Alyssa Arneson

The Academic and Career Planning (ACP) document for the School District of Barneveld establishes a student-driven, adult-supported process to guide students in self-discovery, career exploration, future planning, and achieving success. This living document integrates elements such as Labor Market Information, Family Engagement, ACP Curriculum, Postsecondary & Career Preparation, Professional Development for Staff, Community Partnerships, and Individualized ACP Support. The overarching goal is to empower students with the attitudes, knowledge, and skills necessary for lifelong learning and overall success beyond high school.

The Barneveld School District's Early Literacy Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy for early literacy remediation, aiming to empower students for lifelong learning. It focuses on a strategic early literacy assessment system, providing targeted student supports through evidence-based interventions and personalized reading plans, and offering summer reading programs. The plan further integrates family and community engagement strategies and emphasizes the strategic use of data for continuous instructional evaluation and curriculum development.

Key actions taken during the meeting included the approval of the Co-Curricular Handbook, the MS/HS Student Handbook, and the Elementary Handbook. The Board also approved a Contract for Instructional Coach and voted to increase the VISA Credit limit to $10,000. Regarding Booster Club and Title IX requirements, an agreement was reached concerning funding for baseball and softball facilities. Finally, the Board voted to adopt the most recent Iowa County Health Department guidance for covid-19 protocols and accepted the resignation of a Middle School English teacher.

Discussions and actions taken during the meeting included the amendment of the consent agenda and regular agenda to add specific items. Reports were provided by the principals regarding AGR program impacts, grading handbooks, and accelerated courses, and by the Superintendent concerning policy work, staffing, budget concerns, and communications. The board accepted several donations, including funds for an Opera for the Young performance and playground improvements. Action was taken to approve the purchase of the Career Power Curriculum. The board approved girls and boys hockey co-op agreements with Stoughton and Sauk Prairie, respectively, and approved a district match of $10,000 contingent upon the award of the WEDC Technology Grant. Two student early graduation requests were approved. An addendum to Short-term Borrowing Loan #16374 was approved, allowing for a revolving loan structure up to $400,000. Approval was granted for funding up to $10,000 annually for three years for a Community Recreation Coordinator in agreement with the Village of Barneveld and the Town of Brigham. The restructuring of a Middle School English position for the second semester was approved based on math and English data review. The 2023-2024 school calendar was approved, as was an internet and network access agreement with WISCNET. Finally, agreements were approved for Neola Policy administration and for BoardDocs School Board Management. The board also convened in closed session to discuss personnel, student information, and administrative compensation, and upon reconvening, approved an additional district office position.

The meeting agenda was amended to relocate a policy review item and approve various policy revisions related to minor language changes. Public input included correspondence regarding the reinstitution of livestream broadcasts. Principal Schmitz provided updates on data meetings, interventionist activities, ACT scores, and Fair week activities. Baird Financial presented an analysis on the impact of the Mill Rate and Tax Levy. The Superintendent reported on Safety initiatives (Lifevac and Code Blue), legal updates concerning transportation and open enrollment policies, cybersecurity, movie contracts, and building/grounds staffing. Donations from the Parent Teacher Organization and Barneveld Lutheran Church were accepted. Key policy actions included the approval of Policy 840: Gifts, Grants, and Bequests (with a revision to the donation threshold), Policy 850: Public Solicitation on School Premises, Policy 620.1: Short-term Borrowing, and Policy 830: Public Use of School Facilities and Rule. Discussions also covered new co-curricular activities and sports processes, leading to the approval of ECCP/SCN courses. The Board approved several purchases funded by ESSER funds, including a new iMop and Stand-on Scrubber, and forklift repair. Phase 1 of the Trophy Case planning proposal was approved, as was the long-term plan. Additionally, the Board approved the migration of both the School Business Database and the Student Management Database to ISCorp. The meeting concluded with convening into a closed session to discuss matters of personnel, compensation, and job performance.