Henry Barbee

This entry plan outlines the initial strategic actions of the Superintendent for the Monona Grove School District, encompassing community engagement through listening sessions and relationship building. A primary focus is addressing the district's budget deficit through a three-phase financial stabilization plan. This plan includes securing immediate cash flow, aiming for a balanced budget in the 2024-2025 school year by identifying efficiencies and cutting non-critical expenses, and establishing long-term financial controls and board oversight. The core mission is to provide a high-quality educational experience for all students.

The Sustainability Committee agenda included a review of its duties and responsibilities, followed by the approval of minutes from the January 15, 2026, meeting. Key discussion topics involved strategic planning and goals related to the Monona Sustainability Plan update. Further discussion items covered community-facing work for 2026, specifically the E-Cycle Event, Monona Tree Program, Autumn Outreach activities, and Four-season Stormwater Outreach/Education. The committee also considered the 2026 meeting schedule. New business included an introduction to potential Green Building Guidelines. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion items were reserved for Council advisement. Staff reports covered updates on ICLEI, GTLC, Zip Car (noting the first electric Zipcar in Wisconsin), charging stations at Ahuska Park, SolSmart Bronze status, and sustainability elements in current GDPs.

The key discussion centered on variance requests for property owners. The Board held a public hearing and subsequent consideration for the Howard property regarding variances for street and side yard setbacks to permit rebuilding and expanding the structure, ultimately approving an 8-foot deep deck with specific stair configurations due to safety concerns and unique property limitations related to the canal's meander line. A second variance request from the Buggs for accessory structure side yard setbacks to construct a detached garage was also heard and unanimously approved, citing unnecessary hardship due to existing structure layout and narrow property constraints. The agenda also included planning for future meeting dates, and discussions regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts and Sustainability Efforts.

The agenda for the meeting included a review of the Committee's duties and responsibilities, as well as the approval of minutes from the January 15, 2026 meeting. Key business items focused on discussions with possible action regarding Strategic Planning & Goals related to the Monona Sustainability Plan update. Other items included community-facing work for 2026, such as the E-Cycle Event, Monona Tree Program, and Autumn Outreach activities, and approval of the 2026 meeting schedule. New business involved an introduction to possible Green Building Guidelines. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion discussion items were also scheduled. Staff reports covered updates on ICLEI, GTLC, Zip Car, Charging Stations at Ahuska, SolSmart Bronze status, and sustainability elements in current General Development Plans (GDPs).

The Finance and Personnel Committee meeting agenda included the approval of minutes from the February 16, 2026 meeting. New business involved several key resolutions: Resolution 26-2-2862 concerning Mutual Aid Requests and Risk Management, which aims to limit routine requests for assistance from the Madison Police Department due to liability concerns arising from differing pursuit policies; Resolution 26-3-2883 approving a settlement agreement with Walgreen Co. regarding the 2025 tax assessment for 5310 Monona Drive; and a resolution to approve a budget amendment of $195,802 for the utility funding portion of the Tonyawatha Drive Reconstruction Project. The committee also considered awarding contracts for the 2026 Street and Utility Improvements Project and the Water Tower Painting Project, along with amendments to the 2026 Capital Budget related to Library Lower-Level HVAC Improvements and the installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at Ahuska Park. Further items included authorizing the acquisition of a used Armored Rescue Vehicle, approving facility use agreements, and considering the renewal of the Monona Loan Program for energy efficiency improvements.