Kory J. Knickrehm

The Finance & Operations Committee meeting agenda includes consideration of a resolution to convene in a closed session. The purpose of the closed session is to deliberate or negotiate the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or other specified public business requiring confidentiality, specifically concerning interviews and deliberation for the selection of a Construction Manager for the District's potential future projects. The agenda also includes consideration of a resolution to reconvene in open session to take appropriate action on matters discussed privately.

Key discussions included an update on the Strategic Plan-Distinction and recognition of Love Public Education Week. School Board candidates provided remarks, and the date for the School Board Reorganization Meeting was set for April 27, 2026. The consent agenda involved approvals for personnel actions, including resignations and retirements for several teachers, a correction for the Early College Credit Program, approval for Foreign Travel in Summer 2029, acceptance of significant donations, and payment of district bills. Further discussions addressed the approval of the 2026 Summer School Program course offerings and the approval of 4K provider contracts for the 2026-2027 school year. A technology report was also presented. Items for future discussion were listed, including the District Audit Report and Board Policy updates. The Board convened in closed session to conduct the annual evaluation of the Superintendent.

The negotiations committee meeting covered several items brought forward by the Education Association (FEA). Key discussion points included expressing appreciation for previous changes made, such as including substitute pay for certified staff covering classes and placing the compensation model/additive schedule in the employee handbook. New requests included applying the negotiated cost of living adjustment (from certified staff wages) to summer school pay, curriculum pay, and additive schedule pay. Additionally, the FEA requested an update to the additive schedule to reflect current staff duties, including club advisorships, and the formation of a committee to examine extra duties. Other items included defining prep time in the handbook as continuous, uninterrupted minutes, requesting the midyear salary increase date reflect the numeric midpoint of contracts (using February 1st as the established date for service credit), and requesting an opportunity for staff and community input on substantial changes to the district, such as the calendar or strategic plan goals.

Key discussions during the meeting included recognitions for Geography Bee Winners, the Rotary Educator of the Month nominee, and Kohl Teacher Award nominees. Student representatives provided reports. Decisions included approving open enrollment available seats based on policy, tabling a report on marketing opportunities, and receiving committee reports from Communication, Finance, and Personnel. The Board reviewed 2012-13 Budget Assumptions and Guidelines. Actions taken involved approving a Drivers Education Service Agreement, approving fund transfers for a refrigerator and a replacement phone system at the Middle School, and approving the issuance of individual teacher employment contracts for the 2012-2013 school year. Policy changes regarding staff participation in political activities and physical examinations were tabled for the next meeting. Retirement requests for six educators were accepted, and Final Notices of Nonrenewal were issued to five individuals. A job share agreement was approved. The Treasurer's report confirmed the approval of district bills up to January 31, 2012. Reports on WASB/CESA matters included opposing school voucher expansion and supporting Lead to Read funding continuation. Items for future meetings were also noted.

The meeting commenced with a roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the reading of the vision and mission statements. The consent agenda, approved in a single motion, included minutes from the November 20, 2025 meeting, personnel actions such as appointing two teachers (Austin Sykes and Audra Ragnabe) to limited term contracts effective in January 2026, authorization to dispose of unneeded equipment, school safety reports, the emergency operations plan, the Wisconsin OPEB Trust annual review, and the acceptance of donations totaling approximately $4,000 for student winter apparel and coats. The board also approved a budget transfer request and payment of district bills. A significant agenda item was the discussion and subsequent approval of the 2026-2027 school calendar, which closely mirrored the current calendar, maintaining 187 contract days and concluding the student year on June 3rd. Finally, the board received the first glimpse of the financial projection and budget assumptions for 2026-2027, which factored in planned increases for salaries (4% placeholder), health insurance (12%), utilities, transportation, and other insurance lines, while also considering declining student FTE and increasing local property values' impact on equalization aid.