Nick Ramcheck

The meeting began with a pledge of allegiance and approval of the agenda. Key discussions included updates on employee retirements, a presentation of the Audit and Financial Statements for the period ending June 30, 2025, and co-curricular and special education presentations. New business involved approving open enrollment spacing and the proposed school year calendar for 2026-2027, certifying completed safety drills for the 2025 school year, and approving resolutions authorizing the School District budget to exceed the revenue limit by $1,400,000 annually for four years for non-recurring purposes, including authorizing a Referendum Election on this matter. The Board also approved the Apostle Island Trip scheduled for May 2026 and accepted several donations designated for the STEM Kits Project, student trip costs, the school food pantry, and Girls' Wrestling team apparel.

The meeting agenda was approved by voice vote. The primary discussion focused on a Referendum Planning & Community Engagement Workshop. The Board convened to establish a strategic framework for community dialogue and identify key fact-based communication touchpoints for all stakeholders to ensure transparency and provide residents with comprehensive information for the upcoming spring election.

The meeting covered several key administrative and operational discussions. District Administrator reports included updates on resignations, hires, and vacancies, with notice of one retirement. Presentations were given on the Audit and Financial Statements for the period ending June 30, 2025, a Co-Curricular update, and a Special Education update. New Business items included reviewing and approving open enrollment spacing for the 2026-2027 school year, reviewing and approving the proposed school year calendar for 2026-2027, and certifying completed safety drills for the 2025 school year. Resolutions were reviewed and approved regarding the authorization for the School District budget to exceed the revenue limit by $1,400,000 per year for four years for non-recurring purposes, including one authorizing a Referendum Election on the matter. The Board also reviewed and approved the Apostle Island Trip planned for May 2026 and accepted several donations intended for STEM projects, student trip costs, the school food pantry, and the Girls' Wrestling team apparel.

The meeting included updates on support staff, coaching, and other at-will employee resignations, hires, and vacancies. The board reviewed the Academic Progress Report, AGR Report 2025-2026, and the DPI School Report Card 2024-2025. There was a presentation by the District Nurse and a presentation of School Enrollment Projections Study by the Applied Population Laboratory - UW Madison. The committee reported on Referendum Civil Proposals and Scope of Work for the Spring/Summer of 2026. The board reviewed and approved multiple donations for various school programs and needs. The board also approved a Wrestling Coach Position to support program growth and ensure alignment with Title IX.

The School District of Westfield held a meeting to review and discuss the results of the Fall 2025 Community Survey. The discussion focused on school funding challenges due to state funding limits not keeping pace with inflation since 2009. The district is exploring an operational referendum to address financial pressures, including deferred maintenance and rising overhead costs. The community survey was conducted to gather feedback on these financial challenges. Key findings include generally positive views on the district but concerns about financial management, moderate support for an operational referendum, and priorities for limited resources such as retaining high-quality staff and career and technical education courses. The community also agreed on the importance of understanding personal finances and having skills for a specific trade or career for graduate success.