to get. So, um we have worked to get it put together. I'm still going to work with providers to see if we can get some

082kind of redundancy set up and what that may or may not cost. So, that's the work that Mr. Amos is is doing directly and then we're having a lot of conversations about that because I I don't like being in a boat where if it does break, I know it's going to be at least a few days to get parts and we can only stock so many things. But as of right now, we've been good for the last four or five days. I can't remember when I came on board, but there were two very, very happy people. Our kitchen and our home at class. which is brought back this year which >> Yes. Right. So, hot water. >> Yeah. I I do have one question on the report. You mentioned clogged toilets at the high school.

083Was this because of some stupid activity or do we know? >> Um there's no there's more to come on that one that we're still trying to >> to troubleshoot. It is a ancillary bathroom that is not one of our main bathrooms which we're thankful for. But uh the short answer that I'm getting right now is looking like we have a collapsed pipe and it's a slab on grade part of the building >> and I'm still gathering more information. >> I was worried it had to do with that toilet paper issue that >> Yeah, >> boy. That sounds uh >> does not impact our main student bathrooms. It's cost. >> What are you thinking? Keep my toilet paper myself. >> You got to get that Scots, you know, paper thin, you know. >> You got to

084use it. That's a close discussion. >> 800 >> some stories around that some of you. >> All right, enough of that. All right. >> Any other maintenance questions? >> Good. >> All right. Item E, donations, Mr. Fetch Cutter. >> We have a series of donations. Um, so we want to thank the following individuals. Uh, Lori Anderson donated eight new winter coats to NES. We're getting to be that time of year, unfortunately. Yep, it's coming. Uh, Kim, sorry donated three gently used coats and three gently used snow pants. And I don't want to speak for Mr. Larby, but I believe those are used often. >> Absolutely. when we get to that time of year. Um Mary Ray and donated 10 new blankets to students for students to use and 25 ice pack covers. Uh Texas Roadhouse

085of Duth um they donated kids meals to first graders at NES that met their reading goal for September. Carlson Orthodontics orthodontists uh donated to a braces box. I had to ask what that was, so I learned something new, but it definitely helps our students with braces, and we have a number of them. Um, and then Tiger Nutrition had a $5 off coupon to students who met their reading goal in October. Over at Iron River, Dan Prell, $50 for the IRDS Angel Fund and Hannah Nelson donated tissues and cleaning wipes over there. So, we thank her and them. Uh, NMS, Carlson Orthodontics, Braces Box, and then Rachel and Jason Deathridge donated flowers for the front office. At NHS, Classics by the Lake donated $500 to Tiger Manufacturing. And the Young Athletes Foundation donated eight vouchers for

086running shoes that are valued at eight or excuse me, at $100 each for a total of 800 bucks. Uh, and then districtwide donations. Trinity Lutheran Church donated $1,310.94 to the Angel Fund and Classics by the Lake donated $500 to the Angel Fund. So, we are certainly very, very thankful to all our communities, all our supports that we have that help us meet the needs that come through our doors each and every day. And I know that angel fund, I think, didn't Dr. Crony put that in place. Um so and it it's nice to see that it it actually gets so much donated toward it. >> Hopefully it helps those families. >> I know it's a huge support to our a lot of our families who go through a lot of tough times that we don't

087necessarily always see out there in the community. So thank you to everybody on that. >> All right. Item F, the WASB correspondent legislative report. View the enhancement for details. But I believe Miss Brunette is going to share with us. >> Yes. Um, the state capital isn't seeing activity picking up lately, including on a number of bills that have an impact on K12 education and schoolboard operations. The assembly was in session October 7th and another session scheduled for Tuesday, October 14th. The Senate so far has not been in session since the budget passed in early July, but is expected to return to session also on October 14th. Dual enrollment bill designed to alter regulations and promote access is now circulating um for approval. In essence, the bill sets out to establish a new council on dual

088enrollment. So, this is for high school college credit through the Department of Workforce Development. Um, fun fact, the WSB would be required to appoint a member to the council under the bill. Um, which alters the way credits are transferred between institutions, changes deadlines to enroll in these programs, and requires new notifications that school boards must deliver to families. Um, essentially, it sounds like they are trying to expand uh the capability of dual enrollment. So, those kind of start college now credit expansion. um federal government uh shutdown and the impact on Wisconsin schools um from DPI um updating us on potential impact of federal government shutdown um could have on programs and operations. At this point, there are four key p key points for us to know. Um the Wisconsin Department of Public Institution remain will

089maintain operations during any federal government shutdown. Most federal education funds granted to local education agencies other than impact aid and school meals were provided in July August and LEAs are currently drawing down those funds. The DPI will continue to pay LEA's claims uh reimbursement for most federal grants submitted during the shutdown. Um the DPI will re reach out to eleas that will be affected by impact aid. Um, and then number four, the DPI will be able to pay September claims on school meals and will await further information for the United States Department of Agriculture for the future. >> They get their stuff together soon. >> We run a month behind on the food service claims thankfully, so we'll feel better about that. But right now, we don't feel an impact here in Maple, but if

090it were to continue, there's a possibility. that. Thank you for that report. Item G, the CISA 12 report. Mr. Prost, uh, the CISA 12 board of control met on 7 September 16th, 2025. Um, administrator updates. Uh, Nick Madison advised that he's been dealing with legislative things happening lately. Things coming from the state level, he says, are not likely to come to any action in many cases. So, don't get excited was the short version. Um, CISA leadership and consultants participate in CES University last week in WASA. All 12 CISAs were represented and participated in training on professional learning standards and providing good customer service. Uh, Melissa F provided an update on several literacy topics for our schools since September is literacy month. >> You know, it's not fetch cart. It is not fetch fetch cutter fetal

091catcher. >> Yeah, fetch whatever. Um, Wisconsin is almost a full year into implementation of the early literacy screening screener and other act 20 requirements. Districts are getting valuable information about how their students build literacy skills and how strengthen some of these skills were needed. Changes the updates to the screener that have happened over this first year have been well received. Other related initiatives keys to beginning writing and keys to beginning content writing were discussed. CISA is providing a variety of learning opportunities for teachers ac across the spectrum of experience and lenture. Um other items the project to replace the flat part of the CISA building roof is in progress and on target to be completed before the winter before winter this year. This would be covered in the CISA building budget. The board approved additional

092pro project to remove wallpaper through the throughout the CISA 12 building, repair walls, the paint walls, and newly installed doors. This is covered by the CISA building budget as well. Thank you. Was that part of Maya, this might be a question for you. When they bought that building, didn't didn't they have like a three to five year plan to update that building? Is all that part of that? >> They're still on. There was some stuff in between that came out today. Yeah, they just came out with a we just approved a new building plan in the last three months ago, two months ago. Um I hadn't heard about the one under when it was done on Maya >> was there, but um they do have a list of we they've updated the plan at least.

093>> All right. Item eight, student staff and community recognition. Is that you going to do that, Mr. Petron? >> Yes. Um I want to get down sorry that part of the page. So this is important. Uh the following teachers we just want to recognized for partnering with students from UMD and UWS. Essentially they host and supervise onboarding teachers almost like a practical experience. So this isn't this isn't student teaching but this is something that the programs are pushing out. Miss Craig, Mr. Laravey, I'm trying to lean on you guys as to I don't know. It's it's a short window of time. Correct. Yes. So throughout their course of their journey in college in becoming a teacher, there's different stages. Um and so some of them include they have to come out simply do observations, x

094amount of hours, might be 30, might be 60. Um then they move to kind of more of a hands-on and then they're moving to more of a practicum internship student teaching. So it's a scaffolded approach. Um, and I know that the local universities have really reached out to us and said first and foremost, they have just an incredible amount of teachers from all over the state um that are going to school at these universities who want to teach or want to to learn from the best of the best in Naples. So, I think that's a compliment. Um, and it gets harder and harder for teachers to take on uh these students because it is a lot of additional work. Um, and so we know there's a shortage, I continue to say it, of 300,000 teachers

095in the United States and 3,000 in Wisconsin. So when a teacher in Maple says, "Sure, I'll do this. I'll help another student." Um, enjoy the passion of education and and teach them here in awesome. So, um, as administrators, we want to take a moment and and smooth those efforts and thank them for all that extra work, um, and putting highly qualified teachers in classrooms around the country. So, we talked about this this morning and it's it's our small way to try to attract new staff. So, teachers that are that have been involved with this to this point, Morgan Pollson, Britney Woodward, Craig Anderson, Lexi Bulier, Dane Evansson, Bonnie Melisa, Allison Melddy, Jeff Olsen, Katie Thompson, Charlie Hessel, Felicia Hall, Norby, and Rebecca Ratundo. So, thank you goes out to all of those folks to uh

096try to help our our next generation as they walk down. >> Mr. Funn, if I can add, that's also our our current list. We have >> Mrs. Walsh's here today representing. She signed up today for one in the spring. So, we have a very good representation at both of the buildings at High School. It's great to have so many leaders that brought those young teachers with us. Thank you to them and thank you to our admin team who have helped work this as well too. So it's a fairly new program but something we feel like is important >> and it directly supports and correlates with one of our board goals as Mr. Potter said which is to retain our our current teachers and also attract new so we can give them the door and they

097do instantly fall in love with so that's that's what's important for our >> cool beans. All right. Item H. Reports from Northwestern Elementary and Iron River Elementary Schools, the Northwestern Middle School, Northwestern High School athletics and activities director, director of special education. I would suspect you all uh went through that and read everything and retained all of it. >> Maybe a quiz later. >> Quiz later. Um >> I do have a question if I can. Yeah, absolutely. So, come back to see uh we're looking at describe here. I appreciated the breakdown. You went through the boards and then you put actual items against that for your school. That's great. Loved it. Um the one thing that caught my attention I wanted to ask you to comment on is um it's in the mental health category

098and the action was to provide students with a dedicated adult mentor. Can you just share a little bit about what that looks like? >> Yeah, it's been something we've been dialoguing about and just you know um when students are sharing kind of their needs um recognizing whether or not we have in the building that that could maybe lean into that need and then reaching out um to those staff members and willing um to help and support in that manner. So um something we're we're working on and it's new in most phases but trying to you know call to action. Is your pool of adults that you're pulling from is it just within like employees of the district or are you looking at communities or what do you what >> I'm open to any options. So

099whatever we can do best for our students but currently yeah looking at at the inside our building right now and then reaching out to those folks anyone serving in any class but again I'd like to of course expand our >> Yeah, I think that's that's really good. Thank you. And that's that's not my idea. That's uh the the ideas of of our our staff members and bringing that to fruition. So I think especially Mrs. Coffman and Mrs. Wallik and and our teachers who've answered that call, our all of our staff um we've answered that call. >> Thank you. >> Yes, sir. All right. And now our student reps. What do you have for us today? >> Come on. >> I thought I'd start by introducing myself because I was at the last meeting, but I'm

100Lauren Mita and I'm the other student rep. And tonight I'll be talking to all of you about how our sports are doing in the school. So, I want to start with the football season. So, the Northwestern Tigers are currently undefeated and this last Friday they took on the Ashen Ordockers for a homecoming game. This game was uh pink out. So, the football team wore pink socks to raise awareness for breast cancer. The score of the game was 49-0. Um, some individuals last weekend, Tyson Teal achieved 1,000 rushing yards after the game in Bloomer. Ethan Harms, one of the senior captains, tied the school record for four touchdowns in one game. This record um has been previously held for 52 years by Roger Smith. And over the weekend, Ethan Harms also committed to Dort University to

101continue his education and football journey. Uh, moving on to volleyball. We're currently 19 and8, including non-conference games, and we are projected to win this week's games, putting us at the second seed in the region. And if we win these two games, uh, we would tie the record for 20 wins, which currently only six teams have done in the school. Shelby Hessel is leading the Tigers in kills and digs. She currently has 275 kills and 337 digs on the season. Following her with digs is Jenna Croer with 305 digs. Um, and then Addy Harms and Savannah Moore both have 137 kills. The Tiger captain said that we have a team, a strong team, and we all get along very well. It helps form a good team dynamic. Uh last weekend we traveled to a tournament in

102Bloomer where the competition was tough, but we came out with a winning record of three and two. And tomorrow night we will host a senior night and a dig pink night. And we will have a miracle minute during the game to raise money for breast cancer research. And for every fan wearing pink, our program will donate $1 to breast cancer research. Um and then the cross country team, the boys team is shaping up nicely with four guys neck andneck leading the team. uh Lex Gadarian, Hunter Ferguson, Liam Gort, and Maverick Alholm. The girls team has been led by Sophie Navaro and Claire Jano. And the girls are looking at coming out third or fourth tomorrow in their conference meet. Uh while the boys are estimated to come out on top, uh they have a very

103young team, but very strong. And um both teams are looking at performing well in uh the conference meet as well as regionals. And then the girls golf team just finished their season. They advanced from regionals to sectionals and Reagan led the team all season along with Grace Schmidt. And at sectionals they both golfed in 97. And then as for cheerleading, the cheerleaders put on an amazing halftime show during the homecoming game as well as traveling to school um to the school, so like the middle school to celebrate homecoming week, and they also did this performance there. Uh they also continue to support the football team throughout their season of wins. Uh the team captains, Isabelle Staria and Jillian Alen, said they have a close-knit team that grows together by team bonding, whether it be learning

104new routines or making banners. And now I'm gonna pass now on to Evan to talk about clubs. >> Um, so just some activities that have been going on within like the last month, month and a half. So I think it was um September 16th, the seniors were sent on a field trip to WS for a college fair where we were able to like walk around, talk to vendors, get information and pamphlets on how to like apply for these colleges. Um, next, um, for like DECA, we're actively fundraising with candy boxes with, um, to pair with like the Halloween holiday season, but also preparing, um, preparing for our ELC conference, which we talked about a bit earlier. FBLA, which was also here, um, has had a couple meetings discussing their competition along with FFA, which also

105kind of gave the rundown on that. um which they have also like been in charge of our concessions which they've done it for all of our football games, the powder puff game we held on Friday for our homecoming and one volleyball game. Our FCCLA program is currently selling socks to raise money and for every two packs they sell, they donate one pair from our Douglas County Center against sexual abuse, sexual and domestic abuse, excuse me, and the surrounding area. And this year marks the 20 years of the FCCLA's Thanksgiving basket drive. So they're going like big with their preparations and along with that they're also getting prepared for their competition season. Our drama one act um competition is approaching in these coming weeks. They're performing their small actress play at the high school on October

10624 on sorry 23rd and if they advance from there they're competing um in Oaklair on November 5th and they're still set to put on their shows on live action on November 18th. So this past weekend our national honor societ some national honor society members went to Ashland for the whistle stop race. It consists of 5k 10k half marathon and full marathon. They sat and gave out water to the runners and sorry I can't for about four to five hours till it concluded. And then last week, our student council hosted our dress up days for homecoming. And we continued with our traditions of court games, Macho Man, and Powder Puff. And then obviously tailgating, which if any of you were there, it's been it was fantastic. A lot better than the previous years. We had food

107trucks, we had um face painting, the car show, the truck show, and it was it was a lot of fun. Um and then continue off that um our band was has been very busy this year. They prep they were doing pep band for ball games and they've been prepping for the Apple Fest performance. Um so for the last month they've been practicing memorizing their marching routine in the gym and in the parking lot and from what I've like heard from the gym and parking lot. They sounded great. Um and they also played at halftime. They went out and performed in front of the crowd and they did a great job. Um, our amnesty group has met a couple of times and they made a poster for um, National Band Books Week. And they'll also be

108sending eight people on a field trip to UWS for our changemakers convention where young people discuss important world and local issues. And then tomorrow, our mental health club meeting will sorry, our mental health club will be hosting its first meeting and everyone welcome to go and just like have a safe space to talk. And that's really all I got for you. >> Any questions for us? Didn't the uh students dress up on Friday night as well at the football game? [Music] >> I see you at every game dressed to the nine of us. >> I really like football. >> We could tell. >> I can't remember. Now, did you mention maybe I missed it the thing that was held in the evening for the vaping? Oh no, I did not. But all I knew um

109that fact has been putting up like a stand in our commons area during our lunch periods where they can have like students sign like pledges against anything. I wasn't quite aware of the convention. >> Yeah. So the fact organiz event right here in the auditorium and they have uh some Mr. Smith was there. >> There's the D County Drug Prevention Coalition. >> Yeah. Has gotten a grant. They're doing a variety of things. This is one of the things that they reached out and brainstorm with us about an anti- vaping kind of Q&A. >> Yeah. >> Presentation. We also got a speaker coming in on August 21st paid for by then. This is a national speaker that's coming to soul us soul and superior the same day with it's a you know the harms of THC

110>> harmful effects of THC especially on young people that's this is the national speaker I don't know if they paid for it but it's going to be pretty good >> when is that >> week from Tuesday week from like right first thing in the morning they're doing us they're coming here first and soul then disappear so 8 8:15 next week from Well, I thought the I thought the information they provided was was very informative. Um, and I wish it would have been uh better attended. Um, but I thought it was I thought it was a really good >> We're trying to do the same parachute conferences so we could get some people there and get some more people at our conferences. >> Yeah, >> we're trying to trying to blend them together. And I think

111what's important, the takeaway for me anyhow is the willingness for this organization and even uh the guy from Oclair, he was a he's in law enforcement and his focus is on drug prevention and things and um he he really wants to just collaborate, you know. So I thought that was really good for us to pick. >> I hear there's something different. And I know they at conferences in the past they've done like what like bedroom >> drug room >> whatever you want to call it >> similar >> hiding in plain sight or something. >> Yeah something like that. >> The gentleman was from the department Wisconsin department of revenue a special agent for the office of criminal investigation. What they're trying to do is they're trying to keep an eye on the retailers that are

112selling these items. >> What they're what his job is. >> Yeah. I thought it was >> Yeah. He's less interested in catching the kids that are using but more the people that sell. >> Yeah. [Music] >> Where'd you get it from? Tell us. But >> yeah, >> they're not walking in the store 14 or somebody else. But maybe not. Maybe they are. >> Maybe they are. >> And getting I don't know. That's their job. That's his job. >> It's always the money, you know. Isn't that how they got Capone? You follow the money. >> I'll follow the money. >> All right. Any other questions? All right. Thank you very much. >> Fantastic job on your reports. Uh item seven, comments from the audience. Uh now that we have concluded the business of the board, we

113will end the live stream.