Thank you to Madison Elementary Cadets for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Community Partnership and Recognition

Congratulations to Jami Stuettgen, McDill Elementary, on receiving the Mandana Bliss Award.

Consent Agenda

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

Educational Services

Update on the School Administrators Institute for Transformational Leadership (SAIL) initiative was presented to the Board.  This is the District’s second year of SAIL.

The School Board also received information on PoDS’ two-year implementation grant, totaling $550,000, from the Wisconsin Charter School Program grant competition.  The funds from this grant will be used to enhance the instruction provided to the students of Point of Discovery School, thereby directly impacting student achievement.

Student Services

The School Board approved the Interagency Agreement with Portage County Health and Human Services (PCHHS).  The agreement facilitates the exchange of appropriate information and has been beneficial for both parties.

Technology

Brian Casey updated the School Board on the District Safety and Security Committee and the finalized applications for two rounds of safety and security grant funding from the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

General

Superintendent Gerlach reviewed goals for the information effort plan, types of communication and messaging for the November 2018 Referendum.

The next meeting of the school board will take place on October 8, 2018, at the Bliss Educational Services Center.

The board held their regular August School Board meeting on August 14, 2018.

Consent Agenda

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

Employment Recommendations
Recommendations for employment were approved by a unanimous voice vote.

Business Services
A revision to the 2017-18 was approved by roll call vote;  6- yay; 0 - nay.

Educational Services Committee

Connie Negaard, Director of Secondary Education and Cory Hirsbrunner, Director of Elementary Education presented an update on Professional Development provided by the District highlighting the opportunity for personalized and specialized professional development will be attained through the additional fifteen hours of professional development each year.

Cory Hirsbrunner, Director of Elementary Education, provided information on the Reading Recovery Consortium requesting approval for the District to participate in the Northcentral Wisconsin reading Recovery Consortium. Reading Recovery is a is a thoroughly researched and proven early literacy intervention for the lowest-achieving first graders. Funds have been budgeted for an approved by DPI through ESSA/Title II Grant to utilize Title II funds for this initiative. The request was approved by a unanimous voice vote.

Policy

The 5000 Series of School Board Policy, Student Policy was reviewed and approved for adoption by unanimous voice vote following approval of all policies.

General

A summary of the School Perceptions Climate Survey was provided to the School Board.

An update on referendum communication and the School Board’s role was presented.

The next regular meeting of the school board will take place on September 10, 2018, at the Bliss Educational Services Center.

Consent Agenda

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

Student Services

School Boards are required by 120.12(13) of the state statutes to notify the parents/guardians of students enrolled in the school district of the student academic standards that will be in effect for the school year.  The board must annually include an item on the agenda of the first school board meeting of the school year (the first board meeting after July 1) that clearly identifies the student academic standards adopted by the board that will be in effect for the school year.

Standards recommended for adoption for the 2018-2019 school year:

• Wisconsin Academic Standards
• Common Core State Standards
• Next Generation Science Standards
• College and Career Readiness Standards

Passed unanimously.

General

At the June 25, 2018 meeting, the Board reviewed information on operations, deferred maintenance, and capital improvement.  The Board directed Administration to return with updated plans, that reflect the results of the Morris Leatherman survey.

The administration updated the recommended projects with an approximate reduction of $7,000,000 to the overall scope.

• Retention of the expansion to the cafeteria area at SPASH
• Restoration of plans for separate gym and cafeteria areas at elementary school.
• Elimination of the athletic facility at SPASH including the new two-court gym and locker rooms in the pool area.
• Elimination of the Ben Franklin and PJ Jacobs cardio and weight rooms

The updated plans include two questions for a referendum.

• A resolution to exceed the revenue limit by $3,500,000 for recurring purposes
• A resolution for authorizing general obligation bonds not to exceed $75,900,000

This will include the recommendation that the District use approximately $3,000,000 of fund balance.

The Board voted unanimously to move forward with posing these questions to the public November 4, 2018.

Closed Session

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

The next meeting of the school board will take place on August 13, 2018, at the Bliss Educational Services Center.

Consent Agenda

The Consent Agenda, including minutes, and employment recommendations were approved by unanimous voice vote.

Business Services

The District moved to establish 46 Restricted Fund balance accounts for the SPASH Ropes Course and the SPASH Parking lot.  The 46 Fund allows the district to set aside fees collected from outside groups using the ropes course for replacing and maintaining the SPASH Ropes course.  The net funds collected from student parking fees will be set aside for SPASH parking lot repairs. These motions were approved by unanimous voice vote.

General

The Morris Leatherman Company presented results of the Stevens Point Area survey conducted June 4 through June 15, 2018. View presentation.

Closed Session

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

The next meeting of the school board will take place on July 9, 2018, at the Bliss Educational Services Center.

The Stevens Point Area School Board held their Regular School Board Meeting on Monday, June 11, 2018. 

Consent Agenda

The Consent Agenda, including minutes, the approval of monthly bills and employment recommendations were approved by unanimous voice vote.

Business Services

All school districts in Wisconsin are required to budget according to state statute 115.28(13).  The Board unanimously approved the preliminary 2018-2019 budget.  The preliminary budget allows the District to meet immediate expenses of operating and maintaining public instruction until the final budget is implemented in October.

Student  Services

Student services presented a restructuring plan to better address the needs of students and maximize resources. The need for additional resources in the schools to provide more support for our students has been a priority this year.

2018-2019 PCHHS Agreement

The School Health Service agreement with Portage County Health and Human Services was unanimously approved by the Board.  This Memorandum of Understanding provides nursing services for the schools.

Human Resources

2018-2019 SPAEA Ratification

The Board ratified the 2018-2019 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the District and SPAEA.

General

Superintendent Gerlach presented information on the Operations, Deferred Maintenance, and Capital Improvement Plan.  

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 June 25, 2018, at the Bliss Educational Services Center.

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

Community Partnership and Recognition

Congratulations to Jeff Chandonais, McDill Elementary and,  

Dorothy O'Connor, Jefferson Elementary on receiving the Mandana Bliss Award. 

See more photos from the School Board Recognition. 

Consent Agenda

The Consent Agenda, including minutes, the approval of monthly bills and employment recommendations were approved by unanimous voice vote.

Business Services

The Board approved a short-term loan in the amount of $12,500 from the School District to purchase playground equipment for Plover-Whiting Elementary.  The expected payment date is December 2018.

Educational Services

The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) provides parents the right to opt their children out of taking the state test if they feel it is not appropriate for their child. The DPI stipulates that this request must be in writing and honored at grades 4, 8 & 9-11. The School Board approved the written parent request of twenty-three students excusing them from state testing.

2018-2019 Calendar Revisions

The Board unanimously approved changes to the 2018-2019 Calendar to increase  Parent Teacher Conference time for elementary students in the Spring.

• Change February 12, 2019; 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences to February 21, 2019 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
• No School Day for Elementary students on February 25, 2019, Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place from 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM for all elementary schools.
• The revised calendar is available online.

Human Resources

The Board approved the 2018-2019 Health and Dental insurance plan presented by insurance broker, M3.  For more information on the plan click here.

The Board unanimously ratified the 2018-2019 Collective Bargaining Agreements between the District and the Teamsters and the District and AFSCME.  Teamsters agreement | AFSCME agreement

General

Superintendent Gerlach presented information on the Operations, Deferred Maintenance, and Capital Improvement Plan.  

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 June 11, 2018, at the Bliss Educational Services Center.

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.