001just drop it on my desk. Then let's call this meeting to order at 7 p.m. Welcome everybody. Um, all right. We've got some consent agenda items. Minutes from the June 16th schoolboard meeting. Um, general fund vouchers and purchasing card transactions. Um, you want me to read the the voucher numbers and everything? Is that right? >> I did. >> Okay. Um, >> please. So, the general fund vouchers and purchasing card transactions is the request for approval of general fund vouchers 184075 through 184328 and 293358 through 293412 and purchasing card transactions dated May 21 of 25 through 620 of 25. Um, also part of the consent agenda is certified staffing recommendations. Um, some co-curricular staffing recommendations. All right. So, I would request an action on all of those items. >> I move to accept the consent agenda
002as >> All right. Huie, >> I can second. >> Chapman. All in favor? >> I can. >> I >> can I share a few things? Um, yes, that's right. You did say that you wanted to >> I did. Okay. >> So, one of the things the board has said is that, you know, routinely you uh approve these these expenditures and that we'd like to provide just more information summaries um a little information both for you and for the public because it is a lot of information that you receive on expenditures and it's hard to make um sense of it. So, so most often we have a a common set of information that is provided and uh that includes you know the the vouchers, the accounts payable on different expenditures and revenues. And so I I
003wanted to just summarize a little bit of some of the things that you'll see on this one. So, in terms of account payable vouchers, we're crossing into two fiscal years because our fiscal year ends on June 30th. It's a relatively light uh purchasing period for the the district. Um you do have some year-end expenses such as transportation. Um we did have a large purchase as part of our cycle of replacing um technology which we we plan out well in advance. We had 800 Chromebooks that uh were purchased as part of that. Um we also had our first half of insurance payments that were processed and then our annual renewals for some of our software um that kind of run behind the scenes at Campus and Skyward. In terms of uh payroll, this was a a
004very large expenditure as it is at the end of a fiscal year. The reason is is that teachers um can choose to receive multiple payments at the end of June to cover through their July and August till they get their first paycheck in 2025 and 26. And so that's a pretty significant project. So thanks to Corey Caling in payroll for her work on that. You also have what we call BEIMO transactions and that's our credit card. So, we're allowed to use um a credit card system instead of a purchase order um system that used to be used and it's really efficient and one of the things it does is it provides a rebate for us um which was uh $27,000. You'll see that on there. Um, also you'll see on those transactions purchasing some computers
005for the an upgrade project in our our teched computer lab. And then lastly, um, re receipts, a lot of um receipts turned in this time of year at the end of the the fiscal year. So, um, and then you also you have you have all these um revenues that come in, excuse me, at the end of the year. And so that's when we finally get so open enrollment, you just have to count the kids all through the year that are open enrolled and how many days they attend and all that. And that's when we get our reimbursement for students that are are open enrolled. Um, and that includes the students from the virtual school. They're open enrolled and then we'll pass that information or that information that money on to on to WEA. So, you
006know, just about $51 million. So, um, a little bit of money with $45 million going onto the virtual school for that. And then we get our tax payments and general claim revenues. So, wanted to share that. That's probably more detail than we probably will typically share, but provide that information to you. It's a busy unique time of year for for accounts pay. >> So, will this be done just this one time a year or typically are you going to start doing this more often? >> I'll do that. I'll do that anytime that you have those on your consent agenda. Okay. Um >> but what I will say is that some of the things that that are included tonight are a bit unique for this time of year and so they won't be shared. But yeah.
007>> Yeah. Anyway, I liked it. I thought it was very nice. >> Yeah, this is through all of it and you're like, but what does this mean? Right. >> Right. Right. >> Yeah. This was you and um I think >> Chad, >> right? And some people in the business office have been working on this and um this is great. It's just kind of a one pager that get you bring those the key takeaways. So, thank you all for creating it. >> No, we'll try to get it to you as soon as we can. It's just kind of wait till the last minute so that when you approve them, they're the most recent things. So, >> that's great. Um, so I think just to close the loop on it, sorry I skipped over that. Um, but
008so I took the vote for all in favor and just so we're on the same page. Any opposed? Okay, so consent agenda passes. Um, okay. So let's move on, I think. Then we've got our any public comments, Angie? >> Okay. All right. All right. So then we've got ourformational items starting with CISA 2 delegate convention update from >> Yes, Meredith. >> Awesome. >> Were we going to do the crime statistics? >> No, that got >> No, that's coming. >> It's coming. >> It is coming. >> It's not an action item. It's >> No, I understand that. It'sformational. What's that? >> It's information. >> Oh, my bad. >> Oh, it is. I think. Yeah, we might have two different Oh, we might have swapped them around. >> It doesn't matter. >> Sorry, I was looking at
009the wrong one. >> Well, >> you two want to duke it out? You want to do >> No, I'm not duking. >> Okay. >> Anything out tonight? >> All right. >> I decline. >> Then we should follow the agenda. Erin, would you like to start with the 202425 new crime statistics report? >> I would love to start with that. So, um, Wisconsin, um, uh, Act 12 created a reporting requirement related to public high schools in the state of Wisconsin. And so, uh, what it requires is that we report to both you and then to the Department of Public Instruction certain types of crimes that have occurred on school property or at school events, regardless of who committed them. >> Okay? So, it may or may not be our students. It could be an adult. Um
010it is just information that they want to collect about criminal activity at school in certain categories. And so um this is our first year doing this. So you can expect this to happen annually. So, we looked back at the data working with uh local authorities, things we've been notified throughout the year, as well as a year-end report that um officer Seitsmo was able to obtain. The categories that we report on are homicide, sexual assault, burglary, robbery, theft, battery, substantial battery or aggravated battery, arson, use of possession, use or possession, excuse me, of alcohol controlled substance or controlled substance analog, a possession of a firearm in violation of statute, and then the violation of a municipal ordinance related to disorderly conduct. So, you can see those included in your report. Um, you know, I anticipate just
011kind of looking forward that um the report that you um have in your packet is similar to what we'll typically receive. Um, for example, you see five violations of um municipal ordinance related to disorderly conduct. That will typically be our highest one as it was um this past year. Is this all public information? >> It's well, it's public record because we're sharing it with you, but we don't um send it out, >> right? >> Okay. >> To the public and you know, not that they couldn't request it and get it, of course. >> Um but it's not something that you're required to send out to the public. >> I just have one question about the sexual assault. Aren't there various degrees of that? Do we know anything about that other than just >> and that's
012not reported. I don't need to report it or >> No, we don't have to report >> Okay. >> any of the details. It's just a number. They're just tracking the number. >> I I wasn't sure. >> Yeah. And of course, I can't >> obviously I know that. Obviously, you're not going to talk any details. I just was wondering >> if the public knows like this. >> How did these numbers compare to years past? >> I don't know. >> Just to be honest, I I anticipated someone might ask me that question. because we've never done this report before. We haven't gone back to to look. I think >> Okay. Just curious about trends or what not, but not >> I think if there were >> alarming things in there >> that might be something that you'd
013discuss, but >> typically it's just how many incidents. >> Yeah. Yeah. I don't >> Well, like you said, they may or may not involve students or staff, >> right? >> Yeah. >> Even >> correct. >> So, um incident be a part of multiple ones like >> sorry I didn't mean to cut you off but I mean record short I understand your question so I'll give you an example >> two kids get into a conflict that's two separate citations so it's a matter of um you know like there's a a thing in exchange and they both get cited for disorderly conduct Okay, >> that's that counts in your five. >> That would be two of your five. >> Sorry to cut you off. >> You got my question. >> Yeah. >> So then, and that I
014feel like this is probably obvious, especially given the great reporting that comes out of your office, but in future years, we'll probably have comparative numbers like we'll present prior year. Okay. >> Yeah. At least >> there be able to identify trends going. >> I'm a big Law and Order fan. What can I say? >> The TV show. The TV show, not actual. >> And Law and Order. You're in favor of Law and Order. >> Yes. >> Thank you for the report. >> Yes. That's good. >> Yes. >> All right. Thank you. Any other discussion on that item? >> Okay, then let's go on to 5B, the CISA 2 delegate convention update. Apologies for mixing all that up. >> Um, so I wrote down what I want to say so that I stay on point and
015on task. >> Um, so I'm sorry if this sounds rehearsed. It's not rehearsed. It's just written down. So I guess kind of rehearsed, but um, so on in Whitewater on June 17th, um, I attended the CISA 2 2025 delegate convention. Um, and for those of you that don't know or don't remember, um, CISA stands for Cooperative Education Service Agency. A lot of words. Um, and our participation in CISA helps our district with shared cost-saving opportunities like vendor partnerships, um, professional development, um, ondemand support and also supports statewide collaboration between districts that are in your CISA. Um, we are in CISA 2 of 12. Um, one of 74 districts in our region. Um districts are then subdivided into clusters and we're in cluster C along with DeForest, Madison, and Manona Grove. Um so I got the
016opportunity to meet board members from Madison and Manona Grove. Um and a large huge thank you to um past board member Tom Mooney for serving as cluster C representative um to the board of controls for the past two years. So, CISA 2 also has a board um and he sat on that board. Um and usually it's a three-year term. Um during the evening, Trish Copen, the executive director of the Office of School Safety, um with the Wisconsin Department of Justice, presented um our keynote. It was a great opportunity for me to hear and understand all the resources um the majority of which are free, which is outstanding um that the office provides to districts. Um part of their office success was the statewide implementation for which our district participates um and speak up speak out.
017Um we use this um for see something say something um which is directly linked and accessed on our website just a little plug. Um and there's also the 247 moniitored phone line. Um, since the inception of SUSO in 2020, the entire state has had 18,000 reports, give or take. Um, most of which are bullying related, which I thought was interesting. Um, these reports are vital because the data shows that 82% of school shootings um appear new beforehand. So, we reviewed the pathway to violence model um that kind of offenders don't ever snap. they did make an active decision >> um and re really reinforced our district's commitment to violence prevention and all of our school safety planning. >> So, um a little bit of a side note um on our district's financial responsibility um is
018we do um use the department's um free e-learning on the foundations of targeted violence prevention um which we all completed as schoolboard members prior to um starting our um positions. Um, and one interesting thing in case you have questions, there's been a big increase in online extortion cases, which I thought was interesting. So, um, maybe just a call out of, um, watching our kiddos and social media. Um, it has some pretty large lasting effects. Um, additionally, there's a state statute that requires our district to annually submit our safety plan, which we do. Um what's key in that is when we talk about prevention um there's no single one thing um that will fix or solve public um school safety um which is understandable um which is why our school safety plan is very comprehensive um
019using prevention training um to really guide human judgment and assistance um and part of our safety plan is also a process for reunification. So, Mr. T and Officer Zma's video um about what that process is is key. Um and I think is currently available on our district website or will be shortly. Um and I guess a call for action, if you will, um because I figure with everything we learn, we need to do something with it. Um is that office of school safety depends on of course state funds and federal grants. Um, and this funding is due to expire at the end of September. Um, so a request again from from my side of the room um is please um reach out to your state legislators. Um, we use their services um and need them
020to continue to invest in our district. Um, and for example, if we don't continue to have access to the free services that they provide are speak up, speak out or see something, say something. um would cost the district approximately $10,000 annually. So, they help us save money. Um so, asking your state legislator to support that office is important. So, lots of interesting information um that I took away, especially as a first-time board member, um that I thought was very um pertinent. Um and they only meet once a year unless you're on the board of controls that meets monthly. So, No more additional update from that until next year. >> Next year. Um, but they have a great website which includes a lot of resources and professional development stuff. So, um, yeah, there's >> awesome. Thank
021you. >> Yeah, that was >> that was great. >> Wow. >> Thank you. >> I I will add if I may. >> Of course. >> Yes. But just because an update since you're that, you know, with the bianial budget, >> Yes. The office of school safety is funded for two more years. >> They are just looking for permanent funding so they don't have to continue to do that. Um and I think they added the funding that was provided in the state budget I think added 13 more positions. That's what's on the top of my head. So >> Okay. >> And wasn't there a proposal at one time that the they go by the OSS, right? offices um that their funding was tied to like >> gun sales or something. >> I don't know. >> I
022think there was. Yeah, >> maybe >> like that some of that revenue would be used to help keep things safe. >> Like a portion, right? >> Yeah. So, that's I don't know. I don't know if >> I've not heard that, but >> I feel like they would have said that if that had gone through successfully. So, >> interesting. Okay, that was a great update. Thank you, Meredith. Okay. Any other questions or comments? >> And I do have the presentation in someone. Thank you. If someone, >> you know, gets bored, >> I have it. >> Okay. >> Share. >> Awesome. All right. Um, next on the agenda, school district village board joint planning committee update. I believe that's >> Yeah, I can mention >> Oh, thank you, Bruce. >> I might ask you guys chirp in
023if you'd like. Um, it was basically the the big thing we talked about seemed to me was the impact of the state budget on the village and on the district. And I know again Erin, you talked about it. You had that handout and I assume that's >> Yeah, I'll be sharing that a little bit in more detail during my report tonight. >> I mean, because both the village and the district are in a sense kind of under the gun by relying so much so heavily on on property taxes. Um and then the village there was an update on on goal setting and capital improvement improvement and uh really the last thing that we covered were the topics of mutual interest and any updates on what we're already working together and again I would kind of
024like Meredith just encourage the the public you know it's really great that the village and the district actually tries to work you know jointly together to uh to try to share services. And so again, if people have suggestions or whatever, you should contact us and we can bring them up. So our our next meeting is September 9th at 4 p.m. So I don't know if you guys want to add anything. >> No, it was a lot of going through budgets. So >> Right. >> Yeah. Steal your >> No, don't steal my thunder. Don't uh Yeah, a lot of detail too. It was interesting to learn about how the bianial budget impacts the village as well because we I I'm very focused on the school part of course. So it was very interesting to to hear
025that and the different grant opportunities and things that they have access to as a result of what's approved. >> I guess one thing I would add is um Matt, our village administrator really um he said he went to the state to give testimony. I think at your point about um training and recruitment and retention for EMT personnel, >> I think that included maybe some fire safety um just interesting. It's nice to know that we're advocating for what we need in our village for that perspective, too. So, yeah, >> it's true. >> We ended that meeting. [Laughter] >> It's true. you don't really the funding model is similar but not exactly the same. >> But it's interesting how in the long run like municipalities are having to go to referendum because of it, >> you know,
026and that's just a lot to put on the taxpayers. >> Yeah. And it's frustrating because we can contact our local legislator >> and it probably isn't going to make a whole lot of difference. it's the, you know, the more rural um in certain parts of the state that, you know, they're controlling the the legislature and there's not a whole lot we can do. But there are other formulas that we could be using as a state to fund both schools and the >> and uh they want to just have the people complain about their property taxes and the referenda that are >> kind of taken care of. Yeah. >> Almost. >> Yeah. Yeah. And we sit on a 1 point how much trillion billion. Sorry. Billion dollar >> 4.6. >> Is it still at four? >>
027They never even they never even brought that down. Okay. >> Last I heard. >> Gosh. >> Yeah. >> All right. Thank you for that. >> Get out and vote. >> Yep. And contact other legislators like not just ours. That's the other thing that we've we're starting to learn does have an impact. Yeah, when you go to different like the joint finance committee or different group bodies committees, you can see who the membership is online and that directly links you out to their email and contact information. So, it's really easy to contact those that are your personal needs either. >> Okay, thank you for that. Um, all right, so we're up for discussion items. The first one that we have is um the schoolboard member public events calendar. Um I know that Aaron sent out kind
028of the draft that of events that he and I put together for ideas of um us to be making sure we're out in the community and available if people want to connect. Um you want to go >> over it? >> I could tell you that two of the best nights to come in and meet people are the photo days. Yes. >> I mean, you can you find yourself the the right spot and virtually every parent in the district comes by. >> It's true. You're right. >> Those are those are important. >> Yeah. I think the per, you know, the purpose of it, as we've dis discussed previously, is for uh the board to continue to be visible, engage with the public, provide frequent times to do that both for parents and guardians, staff, and then
029also for um community members that do not have kids in the district. And so this was just a you know this list was just a brainstorm. The idea being that these are opportunities and then some that that the board may want to create uh to be present to provide dropin type uh things for people to come and participate with the level of involvement varying based on the activity. It could be as informal as I've got my name tag on and I'm walking around and saying, "Hi, you know, I'm so and so. I'm a schoolboard member. Just reaching out if you have any questions or things you want me to know." kind of thing versus this is a designated office hours. It's time, you know, for people to to stop by. So, um, put this on
030the agenda for a discussion just to to say, "What are your thoughts? What do you think would be helpful? More helpful? This is all just a a draft. >> I think it looks great. >> Are you able to pull it up or do we want to pull it up if we have? >> It was in your uh the minutes. >> Yeah, I can pull it up and and show it to people. >> Yeah. I I was telling Aaron as I walked in tonight, I'm I'm really kind of disappointed because of all things our neighborhood and I want to give a shout out to a couple of people who organize this thing, but we we put on or they put on a little kind of neighborhood get together and they do it four times a year.
031Zart and Cindy Weber were in charge of it. And uh you know I just thought to myself I and unfortunately uh this is a pretty bad alibi which I used to love my alibi list with my kids but be honest with you I spent so much time preparing for tonight and I was working for the food pantry this morning that I just never even went over there and I felt bad because as I was driving over I stopped and said you know thanks for doing this but it'd be nice if we could get that because it's again it's the neighborhood idea and having contact with people and I just regret not going. It is. It's amazing. That means one's in the in the middle of winter. >> Yeah. >> And they can >> Wow. >>
032Yeah. >> That's a great idea, though. >> It is a great idea. >> So, you're saying kind of trying to connect with neighborhoods to get those events? >> Yeah. Just talk to them and you know, I think they know I'm on the school board. >> That's a good idea. >> Ask questions. So, >> yep. >> Yeah. So, the so idea was to have some office hours at least, you know, quarterly that are more open and then also to attend certain events. So we we try to go through this list and and you know and just put down some times and then what we're hoping to do is that you know board members will indicate yep I can go to that I'll I'll be there and this will be our role. So, for example, um um
033Megan Fesser was able to attend part of the do >> by the boardwalk and >> how many >> I mean I think if there I mean we can yeah um >> I can't commit to stuff right now because um >> it's out quite a ways. Some of it >> it's out some of it's out quite just my works but like I know I will most likely be at the Bill Garvey golf outing but I will be there with my job. >> So can't >> I can't really double >> double dam >> because I'll be giving out Bloody Marys >> probably >> at 9:00 in the morning. >> You'll be there. >> Yeah, >> I'll be there too. >> Okay. talking about golf. I will not >> just because I'm playing doesn't >> arguably that might
034make you a better rep representative because you won't be distracted by the game. >> It's it's a fun time. >> There's gambling little gambling tables and lots of stuff for people to do other than golf. >> Yeah, >> I might be able to stop by in the afternoon. >> That would work. >> I think it only goes till like >> usually out of there about three. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> It starts at 9. Yeah. >> Okay. >> The other idea is that we could during because we have an August work session. >> Is that right? >> Yes. >> So we could have a goal to kind of identify ones that we as individuals would be able to attend and then we can update it then too. >> That'd be great. >> Um >> and
035some of the ones when is our work session? It is >> feel like it's the 11th but I can Oh, that was great. >> That's our retreat >> the 11th of August. >> Okay. So, really if we could if we identified um >> Mhm. >> just I mean obviously the Bill Garvey one >> we already did. Yeah. So, is anyone going to be at Bands by the Boardwalk? >> Yep. What >> at Bands by the Boardwalk on August 14th? Yep. >> You think you Okay, I will. Um okay and then the rest we can um do I will I will be at the new staff orientation I believe. Um >> yeah I think a lot of us will be at things like that. Mhm. So just and just to be explicit about it, you know,
036we want the schoolboard role like for all of us individually to be sustainable, you know, for >> anyone who wants to join. So that's why I think the level of involvement here is really helpful because it doesn't have to be a big deal. like I think the ones that are really important um to really be available more formally is the the office hours um and then the rest of these I think are really good opportunities um and maybe to have one person but we I think we can discuss that at the work session kind of what our expectations are and our our goals for how much we're involved or how much you know we're showing up at things >> and that way we can also look at all of our calendars. >> Yes. Yeah. So
037maybe if we can come prepared to the >> to the work session with our calendars. Um and if you want to go ahead and fill some of the stuff out ahead of time. >> Is that >> that's in the McFarland minutes? >> Minutes. >> Yes ma'am. >> I just want to say that you know I just do an awful lot of walking around the village and I see folks. I belong to our church. I go to almost every service when I'm here. I work at the food pantry in some ways whether you know it or not we wear multiple hats all the time >> and I do worry a little bit about just like I kind of felt like there was a lot of yeah everyone should sign up for this thing and I found
038out it was the same people who were doing it all and I'm kind of like I I don't know to me it's like you've got to pace yourself in life you you pick and choose there's things that are going to be more I is optimal in getting some results than just kind of walking around, no offense, with just a name tag and say, "Hi, I'm on the school board. Is there anything you're thinking about?" I think again I had a real opportunity this afternoon or evening to engage people and say, you know, I was, you know, this is got a board meeting tonight and we could just talk about how's it going and things like that. And I think in some ways it's more direct and more again I don't know realistic than I feel
039like sometimes the other is kind of artificial. You're looking for someone to to say something. So that's just my kind of opinion on it. >> Okay. Yeah. And I would say it's I see it as not an eitheror, you know, as kind of a both, you know, >> but I think it's important. I appreciate your acknowledgement that you do need to pace yourself. Mhm. For sure. Yeah. Okay. And then obviously if there's anything else >> to add to the list. Yeah. >> I mean that was really mostly Aaron. He keeps saying we but we really only came up with the high level stuff. >> Well, and it'll get added to as as time goes on. >> So, okay. Wonderful. That brings us to the district administrator's report. Yes. Um, so I'm going to share a
040little bit kind of a budget update for you similar to what was shared at the the joint um village school board meeting and um some other relevant updates. So, this is the same information that I shared. I just made it look better because it was bothering me. Um, so, um, looks really good. >> It really does. >> Thanks. >> We're trying to make the, you know, budget information as digestible as um, we can. So, I'm just going to talk to you first of all based on where we're at right now, and it could change. We're projecting that for the 202526 school year that our budget will be balanced, which um to the public out there may seem like, well, yeah. Um no. Uh we were coming into the year we had we had planned for
041a budget deficit. Uh the last estimate had that at about $390,000 and that was part of our referendum planning because reminder the amount that was approved in November was less than we had asked in April which was what we needed. So um we we knew we were running a budget deficit and we're going to um tap into uh district reserves called a fund balance in order to pay for that. Um and it appears that we may not need to do so and that's really because of uh it has nothing to do with the state budget to be frank. Um it's really based on some of our reduction in expenses and increased revenues. So in terms of expenses, our health insurance um um provider uh we're we're changing our health insurance plan as you know and
042that was much less than we expected. So, we got came in at the right time, negotiated a good deal that still provides quality care for our staff. Um, we also um recently uh unfortunately had the vacancy of our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging coordinator position and we chose to pause rehiring that position at this time. Well, that's not something we would want to do. That's a position we want to keep and had planned on continuing to keep. Anytime a position becomes vacant, we we we have to consider that. And the further you are rem removed from direct contact with students, the more likely you are to not be filled. And so that could be reconsidered in the future. We've done some other budget adjustments and you know there's some things like reducing um extended contracts
043like some of the summer contracts. You remember that that you you approved those or some of our contracts with third parties like our social media service we're now doing inhouse versus contracting out for that >> um for some savings. And um a lot of this was really good because we were able to to finalize a wage plan for this current year that that makes us a little more competitive with our our neighbors. So that was good. We also had some nice revenues. Um the the two biggies that are just really hard to predict is the Wisconsin Virtual Academyy's enrollment. Um they continue to increase. that provides additional revenue to us for our oversight fees. So, that was great. And our interest, you never know what the interest is going to do. So, if we keep
044that fund balance high, that provides additional interest earnings. Of course, we'll also see um sort of a revenue is that um the governor had approved a $325 per student increase in the state budget. And I'll I'll talk about the funding for that in a little bit, but that does provide additional revenue to the district that comes through our taxpayers. And of course, you have the revenue cap increase as a result of the operational referendum. So that helped us have what we're thinking is going to be a balanced budget. But um the other part of that is so what does that mean for our tax levy? So, we're looking at two years ago, we predicted what our tax levy we thought it would be, and it's very, very close. So, in the referendum communication information we
045shared out, we we said we think it'll be about here. And for what was a $400,000 home in 200 uh 200 2023 um our estimates are extremely close just $43 different from what we predicted. Um so that is great and that's a tribute to Jeff Mahoney's work. And so um the one note with that levy is that that will be will be set. I'll talk about that in a little bit, but it does not include the school tax levy credit because you can't predict that and that money goes to municipalities and then is reallocated to districts and you really can't estimate what that'll be. But on your tax bill, it is a separate item. So, it's important to note that yes, you're paying this in taxes, but you also what the state has been doing
046is increasing the state tax levy credit instead of giving schools more >> spendable dollars. And I think in spite of the number of times that we've uh communicated that that yes, we passed a referendum, but this by no means makes us flush financially. >> And uh and we continue, you know, to get emails from from community members saying, "Hey, we just passed this huge referendum. Why aren't we spending it on this or on this or on that? I think I think I shouldn't say most, but I think there's a fair percentage of folks that think >> the referendum that we passed solved all of our >> woes, >> you know, and it simply didn't. It just put us in a position to have a few things happen >> so that maybe we can get a
047balanced budget. >> I think that's phenomenal. >> Phenomenal news. Yeah, start work. >> Yeah, that's a good point to remind people. >> There's a few things coming up um that will change. Reminder that the the state funding formula hasn't changed for a very long time and it is your revenue cap minus your state aid equals your taxes. So, um, what what you'll find is that that revenue cap really depends on the number of students and the revenue limit adjustments which are approved as part of the biianial budget. And the state aid is also impacted by by our number of students, our equalized value, and our expenditures from previous years compared to our other districts. And so, we'll have an enrollment count coming up on the third Friday in September. We will Oh, I should be
048scrolling. Sorry. Um we will have um the the the department of revenue. We get equalized values. Those come in October. Equalized aid comes in October. And then our annual meeting um of course is also in October on the 20th to approve the budget and the tax levy. Um keep in mind that is for the 202526 school year. So we're already well into the school year by the time these things get settled out. >> Um into that budget year. >> Yeah. >> So, right. I mean, so that's >> interesting >> even extra backwards. >> Yes. And so, talk a little bit about the state bianial budget and and how that impacted us. So, you saw a slight increase in special education aid, but it's nowhere near enough. So, it was about 30% for this past year.
049And that that is just the state reimbursing districts for the amount of money spent on special education. When it's it's less than 100% that means you're taking money from your general aid and moving it to your special education aid. The state superintendent had requested increasing that to 90%. and the governor had requested uh increasing that to 60% as was a common thing that was shared um at all the listening sessions. That 60% um would have meant nearly $2 million for our school district and that means a lot of districts, most school districts are not going to referendum for operating expenses. Unfortunately, that was not approved. there was some progress from to 42% and 45%. Um it'll be a little bit less than that because a reminder that is not a some sufficient amount. It's it's
050a some certain amount. Some certain meaning it's a certain dollar amount. Regardless of how much it actually costs, >> the actual cost will most likely be more than that. So that means that that 42% comes more like 40%. A couple percentages lower typically. Um so that could mean about $200,000 more for our district is what we're estimating next year. So that's that's good news. It's progress. It's better than nothing. Um but not enough. High-cost special education aid is also um planned to be increased uh from the 26% that it was this past year up to 50% and 90%. Which sounds great. That sounds really great. It's a very small percentage of students. >> And there's a lot of factors that go into calculating that. Of course, you don't know what how many students you'll have
051that meet the qualifications for that that high cost reimbursement. It also is money that's distributed across all the districts that apply. You never know how many are going to apply. So, it's hard to predict that. Still better than nothing. Um, but it's misleading and I believe um um can be kind of confusing to say like look at all of this all the way up to 90%. It's less than a percent 1% of the student body. Mhm. >> Um, moving on to general aid. Uh, general aid was not increased. So, where you have that revenue limit of 325 per student that increased um per per the governor's previous veto that is not funded by the state. So instead of using the budget surplus, the state um is saying that that will now fall on local taxpayers
052to pay for the $325 revenue limit increase. Um so that's where that those funds will come from. Certainly increasing the revenue limit um is important. It's still not keeping up with inflation, just to keep in mind. And we're way below um um where we we should be in terms of um based on the all those years of not keeping up with inflation over $3,000 per student less. So 325 >> progress >> but but then back >> y >> um the good news is is that when we did our tax estimates as part of the referendum, we anticipated this may happen. So that $325 per student was built into the tax estimates. So when it said here's what we're projecting for your tax bill in future years, it didn't account for that. So that doesn't change
053things. It only would have made things better if the state would have chosen to use general aid funding for that open enrollment transfer amount um increased um while still it's going to be a relatively small revenue stream for the for our district. It's more for us than many. >> And the reason is is you know basically what happens is when you a student um open enrolls their resident district keeps a small portion of that money and then the majority of the funds they go on to the district where they're going. Um well they increased even more of that money is actually going to be sent to the district where they're going. Well, that benefits district like ours. We have more people that come here, choose to come to our district that don't live here than
054those that leave. So, that helps us with our what we call our brick and mortars. >> So, people that attend a physical building in McFarland, it really benefits us in the Wisconsin virtualmies for open enrollment. All of their students are open enrolled. Uh so, so that is a significant amount of money. So, for our brick and and mortar, we're we're estimating about $144,000 increased revenue and um for the virtual academy is about $194,000. And we'll just see and you know, it's all dependent upon u final enrollment on that that third Friday who actually does attend that has has planned to open enroll. Um but that could be very beneficial for us. And again, this is above and beyond what I shared about having a balanced budget. Is that open enrollment window closed? >> Yes, ex
055but there is an alternative open enrollment that you can do at any time. >> Good. >> So certain certain >> qualifications >> and then um just a note um that the state has chosen to continue to increase um the funding for charter and and choice schools. So the state is continuing to fund two education systems, both a public and a private one. So those amounts increased as well. So that's a little update on the state budget. So you know the summary is uh does it help? Yep. It's better than what we had last year, but it still is not enough for districts to be able to continue without going to operational referendum. So other >> I'd like to make a comment just com >> I can I I I can almost hear people saying well
056they told us it was going to be tough but see they they were able to find some money and now we've balanced the budget and a lot of that cost savings came from changing our health care provider. I remember as a teacher that happened to me near the end of my teaching career and after having had a doctor for teen years and our family physician and everything else all of a sudden my wife that all changed that is very hard and the fact that our teachers have been very supportive I mean I think the public needs to realize they understand we're all in this together but it's not like oh and next year what are you going to find for us. These are difficult. There's a price to pay there. >> And uh I I'm
057just I'm so pleased that there was as much support from our staff as there was because I remember being really upset about that. >> A lot of young, you know, young families changing doctors is difficult. >> Yeah. >> Really difficult. >> Yes. If you have a specialist or something like this. So, I just want the public to realize we knew that this was going to be tough going and we've we've been able to again I I really compliment you, Erin, and our administration in general just on getting everyone on board. But this is not like, you know, that's not the way you you run a an organization by, you know, what are we going to find out? And oh, like our equity, inclusion, diversity, equity, inclusion. Okay, that person resigned that position. Oh, we just
058found some money here. As you've pointed out very, I think, thoughtfully, the more people we have in contact with kids, the better it is for kids. And to remove that position just means that's just one less voice that kids or a person that you can a kid can identify with. And I it just bothers me that again, it's there's kind of a sense like, oh, they'll find the money, you wait. >> Um, it's it's difficult. >> That's more typical than atypical. Yes, it is. >> And in virtually every conversation that I hear that I'm not involved in, >> we're flush. >> And we're lucky. We're lucky. I mean, having the our relationship with the Wisconsin Virtual Academy >> and the foresight that we had way back in the early 2000s, >> they say, "Let's take
059part of this thing." Um, because we're able to get some of our revenue from that. And we've done an awful lot of things. I know that our our salaries for our administrators, our salaries for our teachers, they are not anywhere near the top in Dayne County and yet our school just keeps on cranking out great scores and we do really well. I mean, that's one of the reasons why we we benefited from the open enrollment. But anyway, that's just a kind of a editorial on my part. >> Numbers, I think it's a good point because it's all of the decisions that you bring to us and that we have to make um all really hard. Everything we do for our kids is a priority and we're being all of us are being put in positions
060of having to choose what those priorities are when they're all priorities and that's just a really big challenge. So, for example, with the DIB coordinator position, like that's more work for other administrators to take on um while also understanding it's a priority for each and every one of us sitting on this board. Um that it's really it's hard that's a really hard decision. um because it's something that's necessary and something we need. Um so when the community says, you know, oh, we're not being fiscally responsible, that's a really good example of us being fiscally responsible. Um and making that hard decision when what that work does in that position is a priority. Um and we still believe in, you know, every learner every day. So um these are just hard choices that we have to
061make. Um, thank you for putting this together in such an easily consumable format. Um, and I I know it will be available on our website. Um, so please community take take a peek at it and take a look at it and if you don't understand the words ask. Um, I may not have the answer. Um, but I can sure help try and find it. Um, because I think it's really important to understand that with our state funding um, we're not taking care of our students. Um, And that's no fault of the people in this room and of the administration. So, um, take the time to review the information. It's a little >> I'll leave it at pontificating, but we don't have time for that. >> Is there benefit in um sending this out with an
062update to the to families? >> Yeah, but the plan is to send something out more so early August. Um, you know, people are starting to get back into the swing of things and to see if there's any changes between now and then. So, wanted to have you take a look at it first. I also have not shared this with Mr. Mahoney. Um, so I'd like to get his eyes on it. >> Maybe >> it might be a good idea. >> I do. So, I, you know, I took the information that we had put together and put it into this new format. So, >> no, this is great. and hoping that it's much appreciated. >> Yes. Thank you. Thank you. >> It's digestible and >> compares a lot to what we did for the referendum. So
063hopefully people remember those numbers and >> I'm hoping. >> Yeah. >> Thank you for everyone who's worked on or worked on the referendum too. Like being able to foresee that revenue cap increase and estimate that out so that it's not this like giant surprise for folks. Um, I think also demonstrates how well um, the board and the administration and Jeff, you guys really do great work of being honest and clear because it all hits our pocketbooks >> historically. Jeff, this this comes as no surprise, you know, because Jeff every year, year in and year out, he is very very close >> to what the final numbers are and he predicts them back in Mhm. >> May and June. >> So he he Yeah. Jeff along with his team and the whole administrative the whole a
064council is >> Well, if there's one last thing that I can reiterate, I do want to point out just how much our legislators fought. >> Yeah. >> For public education funding. Um, I'm This is something very near and dear to me and the amount of hours that went in to try to get the joint finance committee to support public education financing or funding, I should say. Um, it was it was a lot. And so, um, for McFarland School District residents, please understand our legislators are on our side. It it's hard% it's hard to fathom >> the work that they do >> knowing full well that they've got about a >> 5% chance >> no chance >> and basically not >> but yet they still go out there and they >> they talk to their constituents
065and they >> it's it is I can't even imagine their frustration. >> Yeah. And there are more equitable ways, I'm convinced, to raise the revenue that's there. In 1912, our state was one of the first to say, "Look, farmers are getting killed by property taxes, and so we institute a progressive income tax. There are things that we can do." And it just seems like they just keep on turning a blind eye. Oh, no, no, we've been doing it this way for about 30 years, and this is working well. And it's like, oh my gosh. >> Working well for who? >> Yeah. I think I just want to kind of reiterate what what Meredith was sharing about the um and that we built that in. So just think about how this was done. So when people
066saw the options for a referendum, you know, and said, "Well, if I vote for this, then my taxes are going to increase by this amount." That included the 325 per student, which they didn't have any choice over. Okay, that was going to happen either way. >> So, what we could have done is made that number seem lower and said, "Oh, if you vote for the referendum, it's only going to be this much increase." because the truth is that was it was a smaller increase that was associated with the referendum, but you were also going to get the 325 on top of that, you know, and so we chose to put that in there knowing full well that part of it was going to happen probably either way depending upon the Supreme Court's >> and in
067defense of the 325 that Governor Ivers put in there. Number four here is charter choice charterchoice funding increased and they keep on increasing that and we're trying to fund two public school systems in a sense in our state and it just >> it just >> I'm old enough to remember Tommy Thompson Republican governor very Republican >> and his stance was you cannot support two separate >> you can't >> educational systems within the state it is impossible it can't be Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Well, it can be done here at the >> Here we are. But guys getting sick of my estimates. What was it? 82% of students. That's who's at the expense that that's so we can because we are, but it is um detrimental to the majority of our students in our state >>
068and our taxpayers. >> That's true. >> And to I mean to your point, Megan, you're right. They the people in the in the not represented by the majority in like the people in power. Yeah. >> They clearly advocated really well for us because we got the slim pickings right. You got a little bit and we know where the joint finance committee started with their recommendations and it it moved the needle which means our advocacy also moved the needle. So they did something they did they were able to pull I mean that was Yes. Yeah. Thank you for bringing that up. Yep. And it's a good reminder all of this conversation I think to sum it up is every hard decision we have like we were already operating at in a situation where every decision means
069that we're not doing the best for learners. >> Exactly. >> And that and that's regardless of whether we think it's the best decision or not, it is going to negatively impact learners. We're still going to be better at it than other districts. Just saying. But you know, >> you know, but um that's what people need to know. We are still operating with less than we need. >> Oh god. >> And every decision impacts students >> and we are not alone. No. So >> very true. >> Yeah. I also wanted to pro provide a little update on where we're at with uh McFarland Primary School, that renaming process and then a display to to recognize the accomplishments of Conrad Elvium. So, in terms of the the renaming process, we haven't spent any funds. Everything that we've
070done has been um at no cost. And so a lot of that's just internal branding documents starting to use McFarland Primary School changing uh on Google or DPI and you know a lot of these logistical things with with our our vendors and and those things have have been underway. We're in the process of forming a group to help spearhead uh the work for creating some sort of a display, identifying what would be created, where it would be that recognizes Conrad Elbium's accomplishments, acknowledges um his role in with restricted uh covenants as well. So that work is underway and thanks to to Bruce who's very involved in that as well as as Megan Bessler for her leadership as kind of continue down that path. So more information to come um including what that might look like
071look like a proposal looking at fundraising opportunities >> coming in the next few weeks. The um I do have a recognition, a thank you to the Spartan Sharks who made a donation to our Angie O'Donnell Aquatic Center so they can purchase a new refrigerator. >> Yay. >> So, they made a nice contribution that will help with some of some of that cost. And then just sharing a little bit of some of the the pictures of what's going on around the district for you. Yeah, after some of that heavy state budget stuff, let's see some >> good stuff. >> Yeah, these great kids that were talking. >> So, we incentivized kids to bring back their library books. Um, so, um, after over 24,000 book checkouts at McMar McFarland Primary School, only eight were missing. That's pretty
072good. So, thank you families um for that. And so, wow, >> they got to have uh Mr. Nelson and Dr. Hower on the roof um and some popsicles um >> for on the reading patio. So, >> that's hilarious. >> Nice little incentive there. Summer school underway. So, here you have our incoming seventh graders. They're doing some reading in their desk tents. So, summer school provides opportunity to do some of those. at that joint meeting, we got a nice compliment from uh some some of the the board members. >> Yeah. >> About summer school and how they really appreciate what we're doing. >> Yeah. >> Getting crafty. Um here with uh second graders there. Then you've got um here we have practicing some some math facts number battle. Sounds aggressive, but so some good stuff there
073for our kids. And also took advantage of the fact that we have incoming uh third graders there to just talk a little bit about well be an intermediate school. So you have principal >> uh Mr. Chevchek and associate principal Mrs. Lackey that did that took advantage of that opportunity. So a neat thing >> that's exciting >> there. uh at the end of the year you had some seventh grade or sixth grade, excuse me, classes um celebrating their hard work. So they had some individual reading goals. You can see the literacy theme here, people. >> Um so they that particular group read almost 1400 books school year. So, >> I love that they track that and celebrate that >> community day, seventh grade uh community day where they go out and do community service. Some service
074projects there. Some more pictures. You've seen some of those already. >> I think it's Joey >> continue. Maybe some maybe. >> Yeah, I think so. >> Continuing theme. >> Um Junth we've talked about, but here's some pictures from that to to see. So, thanks to our our student leaders of the Black Student Union for their leadership with this was a wonderful event. >> We also um here at at the high school spa is well under uh way. That's speed, power, and acceleration. So, over 300 middle and high school students participating in that. So, great activity. Heather Drake uh just graduated um but was also a high school global scholar. So that's a pretty rigorous um challenging thing to to complete. And so thanks to to Miss Kalen for her leadership and in helping Heather, but
075Heather did the work. So pretty special kid, Heather Drake. Heather Heather put in a large number of uh native plants and prairie plantings on the uh the community gardens property which is just to the south of our church and it's just an amazing this year it looks horrible but from our experience it takes two years and all of a sudden it just boom >> those uh those native plants take off. So she's an amazing young lady. >> Yeah. gonna really make a difference in the world. And our own high school garden back here. It's just just back here if you ever want to go check it out. Starting to see some good activity there. So, thanks to our student leaders for >> being involved in that. >> Some pictures from Roger's retirement as a bus
076driver after 15 years. So, nice celebration. And the the staff and students did a nice job taking some time to >> Often those relationships between bus drivers and their kids are >> very special. >> Really really special. >> Very very special. >> Um so that's the the part of the the slideshow. Um coming up we have a few things. Um July is uh disability pride month. Um, so that's really really where we uh recognize that every person is wonderful and unique and kindness and inclusivity are vital to ensuring true appreciation for disability pride month. Summer school session uh the second one is underway, finishes this week and then we start Campkin Garden starting next week. We'll be back. Um, oh, August 2nd, we have the 12th annual Bill Garvey Memorial Golf Outing that we talked
077about earlier that benefits the McFarland Education Foundation and our athletic program. We have the next school board meetings on the 4th and a work session on the 11th. Uh, do the board members have anything they would like to share? Any recognitions? That contains my words. >> Awesome. >> Yeah. Thank you for all that. That's good. All right. I think we're ready to take some action on some things, huh? >> Yeah. Okay. So, the first thing we have is action on notice of academic standards for the 2025 school 26 school year. Um, pursuant to Wisconsin statutes 118.301GA 301 GA and 120.1213. The school district of McFarland hereby gives notice that the Wisconsin academic standards are in effect for the 2526 school year. I would look for some motions on that. >> I was moved to approve
078uh the above action. The school district of McFarland hereby gives notice that the Wisconsin academic standards are in effect for the 2526 school year. >> And I can second that. >> Okay. Any further discussion? >> I just say that that's an annual Yeah. required by law state >> and we've been doing that for how long, Erin? >> Yeah. I was going to say when I started here in 76 I think haven't changed. Y >> just so the public knows. >> Yep. All right. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. All right. The last um thing that we have to do is to go into closed session. Um we are we're going to discuss um some let me just look at my notes here. Um just discussing some legal counsel um for our
079governmental body. Um they're rendering oral or written advice concerning strategy to be adopted. Um with respect to litigation um which it is or likely to become involved in um considering financial, medical, social or personal histories or disciplinary data of specific persons. Preliminary consideration um of specific personnel problems or in investigation of charges against specific persons except um where part if what does that mean? >> That's a tough That's a tough one to read. >> Okay. Paragraph B applies which if discussed in public would be likely to have substantial adverse effect upon the reputation of any person um referred to such histories or data or involved in such problems or investigations. Basically, we're we're going to talk about some um student athletic eligibility >> issues. So, um so we are required to do a roll call
080um after we have a motion. >> I will make the motion that we go into close session. >> Okay, >> I can second. All right, gentlemen. So, we will >> All right. Um, so we will go into close session at 8:11 with a roll call vote. Um, Fesler, yes. Howry, >> yes. >> Chapman, >> yep. >> Huie, >> yes. >> Fiser, >> yes. >> All right. So, 8:11, we are in close session and um we will adjourn from close session. Um, so the public part of the meeting is over. >> All right. >> Are we moving? Yeah. >> Yes. >> Thank you for coming, Melanie. >> Thank you. As always, thank you for coming.