May 28, 2024 at 6:30 PM - Regular Meeting

Description:  This is a meeting of the Board of Education in public for the purpose of conducting the School District's business and is not to be considered a public community meeting.

Description:  This meeting was noticed by way of publication in the Waterford Post on Thursday, May 15, 2024, was posted at the District Office (Door #7) and at Entrance #19, and was published on the District's website. Minutes from the regular board meeting of March 18, 2024 are posted on the District's website.

Description:  The additional .40 FTE is for Karlie Seidl, School Social Worker, to support the students enrolled in Unite, the new alternative program headed by Ehren Klebenow.

Description:  At this time the board would like to invite any member of the audience to stand with comments about items of interest or concern that do or do not appear on the agenda this evening. Please begin by stating your name and address. It would be appreciated if you would limit your comments to three minutes so that we can keep the meeting moving in a timely fashion and allow others an opportunity to speak. We ask that you remember that Wisconsin law prohibits us from discussing specific employees or their job performance. Thank you for your support of our school district.

Description:  The Student Council Sergeant at Arms will provide an update on the recent activities of various student co-curricular clubs. 

Description:  Policies updates are attached and will be brought to the Board for action in June.

Description: 

Background: The PreACT Secure and ACT assessments serve as important benchmarks for evaluating our students' college and career readiness. The results of these assessments greatly impact our State Report Card score in the fall of 2024.  Additionally, the results provide comprehensive information on student achievement, growth, and other relevant metrics. These insights help the administration and staff make informed decisions, identify areas that require attention, and celebrate successes within the school district.

Discussion:

1. Overview of preliminary ACT results: The Board will receive an overview of the embargoed preliminary ACT assessment results, including information on the overall performance of our students, subject-specific scores, and comparisons to previous years. This presentation will provide an understanding of the district's strengths and areas for improvement.

2. Identification of strengths and areas for improvement: The administration and staff will analyze the data presented in the preliminary ACT results to identify areas of strength and areas that need improvement. This discussion will educate the board about successful initiatives and strategies addressing any identified challenges.

Description:  The list of proposed student fees for the 24-25 school year includes a slight increase for all elective courses to help cover the increasing costs of materials. These fees have not increased in the past several years. Additional increases are proposed for PIE, CAPP, and AP fees to cover increases in those specific programs. Athletic fees, student registration, parking, and technology fees will remain the same.

Description: 

Last month, the Board held a discussion regarding the potential demolition of the apartment unit located at 130 Field Drive. The building's current state poses challenges, as it requires substantial upgrades to meet code requirements for a public dwelling. These include the installation of an elevator, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, and dual entry and exit routes, which would entail significant expenses beyond the district's budget.

Gunderson Excavating has provided a quote for the complete removal of the structure. This expense would be covered by pooling resources from various budgets and any remaining end-of-year dollars.

The board asked for alternative actions should the demolition not proceed. In such a case, additional measures must be taken to secure the building, including repairs to the roof and windows, to maintain safety and structural integrity.

The estimated costs to replace the doors, windows, and roof total $46,522, with additional potential expenses likely needed for other repairs and updates to bring the property up to code and usable condition. Given the age and condition of the structure, these costs are not financially prudent.

Instead, I propose that we demolish and raze the existing building, flatten and clear the lot, and install a privacy fence around the perimeter. This would make the property ready for potential future expansion or development needs by the district. The demolition and site preparation costs would be significantly less than the required repairs.

By taking this fiscally responsible approach now, we avoid pouring money into an aged property. I recommend the board approve demolition. 

Description:  This year's engineering project exhibition showcasing the work in our capstone engineering class as well as the Civil Engineering & Architecture class will take place on the evening of May 29 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Details are attached. 

Description:  We would like to update the school website with a picture of the current school board members. It was suggested that board members plan to have their photo taken before the graduation ceremony on Friday, June 7.

Description:  Reconvene in Executive Session under Wis. State Statutes 19.85 (1) (c) considering employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility.