Verona Area School District

This document outlines the development process for the Verona Area School District's 2023-2028 Strategic Framework. It details an extensive community engagement approach, including input from students, staff, families, and residents, to identify priorities and define the district's future direction. The framework aims to align with the district's mission to ensure students acquire necessary knowledge and skills for personal goals, global society, and a self-fulfilling life, with a goal to become a model for educational excellence grounded in equity.

The meeting featured student recognition for the Hades Town teen edition musical performance and graduating students from Verona High School. Staff were recognized for receiving a national digital media award for the annual academic report. The superintendent provided an update on the inaugural Department of Engagement and Extended Learning, highlighting the department's focus on extended learning pathways, leadership development through principal design, and family and community engagement. A school psychologist shared experiences regarding the principal design program, emphasizing its role in intentional leadership development and providing on-the-job support. Additionally, staff discussed the implementation of family gatherings to reduce barriers to participation and the operation of the new family welcome center, which provides resources and support to students and families.

This document is a Results Monitoring Report for the Verona Area School District's Strategic Framework. It outlines key findings across five priority areas: Community Collaboration & Feedback, Inclusive Teaching & Learning, Student Agency & Voice, Value & Belonging, and Mental Health & Wellness. The report assesses the implementation and impact of the strategic objectives over the 2021-22 to 2025-26 period, highlighting positive trends and significant progress. It also identifies areas for acceleration, sustainment, and adjustment to ensure continued effectiveness and intended impact, particularly for objectives lacking clear metrics.

The board meeting included student recognitions for the school's musical theater production of Hades Town, which was honored with Jerry Awards for outstanding musical production. Additionally, the Athletic Director provided a comprehensive overview of school athletics and activities, discussing student participation data, the importance of extracurricular involvement for school success, and highlighted recent achievements in winter sports such as gymnastics and wrestling.

The board discussed the financial impact of voucher schools on the district, highlighting how funding for these programs is siphoned from general state aid and ultimately derived from local property tax bills. Key concerns included the lack of transparency, the absence of accountability regarding how these funds are spent, and the increasing trend of these financial impacts. The board explored potential strategies for working with local municipalities to increase transparency on property tax bills and educate the public on how school finance systems operate.