001All right, we're streaming and recording and the mics are live. Not sure. Okay, it's not over here. All right, it is 6:00. We will call the regular April 27th Board meeting to order. Roll call, please. Nellyshire Here. Doug Kuchko Lori Zarback Here. Jason Saffer Here. Andrew Cook Here. Phil Hinkle Here. Kevin Jensen Here. Miriam Barbara Here. And Bert Richard Here. And Randy, was a proper notice given for this meeting? Yes, please be advised that public notice of this meeting as required by sections 19.84 and 65.90 of the Wisconsin statutes has been properly given. Such notice consisted of an old assignment agenda to the official newspaper, the Rice Lake Chronotype, to the Eau Claire Leader and radio stations WJMC and WAQE indicating the date, time and place of the meeting. Such notice was given more than
00224 hours prior to the meeting. Thank you. It does appear that a proper notice was given for this meeting. We will now stand for the pledge. >> [clears throat] >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. All right, we will get into our agenda where we get to recognize our students, which is always fun to to hear what's going on in in their their world. So, with that, we will start with the Rice Lake Middle School. Parents, grandparents, anybody wants to take pictures over here next to Mr. Drost and Mr. Richard, there's a nice little spot you can tuck yourself in and get a nice view of the presentation. It's right
003here next to me. All right, and my name is Kelly Pretts. I'm a 6th grade teacher at the middle school and my teaching partner is Angela Stoykovich and we would like to recognize Luke Siminus as our Rice Lake Middle School Student of the Month. Luke has joined us this year from the Birchwood School District and we couldn't be more than pleased to have him in our classroom. Luke is a model student and has positive is a positive role model to all of his peers. He comes to school with a smile on his face every day and a willingness to give 100% in the classroom. Luke is well-liked by his peers because he is kind and respectful to everyone. We see this every day in the classroom when he is working in groups or with a
004partner. Students want to be around him because because he is what say what 6th graders say has an amazing aura. >> [laughter] >> Luke's effort is noticed in his daily work and he is eager to participate in class. We thank you, Luke, for every great day we have at school. So, good job. >> [snorts] >> Now, look over there. Now, look over there. >> [applause] >> All right, Tainter Elementary. I am Katie Wendelick and I'm a 3rd grade teacher at Tainter Elementary. And I am nominating Russell because I am beyond proud of the hard work and growth I have seen from him this year. He is hilarious, wise, kind, and full of joy. I always enjoy our talks in the classroom or hallway and hearing about the adventures of his pet hamster, Hermie. It is
005a joy to witness the pride in himself that I've continued to grow throughout the year. At our class end of the day meeting, I love hearing that he had a great day of being on his plan. It is a joy to see his classmates support him and are just as excited as he is for having a great day. My day is always brighter with the witty things Russell will say. A few examples of my favorite one-liners are "I want to make him a dapper outfit." referring to his pet hamster, Hermie. Or "Here's the kicker." when talking about something that he did with his cousins. And "Miss Wendelick, my mouse is back from vacation." when his mouse finally started working before our state test. When I [clears throat] told my co-workers who have Russell in their
006win group that I was nominating him, they also said how much he has grown this year and were proud of him for getting this recogni- recognition. I am so proud to be Russell's teacher because I get to see the pride of pride he has in himself every day. >> [applause] >> Now, look over there. >> [applause] >> Hilltop Elementary >> I am Renee Larson, third grade teacher at Hilltop. It has been a privilege to have Viola Eckert in my third grade class. Viola is more than just a student who succeeds. She is the kind of person who makes the entire school better simply by being in it. Whether she is navigating the hallways or tackling a class assignment, she is always where she needs to be, doing exactly what needs to be done with a
007positive attitude and a kind heart. It is hard to find an incredible work ethic like hers, especially these days. But she tackles every assignment with relentless enthusiasm and 100% effort. In every sense, Viola is the ultimate model of a student. Educators often dream of a classroom full of Violas. Students who pride work, listen with their whole hearts, and bring a gentle, steady, excellent to every single school day. I have been especially proud to witness her growing confidence and participation in class discussions. She is finding her voice and leading the way for others. Viola is a true warrior in every sense, and I am certain she will continue to do amazing things. Viola is a true joy to have in class. Keep leading the way and being the amazing warrior you are. >> [applause] >> Hogan
008Elementary. I'm Craig Dureso. I teach third grade at Hogan, and this is Hanny LeBeau, and she brought a little fan club, and they're really proud of her, and I am, too. Um she is a really great student. She's fantastic in my room. She's truly deserving of this award. Um she consistently shows kindness and compassion to her classmates, and often checks in with them when she finishes her work early, um offering support, um which has been really nice for me. In the classroom, Hanny's really focused. She's motivated. She performs at a high level on all subject areas, and she does demonstrate strong leadership by helping peers and taking initiative once her own work is complete. She has a really positive energy. She's very funny. Um we really enjoyed hanging out together. Um Hanny brings a positive
009energy, and I will miss having her in my classroom next year. Let's give it up for Hanny. >> [applause] [clears throat] >> Rice Lake High School. My student's a little bit taller than this. >> [laughter] >> My name is Amy Pelly, and I'm a high school language arts teacher here in the district. This is Kyler. Kyler is a junior at Rice Lake High School, and I just want you to know that he has matured immensely during the past year, and his willingness to work both in in both of my English language arts classes on which we collaborated uh third term is commendable, and that's what puts us here tonight. In mythology, we focused not just on comprehension of myths, but on the more advanced analytical skills and composing of essays to articulate our thinking. In
010research and composition, we used a variety of research sources to defend our thesis statements, keeping in mind that our own voices are also needed to be present within our writings. In addition, he had to endure Mrs. Pelly in back-to-back classes. So we were writing together. Was it second and third hour? Yeah. >> [laughter] >> Uh for sure, Kyler has uh room to grow in his English language arts skills, as do all kids, but he improved immensely during third term, and most days, even though it maybe wasn't his favorite, and it was tough, and when we had to work together, um he entered my room with a smile, and most days he left with a thank you, and really, what more can an educator ask for? >> [applause] [clears throat] [applause] >> So congratulations to all
011of our students that were recognized this evening. Your names will be going going into a hat, and at the end of the school year, we will draw some lucky winners to receive a Chromebook. So good luck to to all of you that won tonight, and maybe we'll hear your name again here the next couple months. So good luck. With that, we've got our third term outstanding student achievement awards. High school. Good evening, everybody. Um Mark Bice High School Assistant Principal I'm here tonight to talk about our third term uh outstanding students. Before I get into that, real quick, I just want to um highlight last Wednesday night was our academic awards night at the high school, and we recognized 167 students uh grade 9 through 12 who were doing amazing things in the classroom. Tonight
012we continue as we look at and recognize these 20 students that gained outstanding student achievement for the various disciplines at the high school. In our art department, we had two students, Lia Nelson, who's a student of Brian and Heidi Nelson, along with Breanna Rodriguez, student of Victor and Christina Rodriguez. In our health department, Sophia Franco, student of Miguel and Susan Franco. Business education, Olivia Lewis, student of Ken and Jennifer Lewis. Family and consumer education, we have two students that are being recognized, Ethan Carroll, student of Seth and Heidi Carroll, along with Haley Demars, student of Daniel and Deidra Demars. Language arts, Breanna Lukey, student of Julia Nato and Nicholas Lukey. Mathematics, two students being recognized, Owen Rathol, student of Eric and Lisa Rathol, along with Austin Prince, student of Nathan and Jessica Prince. In our
013music department, Arianna Thomas, student of Moses Thomas. For physical education, Albert Sevchek, student of Mary Hagen, and Alexander Holst, student of Stacy and Jason Holst. For science, Siwa Lima Acero, student of Jamie Lima Guaman and Maria Acero Lojo. >> [snorts] >> Student social studies, Cody Larson, student of Craig and Heather Larson. For world language, Ethan Cole, student of Kristen Nelson and Jeremy Cole. Agriculture, Brooklyn Farrar, student of Ashley Sadowski and Christopher Farrar. For technology education, two students, Kyler Warren, student of Paul and Sarah Warren. Lucas Rue, student of Steve and Jill Rue. And not last but not least, for our wild program, Madison Kieman, student of Dale and Kim Went. And again, these students are being recognized by those staff members in that um specific discipline for their cooperation, effort, attitude, and dedication. So congrats
014to all those students. Thank you. >> [applause] >> All right, congratulations to all of those students. Next, we have our appearance section. We have three people that have signed up to speak before the board. Again, I remind everyone that you have 3 minutes, and um we are as a board are not able to respond to that conversation. So we'll start off with Gretchen. Good evening, Board of Education members. My name is Gretchen Savina, and I'm a teacher at Rice Lake School District. I've seen many changes over the course of my nearly 14 years of service. I appreciated the changes made to the compensation model that the board approved, and that Mr. Drost, along with teachers, committed themselves to as a means to retain teaching staff. I was happy to have heard of that important work.
015As of late, I am concerned about the proposed handbook language changes to teachers' health insurance benefits at retirement. Over the years, improved communication and transparency have been a goal of the Rice Lake Area School District. When Act 10 took away our ability to collectively bargain, it did not take away our ability to communicate. As you know, at the April 13th Board of Education meeting, a first reading of proposed changes to teachers health insurance at retirement was introduced. This was the first time I had heard about eliminating my option to stay on the district's health insurance plan at retirement. As a cancer survivor, I'm concerned that I will not find health care insurance if I am not allowed to stay on the district's health insurance plan after retirement. As of now, the Affordable Care Act is
016a good option for me. But the future of the legislation is unknown. When I was hired in the 2012-2013 school year, the health insurance benefit at retirement was guaranteed as part of my professional contract. I've been here for the pay freezes, the increases in health insurance deductibles and premiums, and the increase in contributions to WRS. These proposed changes to the teachers health insurance benefits at retirement is a scary change for me, as both my husband and I are teachers in the district. Therefore, I'm here this evening to ask that teachers be included in these decisions that affect them personally and professionally. The staff at Rice Lake School District is resourceful, intelligent, and creative. Please hear our voices. Please attend the listening sessions. Please know that each of you has an important decision to make. It
017is your responsibility as our employer to be fully informed of the impact these decisions have on the teachers who make Rice Lake a great place to learn. Each school year, all staff members gather in the high school auditorium to recognize the longevity of staff members. This is a public celebration that makes the Rice Lake Area School District look as though they value the longevity of its staff. This proposed change to the health insurance benefits at retirement sends a very different message to your staff. If this change is approved by you, how will you retain teachers in the Rice Lake Area School District? How will you draw highly qualified teachers to the Rice Lake Area School District to prepare all students to be successful members of society? Thank you for your time and service to the
018Rice Lake Area School District. Cindy. Good evening, members of the school board. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak tonight. My name is Cindy Worth, and I have dedicated the past 29 years of my life to teaching eighth grade science here in the middle school. For nearly three decades, I have shown up each day committed not only to educating students, but to supporting this community and mentoring young people. As I stand here now moving closer to retirement, a milestone that should be a time of reflection, pride, and some measure of security after years of service, instead I find myself feeling unsettled and frankly disheartened. I recently learned of the proposed change to retiree health benefits, moving from district provided insurance coverage to a stipend-based system. While I understand that the school board must
019make difficult financial decisions, this particular change has a very real and personal impact on those of us who have spent decades planning our futures based on the promises and structures that were in place throughout our careers. For 29 years, I made life decisions, financial, professional, and personal, with the understanding that health insurance in retirement would be a part of the support provided after long-term service. Changing that structure now so close to retirement feels like the ground has dropped out beneath my feet at the very moment I should be stepping into stability. A stipend, while helpful in theory, does not offer the same security. Health care costs are unpredictable and often increase significantly with age. A fixed stipend may not keep pace with these long long with these costs, leaving retirees to shoulder an increasing financial
020burden at a stage in life when flexibility is limited. >> [gasps] >> I want to be clear that this is not just about me. Many teachers in the school district are in the exact same position, educators and staff who have given decades of service and are now nearing retirement. We have honored our commitment to this district, and we are asking that the district honor its commitment to us. I am not here to just explain how this change to insurance could affect me personally, but I'm also the type of person who quickly looks ahead to a possible solution for everyone involved. We are all in this together, so how can we work together to find solutions to tough problems? With that in mind, I would like to respectfully propose a solution. Grandfathering employees who are close
021to retirement into the current insurance system. I feel confident that if you seriously look at the retirement group coming up, you could make a fair judgment call on grandfathering based on years of service. This approach would allow the district to move forward with its new plan for newer employees, while still protecting those who have built their retirement plans around the existing benefits. It is a based solution, one that acknowledges fiscal realities, while also demonstrating fairness and respect for long-term service. All I'm asking is that those of us who are towards the end of their career I think she be considerate. Thank you. Thank you. >> [applause] >> And Sherry. Hi there, I'm Sherry Brust, and it breaks my heart to hear these teachers that have been doing this service all these years, and I support
022you 100%. It should be talked about. It shouldn't be like wait till it the rug is ripped out from underneath you. Which brings me to my next thing. We talked about um a lot of things with the budget last time, and I'm confused because this is just another example, if we're struggling with the budget, why we would take on a daycare. I don't understand that. Kevin had brought up, people just aren't having kids anymore. Again, then why are we dabbling with the daycare? I don't understand it. I unless you're getting some pointers from our friends in Minnesota, I don't know. But these teachers, our kids, communication is huge for the teachers, parents, grandparents, taxpayers, we all should have an open where you can ask questions, and you can get answers. And I just don't know
023how this has happened. We're struggling in the budget, but yet we're still taking things on. We spoke about the pool for years, but all of a sudden, there's a daycare. So now we're going to manage a school district and a daycare? I'm just a little confused about that. That's all. Thank you. All right. That ends the appearance section. Next, I would entertain a motion to approve our regular session meeting minutes from April 13th. So moved. Motion has been made. Is there a second? Second. Motion has been made and seconded. Any further discussions? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. I. I. Opposed? And the minutes have been approved. Next, it's our [clears throat] second meeting in April, so we need to go through the election of officers. So I will turn the meeting
024over to Mr. Frost, and he will start with the position of president. All right. Thank you, Kevin. Uh at this time, yes, um we'll be looking to fill the the term of for president of the Board of Education for the next year, and with that, I would open the floor for nominations. I nominate Kevin. I second. Second. >> [laughter] >> I have a clean have a motion from Bert Richard, and I I think a second from from Phil Hankel to nominate Kevin Jensen as president for the Board of Education for the next year. Are there any other nominations? And last call, are there any other nominations? All right. With that then, I would entertain a motion to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Mr. Jensen for Board President for the next year. So
025moved. All right. I have a motion from Mr. Kuchko for that. Is there a second? Second. All right. I have a second from Mr. Koop for that. With that, any other discussion? All in favor signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? All right. And Mr. Jensen, you're our Board President for the next year. With that, I'll turn it back over to Kevin. All right. Thank you. How many years is that as president? I think 15. 15. Excellent. >> [clears throat] >> All right. Next, position of vice president. I would entertain a motion to bring someone forward for the position of vice president. Nominate Doug Kuchko. We have a motion. Is there a second? I second it. We have a motion and a second. Do we have any other nominations? Any other nominations? Do we have
026any other nominations? If not, I would entertain a motion to cast a unanimous ballot for Doug Kuchko for vice president. So moved. Have a motion to cast unanimous ballot. Is there a second? Second. Motion has been made and seconded. Any further or all in favor signify by saying I. I. >> I. I. Opposed? And Doug is our new vice president. Next we have the position of clerk. I would open the nominations for the position of clerk. I'll nominate Miriam Barbara. We have a motion. Is there a second? Second. Motion has been made and seconded. [laughter] Any other nominations? Is there any other nominations? Any other nominations? Seeing none, I would entertain a motion to cast unanimous ballot for Miriam as the clerk. So moved. Motion has been made. Is there a second? Second. Motion has
027been made and seconded. >> [laughter] >> All in favor signify by saying I. I. I. Opposed? And Miriam will continue to be our clerk. Next we have the position of treasurer. >> [clears throat] >> I would entertain a motion to nominate a treasurer. I'll nominate um Lori Sarauer. We have a motion. Well, I'm trying [laughter] to I'm looking at you like are you meaning to do this? I have a motion. Is there a second? I'll second it. We have a motion and a second. Any other nominations? >> [sighs] >> Any other nominations? Any other nominations? Seeing none, I would entertain a motion to cast unanimous ballot for Lori as treasurer. So moved. Motion has been made. Is there a second? Second. Motion has been made and seconded. All in favor signify by saying I. I.
028I. Opposed? And welcome aboard the executive committee. All right. Next at your That is next. Designation of committee assignments. Yes, that is the next one. At your places, I have a proposed committee and committee representative recommendations. Committee structure will stay as it was this past year other than obviously Don is not here. So I've got Jason sitting in on finance and also as on the district administrator observation committee and then Lori volunteered to step forward for policy. So those would be the changes from last year and then also Jason will be the CESA 11 representative in place of Don. If we don't have any questions on that, I would bring that forward and entertain a motion to approve the committee assignments. So moved. Motion has been made. Is there a second? Second. Motion has been
029made and seconded. All in favor signify by saying I. I. I. I. Opposed? And those committee assignments have been approved. The appointment of secretary for the board minutes. Do we have a volunteer? >> [laughter] >> All right. >> [laughter] >> We have a motion for Colleen. Do we have a second? Second. We have a motion and a second. All in favor signify by saying I. I. I. Opposed? Thank you, Colleen. Thank you, Colleen. And in our standing committees, we also had the CESA 11 rep, which will be Jason Sanford. We have approved that. Um public public policy correspondent, um that is Phil Henkel. We approved that in our last in the committee assignments. And then the district representative WASB delegate assembly, um that would be myself. And we approved that when we made that motion
030earlier. So with that, we will get moved into our consent agenda. We have two employment resignations and seven employment recommendations and I would entertain a motion to approve our consent agenda. Move to approve the consent agenda as presented. Made. Is there a second? Second. Motion has been made and seconded. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed? And the consent agenda has been approved. Next we have National Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week is May 4th through the 8th. And I would like to proclaim, whereas through our their dedicated efforts to ensure our children learn knowledge and skills needed to be successful in college, careers, and life, school district staff are vital in building the future. And whereas because of the increasing diversity of students, school district staff must constantly
031>> [clears throat] >> be constantly learning so that we may adapt to meet the ever-changing needs of young people in our schools. And whereas school district staff play a crucial role in shaping our children and into the people they will become, supporting them through their youth and teaching lessons and have an impact on students they will carry through life. And whereas school district staff fill many roles as listeners, explorers, role models, motivators, and mentors. And whereas school district staff prepare young people to become contributing members to our community. And now therefore the Rice Lake Board of Education serving the parents, students, and the communities of the Rice Lake Area School District do hereby proclaim May 4th through the 8th of 2026 as National Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week. I urge that we observe the week
032by taking time to recognize and acknowledge the impact the school district staff on our lives. Signed on the 27th day of April 2026. With that, I would entertain a motion to approve that proclamation. So moved. Motion has been made. Is there a second? Second. Motion has been made and seconded. All in favor signify by saying I. I. I. Opposed? And it has been proclaimed. So thank you to all of our staff. Next we have the 2026-2027 Rice Lake High School Student Informational Booklet first reading. Mr. Baisley. Hello again. So yes, first reading of our student information book for next school year. I worked on this actually over spring break. No no nice trips for me this year. So this is what I was working on. So I know that it's been sent to Colleen for
033a while. Um this is something, you know, I'm on my I think my eighth year of doing this. So I feel like we've gotten gotten this booklet to a good spot. Over the last couple years we've worked on our our AI and our plagiarism language. Of course, cell phones we keep coming up. So this is the first year that I'm not recommending any large changes other than a few clean up a few retiring staff members and things. However, I know that later tonight you're going to be talking about policy 443. And if that and then if you adopt that language, I've not seen that policy yet, but once I do before the second reading, I can implement whatever changes that might make to that part or at least have as you can see through there
034is lots of hyperlinks to board policies. And I can hyperlink that. So that's kind of where I'm at. No large sweeping changes for this year unless there's something that that you see I've missed from my end. Any questions? If not, this is the first reading. So as Mark said, he'll be bringing this back to us for a second reading and final approval. Um if you do come across anything, have any questions, can reach out to Mr. Baisley and talk with him about your concerns or questions. All right. Thank thank you. All right. Next we have our Hogan Elementary Enrollment Update. Yeah, good evening. So Nate and I are going to be Yeah, I'm going to stay here and Nate will go to the podium just based on the Sorry. Faced There we go. Wrong one.
035Sorry. That's your presentation later. Based on the last board meeting, wanted to give an update of what we've done and where we're at at this point. So just want to review the Board of Ed action from last meeting, share the survey that was sent out, share current status, and just discuss our next steps. So and Nate will jump in here at any point. This isn't anything These are just from the from the board minutes. So the board action was approve the revised attendance boundaries, implement multi-age classrooms with defined parameters if if that fits, allow district families if space is available to voluntarily enroll their children at Hogan Elementary School, and then allowing families who reside within the revised attendance boundaries to option three minute at their current school. And just as a quick reminder for
036everyone, um if this will work. There we go. Uh just those revised boundaries. You know what I was going to do that. There we go. Um would add in the the highlighted portion. So, from west to east coming across on 23rd Avenue, not 22nd like in my first uh email. Coming down W S and then catching basically catching Highway um all the way across and where Highway 48 turns north to go towards McCona going east um to the to the eastern uh edge of the district. So, uh taking a look at that. That was the the um revised map. Randy, if you want to go back to that last slide real quick. Sorry. >> Yes. >> so, in regards to the multi-age classrooms, I do have a couple staff now that have actually volunteered if
037we have to go that route that they would be willing to teach a multi-age classroom. Um and it says with defined parameters, I don't know that we have very defined parameters in terms of numbers and things like that. That is something that we would that we would be looking to the board for some guidance on and what they would Yeah. want us to do when we get to that point. Yeah. And if we're yes, and I would say yeah, when we get to that point, we'd bring recommendations to you and but yeah, that's not something we don't have those in place at this point. Um survey. So, uh the survey and I'll click on it in a second here was sent out last Wednesday to it was about 141 I think it was 141 or
038142. I can't remember exactly, but about 140 students. And so, parents we gave parents until Friday, May 8th uh to respond. And so, with that uh see if it'll There we go. Um so, your email, your last name, first name, my elementary age student or students currently attend uh school or schools. And I have an elementary student entering the following grade or grades next year and the name of them and you know, how would a change in schools impact your family? What additional would make you comfortable with transitioning your students to Hogan? Please list any concerns you might have with your student or students attending Hogan. And then I would like to have my students enrolled in Hogan next year. And so, with that um we are um waiting we still have about 29 uh
039the parents of about 29 children have yet to respond. That there were more who didn't actually respond, but we know through calls or they already attend Hogan Elementary, you know, what their plans are for for next year. So, uh we're working through that. Yeah. You're going to see two in the I think one of the slides coming up where there were some families that responded with uh undecided. Uh they wanted some more information from us and so, I've talked with a few of those few of those families. Uh I do have a family that didn't get a survey, hadn't been a part of our original phone calls. Um but they had reached out after the board meeting last Monday and they set up a tour for this Thursday. They want to come and visit the
040school. Um and so, we've had some response. But the numbers as we get to it, you'll kind of see where we're at a little bit. >> Yeah. And these aren't um set in stone. So, as of this afternoon and there might you know, if if Nate maybe talked to someone I don't know, this was as of about 1:00 this afternoon. Uh where we're at. So, in 4K right now um five with someone you know, wanting more information. Uh kindergarten another four students with uh some additional information wanted. Um 13 um 17 and 11 and then in fourth grade uh nine students with again a couple more families wanting some more information. Um and this we have not Well, I'll talk about it in next steps. This is where we're at at this point. Like I
041said, I know you were calling some families this afternoon afternoon as well, Nate. Yeah. Yeah. Anything? Okay. Um so, as we talk So, as we talk about next steps, um as I said, there's the about 29 children um that we haven't uh received a response for yet. So, uh those are most likely Well, we they still have until May 8th to respond or we'll start making phone calls. Um then the other piece uh going back Sorry, I'm just going to go back. Um so, it was the third bullet and the action item from last time allowing district families if space is available to voluntarily enroll their children at Hogan Elementary, provide their own transportation if they reside outside the revised attendance boundaries. And so, that's what we need to do next. I between the families
042who have yet to respond, um I don't foresee um you know, second grade has 17 students at this point, but um I think we would just open that up and see uh where the interest is. I know I had a family contact me and they have a first grader and a fourth grader. Um they were open enrolled out of the district last year, but just change in family um want to come back and and they would like to uh attend Hogan Elementary. And so, uh we'll do that. Uh just a reminder, I'm going to say this now and I'll say this in the email that goes out. This does not apply to families and um I know Katie Wick made sure I was remembering this as well. Uh does not apply to families with questions
043about maybe moving from Hilltop to Tanner or Tanner to Hilltop. There if you're if that's your school, that's your school. We're not going to go down that road. So, I just want to be incredibly clear with you as board members or anybody listening or watching. Um and then in 2 weeks, we'll report back at the May 11th uh board meeting and as I said, the survey will have concluded by then and um hopefully by then we will see if any other families are interested as well. And so, Nate, anything else to add? Is anything that was Yeah. Yeah. That was essence. Yeah. So, Nate, this point we have a few things to do and we'll report back at the next board meeting. Any questions? When you're talking to the families about possibility of coming to
044Hogan from Hilltop or whatever, is there a concern when you talk to them about the longevity of Hogan or I would say absolutely, yeah. >> cuz I just I just want to make sure it's totally transparent. >> Yeah. Yeah, that has been a concern and I know some of the families have said, "No, I'm not going to put my kids through that with the uncertainty." Right. And any I I suppose there's no idea how many families would have potentially those that are three and under and whatnot that might be I'm just looking at the numbers. If we stay at four and five, Right. >> that's not sustainable. Like it gets us back to where we were. And so, from a number standpoint, how do you sustain that if we're 17 kids are coming on on
045the backside, but we're filling it with four or five. The numbers are the numbers. I just don't know how we do that. Is there any idea to forecast what we're having birth to three that would potentially be in that area as well to determine longevity? I wouldn't say we have a real great measure with that birth to three. Um we have some what of a census, but it's only those that we have in our current Skyward system. Uh and I wouldn't say that that's very accurate with birth to three. And so, when we do our child find when we're trying to find the following year 4K kids, that's where we get our most accurate numbers and even that sometimes grows by 20 to 30 kids over the course of the summer. Uh so, that's where
046the challenge comes in is trying to forecast long-term. We don't have a great measure to be able to do that. Any other questions? Can you just next time uh when you get the final numbers, can we compare to what it is? Like going back to the numbers, like where where was fourth grade? Was it always 17? What we do we add more to our kids or you know, what Yeah. I don't know what the difference is of what you added. So, if we could just see where >> can do that. Like right now in kindergarten, this would be next year's Yeah, let me pull this slide up. Um I think first grade next year would be up two from where we're at. Second grade would be up one. Third grade would be up two. Fourth
047grade would maintain the status quo um if some did not decide to change. Okay. So, with this >> Just so we could see the the change in numbers. >> Right now, if you back the you know, the current first graders as kindergarten, there's there's a dozen. Uh the current second graders as first graders, there's 16. And the current third graders as second graders, there's nine. And and the you know, the next year's fourth graders as third graders, there's nine as well. So, um Yeah. That's And like I said, I know I was contacted by a family. They have a first and a fourth grader and and they would like to do that. You know, live outside the area, but work on the transport piece. And we'll And so, we'll throw that out district-wide and and
048see it you know, see what kind of feedback we get. Are we aware of any housing developments or any opportunities for more children to move into the Hogan area or is that uh not like the 158 unit that they've got going up by Tanner and all? Um I've been told that they're trying to develop some stuff out there, but that would be pretty slow. Slow moving. I don't know. >> Talking with Dave Armstrong, there was um something I I don't even know where. Um but I don't know if it was in the village or just outside the village, they were trying to work on something a potential development. I I don't know how big, but >> Okay. Any other questions? All right. Thank you. Okay. Thanks. All right. The uh 2026-2027 Board of Education meeting
049schedule is was in your board packet. And uh that is a first reading for that. If you have any questions as you look through that schedule, and have any questions on it, please [clears throat] let me know. And, uh that'll be brought back at our next meeting for a second reading. Those are the things that we have certain times of the year where we have to do certain things uh as a board, and, uh that's what keeps us in line to do those things. >> [clears throat] >> So, seeing no questions at this time, we will move on to our communications and public relations committee meeting update. Bert. Yeah, we met Tuesday, April 21st. Uh all members present. And, um Mr. Dross, if you want to chime in anytime, let me know. You're good. Um
050we had >> Quite a few there, actually. Lori was there, Nellie was there, Phil was there. >> would like to chime in, go ahead. But, we did hear from the leadership team, which I think is great. Uh we had the Warrior Connections Committee update with Nellie and Phil. Uh we did have Aaron report on where and what we should promote when it comes to public relations. So, there was some discussion, and you know, I that's my concern all the time is public relations, and and, uh you know, whether we get enough from the different you know, people in the community, do we get enough from the teachers, from the Nestle administrators, and and there's some great things going on in the district. And of course, I brought up the fact that when I see something,
051I send to Aaron Johnson and the right away when I heard Brooke Olson was going to be the head basketball coach at UMD, I sent it to her right away, but these are things that I think the public uh really have to know about our students and the good things that the teachers are doing. And then, what social media do you use? Uh one thing you don't don't ask an old guy like me because I probably won't be able to tell you. I'm not Facebook. >> [clears throat] >> Uh next, Randy and Aaron had some discussions on uh the various uh Donovan Group and the communication guide. I don't know if you want to Yeah, I just um uh in 2022, we had the Donovan Group come in and kind of do a communications audit,
052and um some of you may remember a survey at that time that went out, and so um that's where our communication guides for staff members, um others than the district, our branding guide for the use of our logo, um some other pieces came out of that. So, we just reviewed that with the committee. Good. The last thing we took them talked talked about internal and external public relations, and what have been our wins in the past, and what are our opportunities coming up in with students and faculty, and we wrapped up the meeting, and and, uh plan on meeting Tuesday uh wait a minute, I guess we didn't think of a next date, but uh it'll be in a couple months. Any questions? All right, thank you for that update. Next, we have our Board
053of Education Curriculum Committee meeting. We met tonight on April 27th, and we approved the minutes, and then we heard about the grade 4K and kindergarten uh math curriculum, and, uh the staff all piloted the Bridges math, and they are brought to the committee and recommending that that be adopted. The committee has also um recommending that that move forward. That funding would come out of the curriculum budget to purchase that curriculum. If anybody's got any questions, we do have our very knowledgeable math coach. So, anybody have any questions? This is an action item. If you don't have any questions, no questions. All right. No questions, I would entertain a motion to approve that Bridges math curriculum. So moved. Motion has been made. Is there a second? Second. Motion has been made and seconded. Any further questions?
054Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. >> Aye. Opposed? And, the math Bridges math has been approved. So, thank you. Next, we have uh the Policy and Legislative Advocacy Committee meeting update. We have a first reading for policy 443, policy 446, policy 537 Well, let me read them all first. 443 is student possession and use of personal electronic devices, and policy 446 is student searches. Policy 537.2 professional development opportunities for licensed staff, and the rule for 537.2, that's the guidelines for staff attendance at professional development events. Kevin, can I make a couple of comments? Just um policy committee members, that student possession and use of personal electronic devices, originally we had titled that just cell phones, but in in cross-referencing uh that with um WSB and looking at a couple of other
055places because we had talked about, well, it's more than cell phones, it's smart watches, it's, you know, smart whatever you call them, smart glasses, and different things like that. Um and this policy is related specifically to things that students and frankly staff Well, this is student um but students would bring to school that are not issued by the district. This doesn't count um you know, it doesn't include a a district-issued Chromebook or something like that. These are things they're bringing to school, and so um broadened it um again, we had another policy we were looking at as a model, and then incorporating WSB's as well, uh broadened it to just the title student possession and use of electronic devices. And so, wanted to let you know that, and we can change it back if you
056like. Um that's not an issue, and then um just as well, the the one on student searches, we didn't have and and probably need a just a separate policy on student searches. And most school districts have this in place already, but I'm just going to highlight um kind of second paragraph on the bottom. Um and we don't have these in place, but I know our SROs have been asking for these for a while. Uh but it just says, "School officials may use handheld metal detection devices, i.e. metal detector wands, when there are reasonable grounds reasonable grounds to believe that a student may be in possession of a weapon or contraband, i.e. vaping device, or when school officials determine that the use of such devices is reasonably necessary to maintain the safety and security of the
057school environment." So, this wouldn't be something, you know, police walk through the S1 door in the morning and just randomly searching with a wand. Um but if there was uh reasonable suspicion uh to use one for any reason, um and again, once our SROs and and uh other administrators are, you know, trained properly, we haven't purchased these yet, but that's where we were going with this policy. Any questions? So, I have some questions on 443 Mhm. on the student possession and use of personal electronic devices. And I might not know this, and hopefully I will as I get into the policy committee, but um two things. Phil, you're making me really proud of me. Reading some legislation. Um they are potentially proposing in a year a bill to ban, and do we want I mean,
058are we going to have to change this policy again if we get to that point, or do we want to be ahead of that? That's just one thing, and that's neither here nor there, but my bigger concern is, and I don't know I'm not sure if this is anywhere else in and I didn't see it in the handbook, either, is the student to teacher or student to coach communication with their cell phone usage. Do we have anything that has a policy that deters that, or is written anywhere? We have to have a policy now. That's uh that just came out. And for a long time, it's been, you know, we we don't want whatever again. Okay, if I'm the coach of these students for any reason, or um whatever, I'm an advisor, I'm the play
059advisor, and they're in the play, we don't want you, you know, texting students. Um you know, we have approved methods. We have Remind, which is changing to Parent Square, which is like when I, for instance, send out a um email to parents, things like that. Um that's Parent Square I'm using. Um so, formerly Remind, changing to Parent Square. You can use a Google Classroom. There are other options that are district-approved. Um but no, we don't want uh people, and and we need to formally define that. We do I can't quote the policy number off the top of my head. If I pull up my little Gemini Google Assistant, I could find it quick. Um we have some pieces that that kind of address that to some degree, but by the start of the school year,
060we need to have it very specific. And that would be separate from this policy, then. Yes. Okay. I just I have some big concerns about >> Yep. the detriment to a teacher Yep. happen, but also that the students are making sure that that's not where that communication should happen. >> Right. And I'll just use cuz Mr. Lipkey has used this example for years. It was something uh came up at an athletic director's meeting a long time ago. You know, just the example say a male coach would text a female player. You know, I think it was a basketball example. Hey, you look great out there tonight. Not okay. You know, probably not meaning anything by it. But that's not okay. And you know, even other pieces as well. We just we can't have that. Any
061other questions? >> Yeah, the required to store devices in a designated location. Where's the location? Yeah, that's And it could be it could be it could be that's in your backpack out in the hall. And that's I think what happened well, in the middle school they're in your locker. Elementary level we don't allow them. I don't think it's ever really been an issue at the elementary level at all. Middle school level it's your stuff is in your locker. And at the high school level it's yeah, I think they'd say dash in the backpack outside the room. I think is where they're or or or in your locker. Any other questions? All right, this is a first reading. So those policies and the rule will be coming back again for a second reading. If you have
062any other thoughts or questions, please let Randy know and bring that forward for further discussion. Next we get into the information section of our agenda and we'll start off with our WASB public policy correspondent update. Phil. I'm going to be very brief. There's nothing going on legislatively. The governor has either provided his vetoes or signed a number of bills. Um >> [clears throat] >> budget talks again about surplus or not officially going on. They're just rumors. So I don't know. Won't even mention that too much. Um I got the interesting piece of information here. W WASB has put out um an article addressing a number of uh narratives about Wisconsin's public schools with regard to school choice and private schools. And if you go on their website, I think it's very worthwhile reading. Um I
063think it's it's very informative no matter uh where you fall from the zero to 100 spectrum on the uh advocacy of school choice. I [clears throat] think it's pretty objective and very useful. So uh you just go to the WASB WASB legislative update page. I think you probably get that from your emails and I think you can find it pretty easily. So that's all I've got to say tonight. All right, thank you. Any questions? All right, upcoming meeting schedule is in your packet. There is a Zoom meeting [snorts] series coming up for the roles and responsibilities of school board members and no registration is required for that. Then there's a couple of those legal legislative video updates in May and June. And then in July we have the summer learning symposium over in Stevens Point.
064If you can attend that, that does require registration. So please let Clay know so she can get you signed up and registered for that. Let her know as soon as possible. That is the upcoming meeting schedule. Next we get to hear from our student representatives. Hi, my name is Lisa Johnson. I'm a sophomore class rep and we have some new faces here today. I'm Levi Barta. I'm a freshman class representative. Hello, I'm Roman Gago. I am a freshman class representative. Hello, I'm Oliver Corbin and I am also a freshman class representative. That's our first time having our class reps at a board meeting. So we're super excited. Um some events that happened at the school recently. We had our first ever virtual school day. So we had two snow days this year. So this was
065a opportunity to make that up without um having the teachers have to take away their whole in-service. So this was just a fun little activity we did to get people active during the day. We did a virtual bingo card. So students would fill out these and then they would have to bring it in and we entered it into a drawing and they could win gift cards or a speaker. So that was fun. That was on a Friday. And then during this day we also had a real leadership team retreat. So we all went out to the conservancy and we worked on different leadership skills and we have some pictures. So we split off into groups. So first we heard from some teachers. And then we did little skill groups including going outside and learning how
066to facilitate a group and also planning upcoming events for next year. All right, so we decided to have March Madness assembly which basically we had teachers come out and play basketball with the help of some basketball players with them. This I feel like was a really good event. We had a lot of student recognition and we had a lot of fun. Um overall I think that it was a very positive experience. As you can see here there's a lot of smiles on these kids' faces. So I think that it was a good idea. Who won? Who won? I believe it was the blue team. Very nice. All right. So throughout the school year we have been having different events in the hallway between first and second period. And recently we've had the bucket challenge where
067you would try to throw the ball in the bucket, I guess. You would get a if you made it then you would get you would sign a ticket and then you would get put into a drawing for a reward. And we also had donut Friday for the last two weeks, I believe. And we had some moral leadership team members in the south lobby um selling donuts for $2 and an orange juice. So last Wednesday, I believe, we had freshman and sophomore had the to take the pre-ACT. And while we were taking the pre-ACT, the some seniors came out and did some cleaning up, planting trees, cleaning garbage and down by the conservancy and around the community. This year we thought it'd be fun to have sophomores hear from seniors about where they're going to college
068and what they're doing after high school. So we're calling it Wisdom Wednesday. And it's coming up this Wednesday and it's just where sophomores get to go and talk. They can ask all any questions that they have to seniors about what's going to happen in their future and kind of get an idea about what they want to do or what they might find interesting for their future. So we've been having lots of spring sports and clubs going on. Lots of boys basketball, girls softball, boys track and field, girls track and field, boys golf and girls soccer. The girls soccer team has gone undefeated this season, actually. They haven't lost and no one has scored on them. So our sports team are really our sports teams are really doing a good job this spring. And our clubs
069have also been really active. There's the FFA plant sale happening. Robotics team competed at Worlds which is a really good experience for them. They got to compete against different teams from around the world, different countries. Uh prom happened last weekend. That was a great success. And yeah, we were just just wanted to thank all our prom donors, all the people who gave their time and money into helping kids have a great great night. We've got a lot of events coming up like the bonfire and movie night on turf. Thursday, May 14th, we had that last year and we're going to do it again cuz it was a really good thing that the students liked. Uh it's a triple header with home golf, baseball and softball. So we'll light a fire by like the baseball field
070and then have food and games going on. It's a just a good time to hang out with friends. And then we're also having the day after that a movie night on a movie night on turf on Friday, May 15th after the girls senior soccer night to encourage students to come to the soccer game. We had it so students who attend the game get in free. And then if you don't attend the game, you have to pay $5 but with that you get free popcorn and free candy and we're thinking about doing a free drink. So that'll be a good experience. They'll vote on a movie to see at the turf that night. And yeah, we're just trying to finish the year off strong, get some good activities in before we say goodbye to the seniors
071and welcome the freshman next year. Any questions? Do you bring in a big screen for the movie? Scoreboard. We're going to use the scoreboard screen that we have. So, that was an idea we had last year when we first got the screen, but we actually got rained out. So, this is going to be our first time using the screen for the movie night. And And one piece they couldn't report on because they got canceled, unfortunately, the Friday before prom, the day before prom, was state forensics. But, with all the tornadoes and severe warnings storm warnings as you went south, state forensics got canceled, which was a bummer. We had students participating, but um it is what it is. Any other questions? I love you guys' creativity. Nice job with all the activities. It's very engaging.
072Thank you. >> [applause] >> And Randy, district administrator comments. Uh just a few things. Uh reminder that this Thursday, April 30th, is uh last uh high school parent-teacher conferences for the year from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Uh Mr. Polaski sent out an email, I think, today about that. Um next Monday, May 4th, 7:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium is the Rice Lake High School Band Awards Concert. Uh so, a combination of both concert and and then their annual awards. Um week from this Wednesday, May 6th, from 3:45 to 5:00 is the math and literacy night at the middle school, Rice Lake Middle School, 3:45 to 5:00, Wednesday, May 6th. And Friday, May 8th, is the teacher in-service day. No school for the middle school and elementary students, but the high school students will have
073a virtual learning day. Sorry. And uh registration for the summer 25-26 I'm sorry, yeah, this summer, summer academy classes closes on May 8th. And so, see the district website for more details and also just continue to check uh Rice Lake Area School District social media outlets for a great number of things happening. Any questions? All right. Thank you for that update. All right. Now, we uh are at the time in our agenda where I would entertain a motion to convene into closed session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.851C, and that's for the approval of the closed session meeting minutes for Monday, April 13th, and 19.851E, and that's for an individual employee contract. Move to go to closed. Motion has been made. Is there a second? Second. Motion has been made and seconded. Roll call, please. Go
074Kruchko. Yes. Lori Zaruba. Yes. Jason Safford. Yes. Andrew Coop. Yes. Phil Henkel. Phil Henkel. He's over there. Oh, bathroom. Uh sorry. >> [laughter] >> Yeah. Kevin Kevin Jensen. Yes. Miriam Barbara. >> Yes. Bert Richard. >> I'm here. Nelly Shire. Yes. All right. We are in closed. Time to meet properly. We haven't met in several years. So, I think we need to Right, Nelly? What? We need We haven't had an athletic director in several years. >> And I just saw that on the agenda, and I'm like >> that you were doing >> to meet. Like, cuz this