Thank you Kennedy Elementary Student Council members for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Community Partnership and Recognition

 Congratulations to teachers, Tricia Splinter, Washington Elementary, and

Lori Peeters, SPASH,  on receiving the Mandana Bliss Award.

Steel King Industries was recognized for their donations of steel to our welding classes over the past 25+ years.  Their dedication of time and resource through job shadowing and Youth Apprenticeship has given our students many opportunities.

Presentations
Kathy Graham, School Nurse Coordinator, updated the School Board on the nursing services from Portage County Health and Human Services.  PCHHS and SPAPSD have worked together for more than 30 years. The contract has evolved from screening services to the current robust and comprehensive services provided to our students.

Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda, including previous minutes, the approval of monthly bills and employment recommendations were approved.

Business Services
The Board approved submitting a letter of intent to the Department of Justice indicating interest in a School Safety Grant Award.  Act 143 was signed by Governor Walker on March 26 creating the Office of School Safety and a $100 million grant program for school safety costs.

The Board unanimously approved the sale of the Emerson Property for $40,000 to the city of Stevens Point, pending final approval by the City.  The transfer includes a small portion of the property to “square out” the P J Jacobs lot. The $40,000 represents the portion of the cost to demolish Emerson School paid for by non-city residents.

Educational Services
The Elementary Instructional Day Increase Task Force presented an update on the 20-minute instructional day increase at the elementary level for the 2018-2019 school year.  To view the entire presentation click here.

Brian Casey, Technology Director, updated the School Board on a proposal for a one to one Chromebook program at both Junior High Schools. For additional information an  FAQ  sheet on the proposal is available.  No action was taken, the presentation was information only at this time.

Student Services
The Board unanimously approved the preliminary 2018-2019 District-CESA-5 contract for services.  Each year, the District and CESA 5 contract for professional services for regular and special education staff and students.

Human Resources
The Board approved the 2018-2019 teacher contracts as presented, with the recommendation that liquidated damage amounts be increased as follows:

June 16 through July 15: liquidated damages in the amount of $1000.00
July 16 through August 15: liquidated damages in the amount of $1500.00
August 16 and thereafter: liquidated damages in the amount of $2000.00

Language has also been added that allows the District to deduct liquidated damages from any remaining paychecks.

• 193 Day Teacher Contract Template
• Partial Teacher Contract Template

General Information
The School Board currently has four standing committees.  The various committee agendas often have agenda items relevant to more than one department/committee. The Board discussed combining committees and agreed that at this time the four committees will continue to remain separate.  

Closed Session
The board voted unanimously to move into Closed Session per State Statute 19.85(1)(c)

The next special meeting of the school board will take place April 16, 2018, Bliss Educational Services Center. The next regular meeting of the school board will take place April 23, 2018, at the Bliss Educational Services Center.

You can access the agenda and materials or watch the entirety of the meeting online.

 Thank you, Roosevelt Elementary students for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 Congratulations to  Mrs. Cameryn Kwaterski, Point of Discovery School, on receiving the Mandana Bliss Award.

 Congratulations to Ms. Jennifer Wietrzykowski, Bannach Elementary on receiving the Mandana Bliss Award.

Congratulations to Charles Fernandez students, Mackenzie Fox, Anna Rae Rathmann, Andrew Pirog, Victoria Cedes Krayecki and Morgan Woyak on being named recipients of the third annual "Charlie Awards."

View more School Board Recognition Photos

After the strategic planning committee developed focus areas or pillars, a continuous improvement cycle was implemented in an effort to create measurable, observable, and sustainable changes that denote progress in our focus areas. Directors shared brief reports of their department progress to the Board. 

The consent agenda including February 12 School Board Meeting minutes, approval of the schedule of monthly bills and employment recommendations were approved. 

Educational Services

School mental health continues to be an area of focus in an effort to support students and staff. Sara Totten, director of student services, provided an overview of actions taken since last year to further school mental health supports. 

An interagency agreement was approved to allow the Stevens Point Area Public School District (SPAPSD) to disclose relevant pupil records to the Stevens Point City Attorney for matters involving pupil adjudication.

A renewed and amended contract for a period of five years with Point of Discovery School was approved.  

Policy 

The board approved correspondence to the Governor and state representatives in support of legislation for enhanced school safety in Wisconsin, specifically SB 858. 

Closed Session  

The board voted to move into Closed Session per State Statute 19.85(1)(e).

The next regular meeting of the school board will take place April 9, 2018, 6:30 p.m., Bliss Educational Services Center.

You can access the agenda and materials or watch the entirety of the meeting online.

Thank you McDill Elementary students for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Congratulations to Jerry Gargulak, Student Outreach Coordinator and Homeless Liaison, on receiving the Mandana Bliss Award.

Gargulak has been with the District for 28 years and is described by his colleagues as an individual who leverages the trust he builds in his relationships to be able to compassionately and without judgment, help folks navigate the often scary world of mental health care, medical services, landlords and yes, sometimes, even school officials -- to establish and support ongoing, positive, cooperative, life-giving, and even life-saving, relationships.  

The Consent Agenda, including previous minutes, the approval of monthly bills and employment recommendations were approved.

Business Services
The Board approved the 2018-2019 Student Fee Schedule.  There is no change in fees at the elementary level, and a few new course and fee changes at the secondary level and summer school.  The Board moved to approve the purchase of 10 Type C65-passenger buses from Mid-State Truck Service, Inc. at a principal cost not to exceed $650,850 and authorize administration to enter into a subsequent six-year lease to purchase. Bus Purchase Bid Evaluation Form

Human Resources
The Board employs all  District administrators with contracts per Wisconsin Statute 118.24.  This year there are ten administrator contracts ending on June 30, 2018.  The Board approved the administrator contracts as presented.

Policy
The District is currently working with Neola to update all district policies. An updated version of the 1000 Administrative Staff series was presented for approval by the School Board for implementation when all policy series have been reviewed and approved.

Closed Session
The board voted unanimously to move into Closed Session per State Statute 19.85(1)(c) and 19.85(1)(e).

The next regular meeting of the school board will take place March 12, 2018, Bliss Educational Services Center.

You can access the agenda and materials or watch the entirety of the meeting online.

Thank you, Washington Elementary students for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Congratulations to Ms. Alicia Skarsten, P.J. Jacobs Social Studies Teacher, on receiving the Mandana Bliss Award.

Congratulations to Ms. Rachel Gottlieb, Madison Elementary School Sixth Grade Teacher, on receiving the Mandana Bliss Award.

Laura Leahy, P.J. Jacobs Junior High Math Teacher, was recognized by the Board for receiving her National Board Certification. This certification requires that teachers demonstrate standards-based evidence of the positive effect they have on student learning while requiring the individual to exhibit a deep understanding of their students, content knowledge, use of data and assessments and teaching practice. Congratulations on your accomplishment!

View more photos from the School Board Recognitions.

The Consent Agenda, including previous minutes, the approval of monthly bills and employment recommendations were approved.

Educational Services

The Board received a report from the Directors of Elementary and Secondary Education detailing the Wisconsin School Report Cards, specifically, the District and individual school results.

The Youth and Course Options Report was approved as well as the Open Enrollment Space Determination for the 2018-19 School Year.

Policy

The Wisconsin Association of School Boards 2018 Resolutions were shared and reviewed following review at the January Policy and Legislation Committee.

The district is currently working with Neola to update all district policies. An updated version of the 3000 Professional Staff series was presented for review and eventual approval by the School Board for implementation when all policy series have been reviewed and approved.

General

An update was provided by Board Member, Judy Rannow, on the work of the Communication Committee focused on board roles relative to communication.

Closed Session

The board voted unanimously to move into Closed Session per State Statute 19.85(e).

The next regular meeting of the school board will take place February 12, 2018, Bliss Educational Services Center.

You can access the agenda and materials or watch the entirety of the meeting online.

Thank you Bannach Elementary students for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Congratulations to Ms. Jean Murrow, Plover-Whiting Teacher, on receiving the Mandana Bliss Award.

School Accountability Report Card data was released in late November. Overall, the District Report Card improved from an overall score of 71.3 (Meets Expectations) to 74.7 (Exceeds Expectations). Both priority areas of district growth and closing achievement gaps in both English Language Arts and Math increased by 12.3 and 4.4 points respectively. All four secondary schools exceeded the state average in English Language Arts achievement. Every elementary school in the district increased its overall score from the previous year with five schools increasing their overall accountability rating. Report card data is available on the district website.

Representatives from the United Way provided a presentation and update on the Born Learning partnership with the district and the LIFE Report.

Business Services
The Board approved the 2016-17 Annual Financial Report (Financial Statement | Management Communications).

Approval was granted to designate 3 acres on the Madison School Elementary site as a School Forest. This designation allows the district to attain the services of a state forester to properly manage the woods, acquire saplings as needed, and other benefits. (Madison School Forest Resolution | Madison School Forest)

Approximately 10 acres on the west end and 1 acre on the southeast wooded corner of the Point of Discovery School parcel were also granted approval for designation as a School Forest. (PoDS School Forest Resolution | PoDS School Forest)

During the passage of the state biennial budget, the governor used the line item veto to render the energy exemption, provided in the revenue limit statute, invalid after December 31, 2017. That veto action forces Wisconsin school districts to take immediate action in order to make use of that valuable financial tool before the end of the calendar year. The cost of this work is structured to continue current funding levels. A conservative financing plan puts levy rate impact of 10 to 20 cents a year on a $100,000 home, with the possibility of no impact whatsoever. A resolution was approved selecting qualified provider of energy conservation and facility improvement measures and providing for the authorization to enter into a performance contract with Nexus Solutions was approved by the School Board.

The School Board approved the resolution awarding the sale of $25,600,000 general obligation school improvement bonds, series 2017.

Finally, the School Board approved a resolution to exceed the revenue limit on a non-recurring basis.

Policy

The district is currently working with Neola to update all district policies. The 3000 series was presented for review and eventual approval by the School Board for implementation when all policy series have been reviewed and approved.

General

A change in the January committee meeting schedule was made to accommodate the New Year’s Day holiday. Human Resources and Educational Services committee will be moved to January 3, 2018. No change will be made to Business Services and Policy committee schedules.

Closed Session
The board voted unanimously to move into Closed Session per State Statute 19.85(c).

The next regular meeting of the school board will take place January 8, 2018, 6:30 p.m., Bliss Educational Services Center.

You can access the agenda and materials or watch the entirety of the meeting online.

Thank you Jefferson Elementary students for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Congratulations to Mrs. Busse, McKinley Elementary Teacher, on receiving the Mandana Bliss Award.

American Education Week November 13 - 17. Thank you to each of the members of our school community, students, staff, volunteers and community partners, for your unique contributions to our team and for the difference you are making for students.

The consent agenda items including minutes, the approval of monthly bills and personnel recommendations were approved.

Business Services 

The Board approved the 2018-2019 Budget Calendar Calendar and the building (Building Per Pupil Allocations of $1,776,067)  and department allocations ($5,565,374) to provide the expenditure framework for principals and department heads.  

Educational Services 

The 2018-19 School District Calendar and draft 2019-2020 School District Calendar were approved by the board.

Several recommendations were made, and approved, to secondary courses including revisions, new courses, and replacement courses. Changes included; AP Computer Science, IT Computer Skills, Game Design, Intro to Computer Science, Essential Concepts for Health and Wellness, Food Science 1, Food Science 2, Extended Algebra 2 Year 1, Extended Algebra 2 Year 2, Intro to Diversity Studies, Building Construction.

Closed Session

The board voted unanimously to move into Closed Session per State Statute 19.85(1)(f).

You can access the agenda and materials or watch the entirety of the meeting online.

The next regular meeting of the school board will take place December 11, 2017, 6:30 p.m., Bliss Educational Services Center.

October 23, 2017 Budget Hearing/Budget meeting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5mJF2ACjR0

Business Services

The board approved the 2017-2018 Budget for expenditures of all funds at $101,646,659 and revenues for all funds at $100,105,471.  

The board approved and set the 2017-2018 levy at $32,750,578

The board received information on district needs that Nexus Solutions has identified in the past few months.  Nexus has gone through all facilities identifying facility and maintenance issues.

During the passage of the state biennial budget, the governor used the line item veto to render the energy exemption, provided in the revenue limit statute, invalid after December 31, 2017. That veto action forces Wisconsin school districts to take immediate action in order to make use of that valuable financial tool before the end of the calendar year.

See the Nexus presentation here. 

Nexus and administration provides the board with the means to address a significant amount of maintenance repair and replacement while the opportunity to do so remains. The cost of this work is structured to continue current funding levels. A conservative financing plan puts levy rate impact at 10 to 20 cents a year on a $100,000 home, with the possibility of no impact whatsoever.

 The board approved the Initial Resolution authorizing general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $25,600,000 and calling a public hearing in connection therewith.

Human Resources

The board approved the update to Employee Handbook Policy 4.05 Emergency School closings to clarify work requirements for employee groups on emergency school closing days.

Policy and Legislation 

The board approved a Resolution in Support of the Wisconsin Voucher Taxpayer Transparency Bill (Assembly Bill 267 and Senate Bill 183)

The board approved an exemption to board policy 811.4 that requires a citizen member to reside in the school district.  The board appointed Fred Hebbelwhite a citizen member to the Policy and Legislation committee.

Thank you to Plover-Whiting Elementary students for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Congratulations to Mr. Jonas, Kennedy Elementary Teacher, on receiving the Mandana Bliss Award.

Congratulations to Mrs. Vrieze, Ben Franklin Junior High Teacher, on receiving the Mandana Bliss Award.

National School Lunch Week October 9 - 13. Thank you to school nutrition staff and our food service department for providing a nutritious, well-balanced school lunch to the health, well-being, and education of our students.

School Board Week was recognized October 1 - 7. Thank you to our dedicated school board members for the impact and difference you make to our students, schools, and community.

Consent Agenda

The consent agenda including the approval of monthly bills and employment recommendations were approved as presented. Minutes will be updated and presented at the next board meeting for approval. 

Business Services

The board approved the replacement of the high and low ROPES courses, a key component to the Adventure Education curriculum at SPASH. The outdoor classroom site was constructed about 30 years ago and over that period roughly 21,000 students have experienced the unique challenges and experiences only available through such an offering.

The board received information on a recent line-item veto by Governor Walker that will eliminate the Energy Efficiency Revenue Limit Adjustment (Act 32). The district is currently working with Nexus on a facility study which includes several preventative maintenance/energy efficiency recommendations. The loss of the Act 32 option limits the availability of funding options for districts related to facility improvements. More information will be provided at the October 23 meeting.

Educational Services

The summer school report was given by Steven Prokop, Secondary Summer School Coordinator 2017. Highlights of the report included a 27% increase in enrollment, with the biggest portion of the increase attributed to a 118% increase in summer swim enrollment. Enrollment was also up at SPASH with the addition of Environmental Science and Music Theory classes, and in music programs overall with the addition of elementary and intermediate Choir Camps.

Recommendations for the 2018 Summer School Program were approved as presented.

Approval to participate in the Northcentral Wisconsin Reading Recovery Consortium was approved as presented.

Policy and Legislation

The District is currently working with Neola to update all District policies. The board approved the 6000 Finance Section as presented, to be implemented once all policies have been approved.

You can access the agenda and materials or watch the entirety of the meeting online.

The school board will hold a special board meeting October 23, 2017, at Bliss Services Educational Center to include a budget hearing at 6:00 p.m. followed by a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. to review and take action on the 2017-18 school year budget.

The next regular meeting of the school board will take place November 13, 2017, 6:30 p.m., Bliss Educational Services Center.

Thank you to McKinley Center Elementary students for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Consent agenda Highlights

 The consent agenda passed by unanimous voice vote.

Business Services

The board approved by unanimous voice vote designating 5.2 acres of wooded area at the McDill Elementary School site as the McDill School Forest. This designation allows the District to attain the services of a state forester to properly manage the woods, acquire saplings as needed and other benefits.

Educational Services

Sara Totten, director of student services, presented the 16-17 Pupil Nondiscrimination Report providing a brief overview of our district and recommendation for moving forward.

Student Services

Totten also presented the Memorandum of Understanding between the District and Portage County Health and Human Services, which was approved by the board by unanimous voice vote.

Human Resources

Beth Bakunowicz, director of human resources, presented a recommendation to create and fill a full-time, year round regular benefits specialist position to replace the current interim benefit specialist position. This position will allow the department to move from ‘personnel’ type work only (processing paperwork and compliance activities) to addressing the development of more efficient systems and processes, and talent management activities such as recruiting, employee engagement, succession planning, etc. The board approved the creation of a regular Benefits Specialist Position by unanimous voice vote.

Brian Casey, director of technology, presented a recommendation to approve a new job description, employment status and pay range for the auxiliary IT support position. This position supports the 1:1 Laptop help centers in the secondary schools and assist in the collection and distribution of laptops. The positions are funded by the Sentry Technology Initiative and Technology Services extra time budget. The board approved the new job description for the Auxillary IT Support Position by unanimous voice vote.

Policy

The district is currently working to update all board policies. The 0000 Bylaws section of policies was presented with a recommendation for approval. These policies were approved with amendments to policies 164.1, 167.5 , 167.6 and 167.3 by the board. Implementation of these policies will occur when all policy updates are completed.

The board also presented recommended changes to the 6000 Finance section of policies. Members have an opportunity to review these recommendations before consideration for approval at a later meeting.

Closed session

The Board voted by unanimous voice vote to move into Closed Session at 7:50 p.m per state statute 19.85(1)(e)

The next regular meeting of the school board will take place October 9, 2017, 6:30 p.m., Bliss Educational Services Center.

Staff and Student Recognition

Congratulations to students working with Art Greco (Ben Franklin). They raised $10,000 in one day  for the 9/11 Memorial in Plover. See media coverage on their efforts and success.

WASB Legislative Update

The State budget has not yet been passed. Signals suggest mid-September is the current goal. WASB Delegate Assembly will meet in January. It is not too early to look at issues for WASB to place on their legislative agenda for representatives in Madison to consider to support public education. Public hearings will take place Thursday, August 17 at 10 a.m. at the Capitol on a number of bills, financial literacy, hours of instruction, summer school funding and more. WASB has also recently updated their website, where more information is available.

Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Gerlach welcomed new cabinet members, Beth Bakunowicz, Director of Human Resources and Cory Hirsbrunner, Director of Elementary Education. Implementation of the 2017-2022 strategic plan for the district was introduced as the district works toward the items identified in the strategic pillars. View the Mission, Vision and Beliefs. View the Strategic Pillars and Objectives. If you have not yet registered for the PIE Social and Golden Apple Awards, there is still time. The purpose of the event is to connect our new educators to the community. The PIE Social and Golden Apple Awards are hosted by the PCBC Foundation at Skyward World Headquarters. Register here.

Consent Agenda was approved by unanimous voice vote.

Educational Services

Chair, Barb Portzen welcomed new community citizen member Melissa Barkley.

Brian Casey, Director of Technology shared the District Technology Plan created through the work of the District Technology Steering Committee during the 2016-17 school year. View the presentation. View the District Technology Plan.

Connie Negaard, Director of Secondary Education, shared information on the SPAPSD Professional Development Catalog for 2017-18. Opportunities for personalized and professional development will be attained through the additional fifteen hours of professional development each year. This professional development is based on choice and will be delivered by district course offerings or through other entities such as post-secondary institutions and/or conference and workshops. View an example of the courses.

Negaard also presented information on the work to implement Academic and Career Planning (ACP) Curriculum for grades 7-12. Beginning last school year, the ACP leadership team began to prepare and plan for the implementation including curriculum development and a plan to deliver. View the update from the ACP Leadership team here. It was approved as presented by unanimous voice vote.

The board approved the 2017-18 School Health Service agreement as presented by unanimous voice vote.

The board approved the MOU for Use of Space for Children’s Hospital, Use of Space for Ministry Medical Group and Use of Space for New Directions Counseling as presented by unanimous voice vote.

Human Resources

The board approved the addition of the SPASH A la Carte Coordinator and Administrative Food Service Supervisor positions and elimination of the Secretary to the Food Service manager position to better suit the needs of the food service program by unanimous voice vote. Positions will be posted on WECAN.

The board ratified the 2017-18 CBA between SPAPSD and AFSCME Local 32, 6 -0.

Handbook policy 5.04 Employee Benefits was updated so that it aligns with the Certified Staff Compensation Plan approved March 2017. The change was approved by unanimous voice vote.

Policy and Legislation

There is a current opening on the Policy and Legislation Committee. Citizens interested in joining Policy and Legislation committee can learn more here, or download the application here. Applications are due August 30, 2017.  

The Policy and Legislation Committee is forwarding the 0000 Bylaws Series for the board to review for consideration of approval next month, pending approval of all updated policy series.

The board approved contracts for the following positions:

• Transportation Manager - Christian Budzinski
• Program Support Specialist Positions- Sue Melville
• Program Support Specialist Position  Melissa Oliver
• Alteration of contract for Aimee Burazin (School Psychologist, SPASH) from 11 month to 10 month contract

The Program Support Specialist positions are a reaction to the statewide shortage of school psychologists. The district received zero school psychologist applicants for the last two positions posted. As a result, the position was opened to applicants with either a student services license (to include school social work, school counselor, and school psychology) or Director of Special Education license. The positions were developed to reflect the duties, and differences from a school psychologist, as well as, to meet the needs of the district given the shortage and absence of school psychologist applicants.

The next regular meeting of the School Board will take place September 11, 2017

View the board meeting | Access the agenda and items online