001Nice. >> At 6:00, we will call the regular board meeting to order. Roll call, please. >> Mary and Barbara, >> here. >> Bert Richard >> here. >> Nelly Sher >> here. >> Doug Kuchko, >> here. Lori Zarbach >> here. >> Don Kusky, >> Andrew Coupe >> here, >> Phil Henle >> here, and Kevin Jensen >> here. And Randy, was a proper notice given for this meeting? >> Yes. Please be advised that public notice of this meeting is required by sections 19.84 and 65.90 of the Wisconsin statutes has been properly given. Such notice consisted of a notice and agenda to the official newspaper, the Rice Lake chronotype, to the Oaklair leader, and radio stations WJMC and WAQE indicating the date, time, and place of the meeting. Such notice was given more than 24 hours prior to
002the meeting. >> Thank you. A proper notice was given for this meeting. We will now stand for the pledge of >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the fors indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. Well, we will get started with one of our more exciting opportunities to uh for the board and that's to recognize our students every month. And uh so there's a spot here between Mr. Drossst and Mr. Richard for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, anybody wants to come in and take videos of their child getting their award or pictures, whatever, you can be right there. And with that, we will start with the Rice Lake High School. >> Good evening. Good evening everybody. Mark Biscy, uh, Rice Lake High School assistant principal. Tonight I'm going
003to represent Mrs. Xstein and she has nominated Finn Schroeder. He is a freshman with us. He is the son of Leah Schroeder and she is recognizing him tonight for both academic excellence and leadership. So, I'm going to read the things that Finn wrote. And I think what is special about this one is we probably don't typically recognize a lot of freshmen. Usually the the students I recognize are a little bit older. So, um, it's going to be obvious from what I read here tonight that Finn has made quite the impression. Finn has been selected for his outstanding academic drive and leadership. His can do attitude and dedication to excellence sets a high bar for the entire freshman class. Finn is an eager and prepared participant in his learning journey, taking the lead on many of
004our group projects. He organizes his team and guides his peers with kindness and patience. Even when faced when with unmotivated team members, he remains a steady positive influence, encouraging participation to ensure that the entire group stays on task regardless of the obstacles. He is a great example of how to lead with grace and determination. So Finn, excellent. I love reading that kind of stuff. So congratulations on this Rice Lake Middle School. Um, Melissa Schultz, fifth grade teacher. Uh, Tiffany Nelson, fifth grade teacher. And we have nominated Ryder. Ryder is an amazing student and a positive role model for others in and out of the classroom. His eagerness to learn is evident during each and every class period. Ryder is always engaged in the learning activities of the classroom and loves to contribute to group discussions
005with his insightful thoughts. He is persistent with his learning and does not give up even when a task is challenging. It is our pleasure to have Ryder in our classrooms and we look forward to watching him continue to learn and grow this year and in coming years. Keep up the great work, Ryder. >> You want to take a picture here? >> Yeah. Come here. Tainter Elementary. Hello, I'm Kia Olaf, a reading teacher at Tainter Elementary. I'm recognizing Anna Patrick tonight. Anna has shown incredible responsibility, leadership, and citizenship while working on safety patrol car pickup. Anna consistently models safe behavior for younger students, and she guides them safely to their cars or waiting spot. She shows initiative by listening carefully and helps others without being asked, which the adults really appreciate. Her cheerful disposition and outstanding
006behavior make her a model student. Very photogenic. Oh my goodness. And Hilltop Elementary. Hi, I'm Sarah Brandom. I'm kindergarten teacher at Hilltop. And this is Blakeley Halerson. And she was nominated um by Jennifer Johannis at the a math teacher at Hilltop and Chris Thompson, the literacy um coach at Hilltop. Um and they nominated her for perseverance and resilience. Blakeley, and this is what they said, Blakeley has been nominated for the January student of the month due to her perseverance and resilience in both math and reading. She shows compassion towards herself and others in the group. Blakeley possesses a growth mindset which has helped her make substantial academic progress and as her teacher, I would attest to that as well. She tries really hard and um never gives up and just does her best at all
007the time. So, congratulations, Blakeley. Oh, look at that. There we go. She cute. >> Oh my god. >> All right. I would like to congratulate all of our students that were recognized this evening and let you know that your names will be added to a drawing and and at the end of the school year we will have a drawing and a few uh lucky recipients will receive a Chromebook. So good luck uh on the drawing. So we will take a brief moment for anybody that wants to uh leave at this time. We'll take that time. >> You are welcome to stay though. Guaranteed laugh line. >> She wants to say >> just that one. >> Yeah. >> You guys All right, we will get moving forward. Uh, nobody signed up for appearances this evening, so
008we will move on to the approval of our regular session meeting minutes on Monday, December 8th. Motion to approve. >> So moved. >> Motion has been 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 minutes have been approved. Next, we have our consent agenda, our monthly budget and cash reconciliation reports, the board bills, and we have uh five employment uh resignations and eight employment recommendations. So, I would entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda. >> So, moved. >> Second. >> Motion has been made and seconded. Any further discussion? A big thank you to Paul and Steve for their many years with our kids >> and then and all the extracurriculars they
009do and Brad >> and and Brad for 16 years open. >> Yeah. Keeping everything going. Absolutely. >> Keeping the heat running and >> well stuff saved the district a lot. So yes, thank you to all of those individuals. All right. Next we will get into our report section. We'll start off with the open enrollment space approval. Uh it's an action item. >> Yes. So with that uh each year uh each January, school boards are required to take a action on um open enrollment uh just regarding any space limits or pieces like that. And so what you have in your um board packet is a summary put together by Lori Johnson uh sped and people services director. And with that, um, just in there, she outlined, um, our case loads and, uh, either recommendations for space
010available or no space available. And so, uh, based on her recommendations, and this has been consistent with what we've done, frankly, for as long as I can remember, um, we'd be asking recommending that, um, the board take action to, uh, deny open enrollment applications for the next school year, uh, for students, um, who come to us, uh, with an IEP or with special needs. All right. Anybody have any questions comments? If not, I would entertain a motion. >> So moved. >> Motion has been made and seconded. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. And that motion carries. Next we have our 26 27 school calendar possible revision discussion. >> Yeah. So with that in your packet um you've got a few things. You've got uh a
011couple of links or printouts of uh the proposed uh 2627 school calendar. Um about a year ago you approved the 2526 and 2627 school calendars. uh with the understanding that at this time or recently, you know, the end of the calendar year, we would survey staff and parents um to get their sense on um you know, their opinions on the calendar as we did start this year. Uh we did start in late August. And so with that, we sent that survey out. Uh we ended up with 117 staff responses and 213 uh parent or guardian responses. And those are uh you've got the pictures of those either in the packet or in your packet or on your screen and you can see those. So um I'll just look at the staff um piece briefly and
012I'm not going to read through all the comments. I I have read through all the comments but um not going to do that now but your preferred start date for um next year about 48% said late August about 37% said after September 1 and about 15% were no preference. And then your preferred end date uh before Memorial Day was 47%, early June 32 and a half percent and no preference about 20%. Um then it asked about the length of the breaks and so just as a reminder next year uh the calendar that was approved a year ago had us starting in August again. Um but the way the calendar falls, everyone would finish up on that Friday of Memorial Day weekend for the 26 27th school year. And then for the district families uh you
013know how satisfied you with the current school year calendar overall uh about 41% were satisfied about 18% very satisfied and about 27% neutral and um little 11 maybe 15% or so were dissatisfied or very satis or very dissatisfied. Uh do you feel the current school year started too early, too late or about right? Um 52% was about right. uh 47 or 6 and 12% too early and a little bit too late. Um do you feel the current school year ends too early, too late or about right? Um 60 almost 65% were about right. Uh what start date do you prefer for the school year? Uh we had about 49% after September 1. Uh 38% late August. And then what end date do you end date do you prefer for the school year? about 56% before
014Memorial Day, uh 26% early June, and about 18% no preference. So, um with that, oh, there was one other one. How satisfied are you with the timing and length of winter break? Um it's kind of pretty much an even split between very satisfied, satisfied, or or neutral. Um and so with that, um you know, there's a number of things we could do. Uh we could leave it. Um the calendar is adopted for next year. We could roll with that. Um or we could take action to um send it back to the calendar committee for further discussion and consideration. >> I don't if any of you have any thoughts. >> Looks like it's pretty evenly split. I don't know if you're going to make >> Yeah. >> Is there really any recommendations from you, Randy? >>
015I just doesn't >> Yeah. I don't I don't number one I I thought we'd have a lot more responses um on both the the staff side and the family side. Um you know we sent separate emails about it um you know not burying it and with a bunch of other things I thought we'd have a lot more responses. Um yeah with that I would probably agree um things are fairly split. we could roll with this um another year as planned and and then continue to take a look at things. Um that's where I guess I personally would be at. But I think one of the comments mentioned something about the school or the winter break going into that end of second term is >> four days. Is there any concern >> there that can be
016addressed because there's going to be the finals? >> You mean like Yeah. So la you know so we came back last week. Um, so we had the full week last week and then what four days this week. So yeah, that's what you're talking about there. >> Yeah. But next year it's going to be even shorter. It's going to be January 4th, school resumes and then we have the end of the term is on the 8th, >> right? So they would come back. So >> shorter than this year. >> It is right. It's just five days um with that. So, >> one comment I keep seeing is a whole week off during Thanksgiving, which I will have to say is we used to have the whole week off during or maybe we didn't, but we just
017took it off because of holiday. >> We used we when when I was in school, we went you went to school Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and then had Thursday, Friday off. And now for again, as long as I can remember, it's been Monday, Tuesday school, and then Wednesday, Thursday, Friday off. But yes, I and that was something as we developed the calendars for this year and next year was a a point of consideration, but then okay, if you don't have those two days, you got to tack them on somewhere else. And so >> yeah, so at that point the committee the committee had left it, but it was something that that uh was definitely discussed. >> And um the other one I keep seeing a lot is two weeks over Christmas was way too long. M
018>> um >> yeah, >> and I don't have a horse in the race, so I don't get the vote, but um >> yeah, >> I can see where having your kids at home for two solid weeks during Christmas break with no >> Yeah. >> really no structure. >> Yeah, there was And next year it would be Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and then the next week Monday through Friday. Yeah. >> Yeah. And the spring break piece is always a conversation, too. There's, you know, people that like it, people that don't like it say add a couple of days at Easter and call it good and not have a spring break. But, um, >> I thought the roaming holiday was good. I said just give everybody just a week just to take off. I'm like, that's very effective.
019I liked it. >> I agree with Nelly. I saw a lot of the Thanksgiving week, full week. And um also the other thing that was brought up a lot was matching to the other districts in the area because that helps with planning if your children are in different districts or if you're teaching in different districts. >> Spring break for spring break. You mean >> well for a lot I it just seemed like >> stuff wasn't matched up. I think like this year, say Cumberland and Baron both had the full week of Thanksgiving off and then they had those few days before Christmas and that was, you know, I don't know how that plays into it, but I think that >> did did they go to school those couple days like Monday, Tuesday? Yeah. Mhm. >>
020Um I don't know what I mean, I don't know how you can possibly do that with other districts, but I I that was just another theme that I did see running through there. I don't know if it >> it to go back for a year. I wasn't part of the original creation of this calendar, but um >> I know it's stressful on parents when there's not um child care and when Nelly said the two weeks at Christmas, it was stressful because Boys and Girls Club wasn't open because our staff also needed some time off and we would tried to work around that. So making sure that we can work together with that too. But I think those are the stresses as well. It's just >> for June, do we? >> Next year would not last
021day for all students next year would be Friday, May 28th. >> Yeah, I I like that as a former educator, man. >> Junior and graduation would be that night as well. >> You might as well go on a field trip every day. >> I saw in here too quite a few times that um we have more inservice dates than other districts. Is that true? >> Um I don't know. That would go to really teacher contract days. Um, and so ours are 188 and like I know Baron's is a little more because Diane reminds me every year, but um, uh, so I don't know what they have, but yeah, it's based off 188 contract days. >> Okay. >> So, I was on the calendar committee and it's it's helpful to read these comments, but at the
022same time, it's like everybody has an opinion and there's so much thought that goes into it. And when we met, there's so much considered it. It's really it's it's almost impossible to make everyone happy because you have all the different grade levels with opinions. And >> I mean, what what do you think are the main things that are >> put into consideration? >> Um, start after September 1st, they want to be done by they want to start later and get done early. And I mean, you can >> How do you squeeze that all in? >> You you hear that a lot like start, you know, start after Labor Day, be done by Memorial Day. and we can do that, but then you know you're you're not having a spring break and and those other pieces
023>> at Easter or at >> right you had to have a >> Friday Monday at Easter kind of a thing and and I mean it can be done. We can certainly do it. Um but just >> formula that they were looking at also by how many days between the breaks and so on. Yeah, just trying to right like spring break is one of those pieces. Um, you know, it's been that second week in March for a long time and that's one of those pieces Andy, you were just talking about it for next year. There's only a week when they come back in January and in spring break it's always been such that, you know, it h it happens and then there's a full two weeks back before the term ends. And so um you know
024with that again uh we can move that to to around Easter but that you know as you know Easter fluctuates and and changes and so um you know with that that spring break would fluctuate and change as well. >> I know back when we spring the thing that people were looking for something consistent And then the other piece that I would just kind of add is that we do have families that are starting to call already. And so if we kick the can down the road too much longer, okay, >> it's just going to be tough for them to plan too far away from summer at this point. >> Yeah. And and I mean the other piece with spring break, if you're if you coach a spring sport or have a kid in a spring
025sport, that's, >> you know, I'm guessing if we pulled spring sport coaches exclusively, they'd probably say, "H, we could do away with that." But, >> um, you know, that's that's a piece of it as well. I think based on the survey and the fact that it was fairly evenly split, I think we should go forward with keeping the calendar as it as it is and then obviously get back to uh calendar committee to the next two years and they can start planning and using some of this data as thoughts to how the next two going forward are going to look. But I think this one I think based on the results of the survey we should just move forward. >> I would I would like to bring in a parent on the committee. I think
026that'd be helpful. Just a different perspective. >> Yeah. And if that's if the board's okay with that, you don't have to do anything tonight because this you adopted this a year ago. give me your two cents on the full week at Thanksgiving and I know you're you know um a few people and only like you said I don't have a horse in the race anymore but um I don't know if because that was a you know Miriam and Josh you remember that was a a fairly lengthy conversation um the full week at Thanksgiving if >> you're still going to have the stress of parents that need care not everybody takes that week off to go hunting so I mean that's where people are leaning on some of those things is the care So, >> not
027that we can't cover it at Boys and Girls Club, but just >> right. >> How many students are missing are missing, >> you know, Monday and Tuesday of that week? >> I don't know. I don't know if you have a sense of the middle school. >> Very few then. I mean, nothing >> percentage wise. It's not >> and probably not a lot for elementary. >> Right. >> Okay. >> Right. Right. Y there's just so much work that goes into it and listening to the different grade levels perspective it's like >> you know I >> I was impressed that they did come to a consensus but I do think it would be helpful to have a parent there also >> yeah a couple >> I think I agree though with Josh I think it's too late
028to change it now and >> we just start working on it after >> and then wait a couple of years and then it gets easier again because the holidays fall on the weekends and then Right. I >> think you need more than one parent. You know, which color parent are you going to take? The blue of the graph, the red of the graph, or the orange of the graph. >> Sure. >> Got multiple opinions. >> And then you got elementary, middle school, and high school to take into account, >> right? Because those three all >> those are all different as well. >> You can take that one parent and say it's all her fault or his fault. Mhm. >> I do think it's really important that um if this doesn't change that it's still communicated
029that we looked at this because I feel like sometimes people say I took that and nothing you didn't do anything with it. So I do think we need to make sure it's communicated back out that the compilation of what we saw um caused us to continue with the current calendar and just make sure that communication's done. >> You bet. >> Well, the other thing you can do is next time vary it a little bit. See how people like it. You know, it's easy to say something on paper, but once they experience it, it's a total different deal. >> Well, and also I mean I mean I've read all these comments and you know you have what a dozen of them that say I love two weeks at Christmas, but you also have two dozen that
030say never again two weeks at Christmas. So >> well and that's that's the problem that Miriam is talking about just being on the committee. I years ago when I was first on the board, I sat on that committee and it >> it you do look at everything but >> every group has a different thought on every day of start, every day of end, every day of vacation. How much vacation? >> Yeah. >> Because high school kids require different things than elementary kids. And >> middle school is a completely >> too long without the kids getting a break too. So they look at all of that as well. And there's just so much that goes into it. The you know the testing at the end of the year, right? >> Yes. >> So it it's you
031eliminate a week of spring break. It's a long haul from Christmas break till >> Yep. >> And it's possible that uh Christmas vacation just seemed long this year because Thanksgiving was only three weeks before that. >> Yeah, you're right. >> Y >> we used to do we didn't have spring break. We just had longer days on each side of Easter, too. So it wasn't like we didn't get any break. We did suggest >> patted on both sides back >> before spring break. >> I remember growing up you might get a Friday Monday or Thursday, Friday, Monday, something like that. >> Mhm. >> All right. Are we all uh good with just leaving it and moving forward for now? >> Okay. All right. Then we will move on to the finance committee meeting update. Doug, >>
032yes. Uh we met here Wednesday, January 7th at 3:30 in the afternoon. All members were present. Statement and notice was given. Uh approved the minutes. Uh had a discussion about uh the band fees uh that are being charged at the uh for rental of instruments and the committee approved eliminating the band fees going forward. Um it was decided and then uh we talked about our 2627 budget and we reviewed some options as to uh what uh we can do to reduce some expenses in 26 and 27. Uh we'll have more discussion at our board retreat as to where we'll go from here on that issue. Uh the OPED uh discussion uh we talked about some potential changes to that language as well. Uh we approved the purchasing of a new maintenance vehicle from Don Johnson
033Motors. Uh we had an an a fuel RFP. So uh it looks like we'll be changing uh buying fuel uh from Synergy Cooperative uh for our fuel purchases moving forward. Uh we have an action item tied to this uh the 2425 audited financials. Um we reviewed them and the government's communication and recommends them for approval for the board. Do you want to do that now or? >> Let's do that now. >> So, I would entertain a motion to approve the 2425 financial statements and governance communication. >> I move that we approve them. >> Motion has been made. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion has been made and seconded. Any further discussion? >> Would you like to uh call attention to the results of the audit which are quite good? >> Victor, you want
034to uh quick Yeah. >> Well, he has to toot his own horn, basically. So, >> well, that's the important one is >> get up and toot your own horn, Victor >> entries. So, yes, >> that's impressive. >> I guess uh the governance letter. >> Yes. >> And we had no auto findings, I guess, if that's what you're discussing. But >> yes. >> And how many journal entries did you have to have? >> I've never had any because I don't believe in them. So, we didn't have any audit entries. No, we had one unadjusted uh journal entry for the self insurance. Um, basically got to we're self-insured. You got to estimate the number in July. Obviously, it's not going to be exact in December. So, we just had one adjusted for that. So, that was it.
035But we had no audit findings or anything. So, I guess that's all. >> It was a It was a great audit. Well done. >> Thank you. man of a few words. All right, we have a a motion and a second. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. I. >> Opposed. And that has been approved. >> All right. And then uh we had two items on the agenda that we tabled because our meeting was running a bit long. uh we'll talk and address those at our next meeting with regards to the school district city of Rice Lake agreement for uh the use of the district facilities and a network addition to health insurance plan for 2627. Uh we reviewed and approved the bills and set our next meeting date for Thursday,
036February 5th. >> All right, any questions? Thank you for that update. Next we have the uh policies that rules and exhibits that are up for second reading. Um anybody have any questions or comments on those? If not I would entertain a motion to approve those policies, rules and exhibits. >> So moved. >> Motion has been 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 those have been approved. Next, we get into our information section of our agenda where we have the wire connections committee meeting minutes from December 18th. Anyone have any questions or comments >> on that? >> Phil, Nelly, Randy? Yeah, I just uh had an update from the warrior leadership team
037and a couple of students who are going to talk about that um uh later. Um one uh new program we've been looking at this the last couple of years. Um but at the WOW building they're looking at it's called Raise Your Voice. Uh it's a mental health awareness club and maybe seeing what they can do with that and expansion. Um then a few different at the middle school as well had a had an update but uh like a couple of highlights just student council working to provide new and different activities uh for students whether you know had a recent drumming performance and different school celebrations and and uh different highlights. Um and the community piece talking about and this is you know working with parents and others that are have been a part of the
038committee. Um, can churches and other community entities help provide additional activities for students like over those long school breaks? Um, you know, could we do something in the cafeteria or gym or something like that over spring break for students or over breaks for students? Um, you know, can civic leaders or groups um join in some way? And actually just this afternoon, I had the pleasure of of speaking to um our local PEO group uh philanthropic educational um group and um up at the pool. And so we were able to I was able to do that in the activity room and then they took a tour of the pool and the new addition and we talked about the next pieces and child care and um I apologize to Tracy Van Gilder because I went way too
039long but there was lots of questions. But anyways, um one of the members um uh asked you know what could they do as a group um if any viewers or listeners the um philanthropic educational organization is a a group of local women um and they look to um you know advance um you know leadership skills and character education and and education for those that they can. And so, um, it just so happened, uh, this afternoon I also met with Dave Armstrong to talk about a number of different things in both of his different roles. And one of the things they do, and I think our high school folks are gone to, uh, to for the games, but, um, about this time every year, um, through Baron County Economic Development, he has some grant dollars and
040he brings others in and they work with high school students, um, who maybe are, you know, still trying to figure some things out. Then I thought h like okay the the women from that PEO group uh may be able to help with that. So I'm going to put them in touch with Dave Armstrong and and see what we can do there. But just examples of you know people in our community uh wanting to help and and some possible things they can do. So um we'll meet again soon in early February. So I don't know if you have anything else to add but >> well I think your last comment there or the last comment or one of the last comments on here was I think the committee has elevated the the profile of the need
041to do things like this and I think that by itself is real valuable. >> All right. Anything else? >> Next, determining possible change for our March board meeting. So, we have spring break. We were just talking about the calendar. March 9th, uh would be during that spring break. Um, anybody have any >> breakers are on the board? >> One >> ice break. >> Two. two spring breakers. >> Oh, Bert and I are going. >> Did you tell Bert? >> I'm not a spring break, but I have I have a conflict for work, so I would not. >> Okay. >> So, we can move it, but or I think didn't we last year just combine it into one long meeting? >> We did. >> Yeah. which will be perfect for me because I'll be gone then
042in >> the end of March >> or or the March 2nd, >> the Monday before >> I will be gone that day, >> that week. >> What are the dates of spring break again? >> What are your options that you're proposing? So either March 2nd or moving it and running it all on the 23rd, >> the 24th Monday, >> which would be March 23rd. >> What's wrong with the 23rd? >> That is the other. >> Oops. That would be a longer meeting because it' be once a month versus two times a month. >> I think we do that >> 23rd. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Do we have a motion to >> You better >> change our meeting date. >> I motion to change the meeting date to March 23rd for one meeting for the
043month. That second >> motion has been made and seconded to the 23rd. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. And we have changed that month to the 23rd only. All right. Next on the agenda is the WSB delegate assembly information. Um so in your packet was all of the proposed uh resolutions that will be discussed at the assembly. Is there anybody as we go through these one at a time? >> No. >> Uh >> no. >> Or we can go through them based on anybody having any questions on any of them. >> I think we should go through based on questions. You don't want to do one at a time? >> Well, I'm just trying to honor what Bert wants. >> Why don't Why don't we
044There aren't that many there. There are 12. Not all of them are going to have discussion. I would like to just systematically go through them. >> Okay. First one opposing the removal of caps from the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program. And that was the rationale for that is the enrollment and income caps play a role in preserving both the f fiscal sustainability and public of public schools and the integrity of Wisconsin's education system. Removing these caps could lead to significant increases in local tax burdens. Potential destabilization destabilizing public school funding and retaining the enrollment and income caps help ensure balanced and equitable educational opportunities. Anybody have any comments or thoughts on how we as a district and as a community well I don't think it's a hill to die on. But you could also say that
045if only part of the state if poor people in the part of the state are the only ones that get to enroll that way that's not equitable for people in other parts of the state. But this is this is not a big one for me either way. >> Any other thoughts or comments? Okay, we'll move on. Oops. Won't we? Number two, revision of the school district and the school report card process. >> Yes, >> makes a lot of sense. >> Please get rid of it. All right, the next one. Amendment to resolution 5.22 funds distribution. Amend the existing 5.22 funds distribution. And the WSB recommends that the state education agency be assigned the jurisdiction to supervise the dis distribution of all funds intended for educational program serving youth of elementary and high school age in
046any school system receiving public funds in Wisconsin. They're changing supervision and are removing that and the public schools would be the changes that they're proposing. I'd like to ask Victor and Randy um how would you favor if the feds send funds first to DPI and then to the districts or if the feds send fund divide them up and send them directly to districts. >> There you got your hands. In general, you would think just sending them directly to us would make more sense, but again, what's the fine print? So, >> you have to make your own mind up, Kevin. Uh-huh. >> We'll have to see how the discussion goes and what the depends comes out and if what comes out and there very well could be an amendment to it that specifies what that is
047too. So all right number four amendment to the resolution 1.26 26, which is the authority to schedule referenda. >> Supportive of that, I guess. I mean, I I don't think uh I think we as a district that should maintain local control to determine whether or not we need to go with a referendum, and we shouldn't be, >> right? I'm I'm 100% in agreement that that should be a local district's decision on based with their community and their board and their needs. >> Exactly. >> And uh if they have a referendum that doesn't pass and they go back to the community and and give them a better explanation to a better job of why that's important and it can pass at the next opportunity, great. And if it doesn't, the community can still vote no. They
048can vote it no as many times as they want. So, um, but it gives the community and the district the control instead of Madison. Pretty okay with that. All right. Then number five, sub substance abuse disorder and treatment aid. So, any thoughts on that one? I would guess uh is that do you take that as being per every pupil in every school district? >> That's how I see it. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. So, is this going to advantage southeastern? >> I was just going to say this is not Yeah, this is very much written for the eastern side of the state. I was thinking that kind of yeah >> my inclination was no >> if it's on a per pupil basis I mean it's going to be disproportionate >> it's a good resource but I'm
049not sure if that's the way that should be distributed >> or it just ends up if that's the case. It just ends up putting more money into those schools that are already getting a lot of extra money. >> Yeah, because they're talking about the funding there is definitely staff related. I mean, or contracted out or hiring staff and um seems to be the focus and you know, for a smaller school district, $25 for a student is, you know, not going to do a whole lot. No. No. All right. Number six, vocational transition to students with disabilities. >> Bert, this is yours. >> Supportive of that. I don't see >> I didn't see any downsides to that. >> Seemed good. >> Same thing with seven. >> Seven is universal state covered meals. I don't like that.
050I think being afford your meal you just kick in for it. Next thing we'll have to provide meals for the parents too. >> So we have two different thoughts on My concern on this too is the waste that we have all this food and then the kids take it and they don't eat it and it's like what are we doing? I mean it's like we see it every day in Boys and Girls Club. the CAC I mean the CACF tell says you have to serve a certain meal set right you have to have grains you have to have milk there's four different areas I don't serve it but um and a lot gets thrown out and I think when you're forcing this hand are we are we allowing waste and I agree that every child
051needs to have food to be able to learn but is this the best way to do it I don't know is there a better way we could do it >> what would be the alternative too. >> I don't know that. That's what I'm saying. But yeah, I think this is I think we could be more creative. Yeah. >> Well, don't don't we we offer free breakfast to to kids that need it, right? We have the backpack program for kids that need it. Kids that don't need it. Why do it? >> We already have free and reduced lunches for kids that need it. >> Yeah. It it just makes the resources for the kids that really need it a little harder to >> cuts to that program from from a federal level. >> Has there been
052any cuts? Have we seen any cuts come through yet? I not aware of any. >> Think so. >> Yeah. >> I don't think I didn't think so. >> And they're looking at changing the dietary guidelines. You know, one person said $10 off a kid. >> Yeah. Costs are going to go up. On a on a side note, I don't know then because right now free and reduced lunch determines our title one funding at some level, does it not, Victor? >> Yeah. >> So then if you go and everybody gets it, then where are they going to get those numbers? >> So you can sign. So schools already have this CP program. If you if your free is low enough your whole district can be on free basically free introduce some school you don't charge anything
053but then you got to do alternative way to drag free >> you said lowest did you mean if your free reduce is high enough >> yeah I figured that's what you meant >> yep >> right so you don't have that there's gonna be alternative ways to >> and we'd have to we'd have to figure that out and and pay for that tracking device. Any other thoughts? All right. Number eight, public education endowment fund. Is that a public endowment fund or a privately funded endowment fund? It >> says public >> public education. >> If it's private, there's no downside. Somebody wealthy wants to kick in a few million dollars. It's great. >> To me, it looks like it's using Yeah. Like how is it being funded is what you're asking. >> Yeah. Yeah. Right. It looks
054>> and how do you how do they distribute it? >> It looks to me like it is because they're talking about the budget surplus at the state. So that tells me that they're thinking the state should fund it and then so it's a public funded and then it would be determined by people in Madison how they would distribute that. So, how's that different from the current formula? Basically, general aids. >> Yeah. I think they'd be better off to try and figure out a better way to eliminate the formula and find a better equalized way of distributing funds, >> right, >> than to worry about this. >> All right. Number nine, amendment to resolution 3.241, early childhood education funding and public/private partnerships. To me with our new learning center, this makes sense. >> Yes. >> And
055keeping keep in mind these are just resolutions that'll be discussed. If they pass there, then WSB's um team of of uh individuals that go to the capital will have to >> lobby them to get this stuff passed anyway. So just because we say this and the assembly even says this is good to go doesn't mean >> our legislators are going to say, >> "Oh yeah, let's do that." Yeah. >> So, have we ever addressed fixing the funding formula? >> Yeah, multiple times. >> Yes. >> Just never happened. >> No, that never goes anywhere. >> Yes. >> One of the frustrations we've had with the Heart of the North lobby group, which no longer exists after last spring. And part of it was we would have different resolutions actually as a committee there were suggestions. And
056the tough part for our committee after 15 20 years to actually find out if any of our resolutions got passed or discussed. Do they do that with WASBY? They say last year we did this or and this is how effective we were. Because I hear, you know, hold me up a minute. I hear a lot of proposals being on the board of education. Very seldom I hear, "Well, WASBY did this and by golly, we got it passed." Does that ever happen? You know what I'm saying? I'm just saying, how effective is WASBY? Uh, >> I didn't mean to make you think like that, but >> it'd be interesting. >> I don't know the percentages. I'd have to look at that. Well, I just want >> but but yes, they there's a fair number of resolutions
057that have been passed by legislators over the years following the recommendations of of WASBY. >> Um and then there's some like this number 10. Um this was discussed at our last assembly. Um it actually didn't get past that and so now they're coming back again to the boards to try and get it. I just was wondering. >> Yeah. >> And you can tie 10 and 11 together because you've got one that is supporting it and one that opposes it. So, okay. >> Right. >> Pick your poison is what you're saying. >> It's kind of like the school calendar. >> Anybody Anybody have any >> on which ones now? 10 >> on 10 and 11. Are we supporting or or not supporting the decoupling? Basically, >> I think it's another Victor and Randy question. >> Paying
058attention, Victor. >> Oh, yeah. >> So, there's >> decoupling or not decoupling school, private school. So, I there's about um this year uh school vouchers uh statewide was about was right at $700 million. Uh $350 million um came from local taxpayers, you know, across the state. And then the other $350 million, I don't know exactly where it came from, but came from other state funds. Um and so with that and I yeah I don't know again it's um you want people to to understand that you know at our local level I think 625,000 this year. Yeah I think right around 623 625 something like that. Um and so what happens then is we levy for that but then our state aid gets reduced by that much. So um it's uh works that way. So, um
059I guess it's you know what, um you know, what do you think our local uh membership would would want to see there as taxpayers, I guess, is the is the question. If if someone transfers out of our district, >> Yeah. to a voucher school >> to a voucher school, do we lose per pupil money on that? Do we have a little per pupil money left behind? >> No. If they open and roll out to so say a student here open and rolls to Cumberland, just use as an example, there's a little per pupil money that stays behind. Um that's not the case in the voucher program. There's money that stays behind >> and there are a couple of years ago I was wellversed. Uh there's income limits and pieces there, but uh earlier there was
060one um talking about the sorry let me grab it quick um about the restrictions and I thought for next year most of those I don't know if you know Victor I thought most of those restrictions went away um you know it used to be it could only be a certain percentage of a school district's population um and so on but I think there we go opposing the removal of caps from the Wisconsin parental choice program. So, I think next year some of those Yeah. Uh it must be 10% because it says WSB supports maintaining an enrollment cap of 10% and an income cap of 200 20 220% of the federal poverty level. So that's I think where it's at now. So for us, if that's true right now, you could only have you could have
061about uh 200 students um in voucher programs and then as long as they met those requirement guidelines, those income guidelines and I think those caps are yeah, I they're set to change next year or u maybe even go away at some point. Doug, you're the financial guy. What do you think? >> Well, my opinion is I'd just assume decouple it. But >> I agree. I think we clarify the process. I mean, I I think that there's private schools that have the opportunity to have endowments and things to help support private education and whatnot, and they should tap into those rather than taking funds from us that we could desperately use. Well, the other thing with decoupling it, it would clarify >> where the money is going because right now it looks like we're getting this
062money from the tax base and then but we're actually cutting a check to pass it on. So, >> and then we're still responsible for the transportation costs and everything and we're not getting any >> funding back for that. >> So, is yes 11 is no. >> So support decoupling then. >> Yeah. >> All right. And then no to the 11 and 12 encouraging schools to participate in WIAA policym. >> Will it make a difference? >> Well, we've tried and give us a couple minutes and they don't listen. It'll be that that one. When I saw that, it's like that's going to be an interesting uh an interesting session. So, >> still on the face of it, it seems like a no-brainer. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> The question is, will it do anything? Yeah. >>
063Right. >> All right. Anybody have any other comments or questions before we move on? Okay, Phil, public policy correspondent update. >> Well, activity is revving up at the state legislature. Again, um there are an awful lot of bills that are being cons being considered by various committees. So, I'm not going to mention all of them. If you want the details, you can go to the links that Colleen has graciously listed in our packet. Um the assembly is having a floor session as of tomorrow. Uh one of the interesting ones is a a bill they're going to talk about a bill that um would require emergency cardiac plans. Training requirements and regs for coaches would have to be created in consultation with licensed athletic trainers. I was thinking, where does that leave districts without an athletic
064trainer? Um, it's a very, very rare event. I mean, nobody questions that it's really helpful if it happens, but it's like everything else. You know, something's extremely serious, even though it's rare, you'd like to be prepared for it. um if something is extremely common and not so serious, you like to be prepared for it. So, I mean, this this is really an exceedingly rare event where you need something like this. So, we'll have to see what they come out with. Um the Assembly Education Committee has a hearing and a vote. They had one on January 9th. I haven't seen the results of that. I I didn't check the blog later today, actually. um alternate there's an alternate open enrollment deadline in the case of uh uh military families receiving late orders or something like that.
065And Senate Committee on Education met on January 6. There's a public hearing uh concerning professional development for science teachers which already passed the assembly. a bill that would mandate explaining pregnancy, prenatal development, and childirth as part of human growth and development. Um, bill on that would address um I guess procedure for pupils who want to change their legal name and pronouns, which we've already done. The Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety is meeting talking about a bill that would create a crime of grooming a child. Wonder why that's not already a crime. Uh Senate Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges met on January 7th. They would like to update dual enrollment regulations and they would like to expand minority teacher loan loan program to more categories of teachers. the um the feds. Trump
066signed a secure rural schools reauthorization bill which um gives back pay for 24 and 25 when it didn't happen for some reason. Apparently, it's managed under the US Force Service, which I don't know what the reasoning for that is. Um it's for a limited number of school districts in Wisconsin. I guess in nine counties. And the reasoning is that there apparently are a number of school districts, probably not ours, that have a lot of forest land and they can't levy property taxes on the forest land. So, this would kind of make them whole for having property that they can't lovey taxes on. And I don't know, do we have enough? Does that affect us at all? I >> mean, we we have what, 100 acres, something like that. >> Yeah. Yeah, it's probably not enough.
067So, anyway, um that is all I'm going to report tonight. Thank you. All right. Thank you for that. Upcoming meeting schedule, we've got a couple uh WSB video sessions on February 18th and Feb March 18th. We have the WSB WSA school law conference coming up February 19th down in Elcart Lake. If you can make that, let Clean know so she can get you registered. And then the WSB 2026 summer learning symposium which will be held in Stevens Point this year at the convention center. More information to come on that, but that'll be coming up in July and that also will require a registration with Colleen. So keep an eye out. some something you can attend, please let her know and she can get you registered as soon as possible. So with that, we will turn
068it over to our students here from our high school students this evening. >> Hi, I'm Claire Jos, one of the senior class representatives. I'm here with Porter Corbin, one of our junior class representatives. Um we just have a bit of an update on what war leadership team has been up to and then kind of our outlook on this upcoming semester. >> Um our first update is about the holiday week. Um juniors won obviously for the hallway decorating competition. >> Obviously. Um I thought our dress up days went really well, some more than others. Um, our Friday end of the day activities were a huge success. Lots of people in the movie at least. And during that time or before, like right before we served hot chocolate and popcorn for all the students. >> We also
069did secret Santa again this year. We've done it for the past couple of years. So this year we were able to help 29 kids throughout the three elementary schools. Um and we raise money to do this through um fundraising at sort sporting events like halftime. Um the gifts range from toys to school supplies, clothing, games um along those lines and some of our warrior leadership team members were able to distribute the gifts during the school day. >> Um I'm sure you know about coaches versus cancer which is taking place tonight. Um, I did not hear about any updates on the girls varsity team, but hopefully the boys will win. >> U, we also had a blood drive planned for this December, but unfortunately it was cancelled due to the snow day. However, we do have
070a new date set, March 25th, that'll be open to students and staff staff to donate blood. So, we are looking forward to seeing that and it should be a pretty good turnout. Um, next we just have some we went into small groups amongst our warrior leadership team. Um, so we have some concepts of plans. Valentine's Day delivery in February, a bracket challenge during March, celebrate our school's unsung heroes in April, senior letters to staff in May, and also senior breakfast. And then so we're kind of looking at goals for the second semester coming up. Um we'd say our overall goal is to just keep reaching out and um reaching out to students, making sure everyone's staying invol staying involved. Um I know during kind of the second semester in the winter months, it can get
071kind of in a lull. Um so trying to push through that and keep students active and involved. Um some kind of ideas or things we're looking to incorporate through the second semester. We will be welcoming new freshman warrior leadership team members during Wednesday at our meeting. Um and then freshman will be able to run for class representative as well. Uh we're looking to plan this winter spirit week during third term to kind of again break away from that kind of dull lull that kind of comes with second term and with winter. Um also with that maybe doing dance um which through FFA as well. Um, and then more home room challenges just to keep students active in school and then some more school assembly ideas as well. >> Um, so just further on the upcoming
072dance, it's still in the development stage. So we do have a date February 28th likely around 7, but we do not have many details on it yet. >> Are bibs required for the barn bash? >> Yeah. Who's barn co >> any any questions? >> Well, just a reminder um every board meeting we see the art from the students that have done it and uh Main Street and Chamber uh again will have the artscape that goes on the polls and you might remind if you have any artists at the school to get it in. I think it's January 29th. They make their selection in April, but boy, I've seen some high school, you know, projects that were fantastic. So, just a reminder. >> Mhm. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you guys.
073>> Randy, district administrator. >> Just uh a few things. Just a reminder. I know we mentioned it, but this Thursday, January 15th, is the end of the second term at the high school and middle school. Uh, and there's no school for all levels. This Friday, uh, January 16th due to teacher inservice. Uh, right before this meeting at 5:30, we uh, held a meeting to review and certify the board candidates for the spring election. Uh, the names were drawn and will appear in the following order on the spring ballot. So Doug Kuchko will be listed first, Nelly Shier second, and Jason Safert third. And would just uh yeah, continue to check our social media and for a great number of things happening um in the district. And yeah, I think our board in service uh will
074be Monday, January 16th from 5 to 7:00 at the Riverdoc Nature Conservancy with the next regular board meeting scheduled for Monday, February 9th. >> It'll be here before we know it. >> I think you're off. Yeah. >> Am I >> the 16th? >> It would be the 26th would be our >> Y board meeting next. Oh, it's written 26th, but apparently I said the 60. I'm sorry. It's written here correctly. Monday, January 26. So, >> sorry if I read that incorrectly. >> Perfect. Any questions or comments? >> What's that? >> All the stuff I got to do. >> All right. All right. I would entertain a motion to convene into close session pursuant to Wisconsin's statutes 19.851C and that's for the approval of a close session meeting minutes from Monday, December 8th. And then uh
075the second item is 19.851E and that's for an individual employee contract. Entertain a motion to go into closed. >> Move to go to closed. >> Motion has made. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion has been made and seconded. Roll call, please. >> Bert Richard, >> yes. >> Nelly Shy, >> yes. >> Doug Kuchko, >> yes. >> Lorie Zarbart, >> yes. >> Don Kusky. >> Andrew Coupe, >> yes. >> Phil Hankle, >> yes. >> Kevin Jensen, >> yes. >> And Mary Barbara, >> we are in close session. >> I did second. All right. Well,