Wauwatosa School District

The committee meeting centered on a discussion regarding the replacement of outdated wireless and switching infrastructure within the school district, which is currently at the end of its lifecycle and facing reliability and security risks. Financial strategies for funding the overhaul, including potential leasing options to fit within the existing technology operations budget, were explored. The committee also discussed governance and administrative expectations for future meetings, aiming for a more proactive approach where the committee conducts due diligence to expedite recommendations to the full board. Additionally, a brief update was provided on human resources and teacher retention rates.

The board discussed and took action to approve a letter of intent with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee to provide before-school, after-school, and summer programming, including kindergarten wraparound services for students. A presentation was provided detailing the programming model of the Blue Door Academy, which emphasizes academic success, character and leadership development, health and well-being, and life and workforce readiness through standardized, evidence-informed curriculum and practices.

The board meeting included a student recognition segment for a performance at the Lincoln Center. The board discussed and approved a consent agenda covering HR updates, staffing transactions, and donor gifts. Further actions included approving graduation candidates, scheduling board member participation in upcoming graduation ceremonies, and a recognition of student board members. A discussion was held regarding school board member compensation, addressing potential equity barriers, current policy provisions for expense reimbursements, and considerations for future budget cycles.

This document provides an update on student growth and achievement in alignment with the district's strategic plan. It highlights the challenge that not all students are currently meeting the strategic plan's milestones, particularly in early literacy, reading and math growth, and proficiency on state exams. The strategic goal is to strengthen student learning by providing rigorous educational experiences aligned with Wisconsin and National standards, preparing students for successful post-secondary experiences. Key focus areas include improving academic foundations across grade levels, fostering success in rigorous coursework, increasing post-secondary credit attainment, ensuring student safety and attendance, and promoting diverse co-curricular engagement. Solutions involve continued implementation of strategic objectives through a curriculum review cycle, instructional levers focusing on clarity, rigor, engagement, learning environment, and access, and a PACE cycle for high-quality instructional planning.

The discussion focused on medical insights and plans regarding the reopening of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key topics included the role of pediatric perspectives in school planning, data-driven decision-making for safe school operations, the impact of COVID-19 transmission rates in children versus adults, and the projected increase in student absences due to stricter health exclusion criteria and symptom protocols.