Daniel Arnold

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.

The meeting included deliberation in closed session regarding the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, specifically conferring with legal counsel to discuss potentially purchasing property and related agreements. In open session, the Board approved an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement for the ownership and development of a facility for community programs and services. Additionally, the Board approved the selection of an architect to evaluate the proposed Recreation Center site and authorized the playing of a girls basketball game on December 28, 2025.

The meeting served as an informational session regarding discussions on a Recreation Center, noting that the initial idea originated in 2022 and a committee formed in 2024 led to a Preliminary Agreement approved in October. Key points discussed included the 90-day due-diligence period ending January 26th, and the subsequent 30-day window for submitting a purchase offer, ending February 25th, with securing financing being a primary due-diligence item. The structure for ownership sharing with Cudahy and South Milwaukee was detailed, where South Milwaukee would act as the fiscal agent and issue debt, with South Milwaukee covering 53% and Cudahy 47% of the debt, while St. Francis, Cudahy, and South Milwaukee would share operational expenses. The board chose to pursue Non-Referendum Debt, which can be passed by board action, as opposed to Referendum Debt, due to time constraints. Financial details outlined a 20-year debt repayment schedule, a tentative February 4th bond sale date, and potential tax implications, projecting a 2.9% increase to the tax levy for South Milwaukee, amounting to an increase of $51.52 annually for an owner of a $250,000 house. Next steps involve a mandatory 30-day waiting period following the informational meeting, during which electors can file a petition for a referendum, alongside conducting an environmental report, facility study, and site appraisal.