Carol Dufek

The special board meeting included a closed session to deliberate and negotiate the purchasing of public properties and the investing of public funds, specifically to confer with legal counsel regarding potentially purchasing property and related agreements. Following the closed session, the Board returned to open session. Key action taken was the approval of the Notice of Termination for the Preliminary Agreement and the 66.0301 Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement concerning the ownership and development of a facility for community programs and services. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

The meeting included Superintendent updates regarding conference presentations, interim assessment growth, and a temporary school closure due to extreme cold. During public comments, the Board heard from twenty-two residents regarding a potential community recreation center. The consent agenda was approved, covering staff hiring for two Middle School ELA and Science teachers, approval of bills for payment totaling $2,038,219.78, approval of donations amounting to $12,943.80, and the second reading of several revised policies concerning student fundraising and promotional materials. Key discussion items included tabling the Other Post Employment Benefit (OPEB) Revision Approval. The Board also approved the first reading of revised policies related to the School Counseling Program, Student Entrance Age, Student Attendance, and Student Transportation. Furthermore, the Board received safety updates concerning the schools, fitness center, and track, and reviewed the facility report for the potential community recreation center. The Board approved the 2026-2027 Open Enrollment seats, resulting in 83 new general education seats across various grades, though no new special education seats were approved. The meeting concluded with the Board moving into a closed session to discuss negotiations related to teachers, secretaries, and paraprofessionals.

The Superintendent's Report highlighted the district receiving the Level 3 Pacesetter Award from the WI DPI, recognition of the Rawson 2nd grade team in WASB's School News, and updates on the six candidates running for the school board in April. The report also mentioned ongoing pilots for new elementary and middle school math and ELA resources, with recommendations expected in May, and congratulated student athletes on recent wrestling and basketball achievements. Public comments focused on a potential community center. Key actions taken included the approval of the agenda, bills for payment totaling $3,446,533.72, approval of staffing changes including several retirements and resignations, approval of the E.W. Luther Gym Renovations Bid, and approval of 2026-28 Administrative Contracts. The Board also conducted the first reading and subsequent approval of revised policies concerning student fundraising, solicitations, and advertising. Discussions were held regarding the School Board Student Representative Policy, the update on the Potential Community Recreation Center, and feedback on WASB resolutions.

The meeting commenced with a Superintendent's Report including updates on the You Crushed It Award, a food drive, attendance data, robotics, professional development, and cash flow. Public comments focused on concerns regarding the potential purchase of a recreation center. The consent agenda covered the adoption of the agenda, approval of bills totaling $1,743,160.53, approval of staffing actions (hires, resignations, retirements, revised FTE), approval of $45,000 in donations, and the third reading and approval of revised policies related to curriculum, academic standards, English language proficiency assessment, and instructional materials. Under Information Discussion/Possible Action, the Board received updates on School Improvement Plans for Lakeview Elementary, Blakewood Elementary, and the Middle School. A first reading of revised policies was tabled. The Board discussed the potential Community Recreation Center, including DPI permission work and an RFP for an architect environmental assessment, and subsequently approved the Initial Resolution Authorizing General Obligation Bonds up to $10,000,000 for the acquisition and improvement of the center. The 2026-27 School Year Calendar was approved. Brief discussions were held regarding the School Board Representative Policy and the review of WASB resolutions. The meeting concluded with a Closed Session to deliberate or negotiate the purchasing of public properties or related agreements concerning the potential purchase of property.

The meeting included a public hearing concerning the Initial Resolution authorizing General Obligation Bonds, not to exceed $10,000,000, for the acquisition and improvement of the Community Recreation Center. The public hearing featured a presentation detailing the debt acquisition method and outlining the subsequent procedural steps, noting that the project remains unfunded and incomplete. Following the presentation, members of the public offered comments and shared their perspectives on the proposed project. Board members and administration subsequently addressed questions raised during the public comment period.