The Owen-Withee School Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, August 19. The consent agenda included approving minutes, payment of bills, and activity account balances. Also included were the resignations of Nichole Hougard in regard to the plays and the retirements of Susan Beck and Debbie Bredlau, who both work in the administrative/high school office. Elementary Principal Julie VanArk is taking over the One Act Play but not the spring play. Since they are leaving mid-year, Bredlau in November and Beck in December, District Administrator Randy Bergman said new staff would need a minimum of two weeks of training to step into the position. Stacy Rasmussen is interested in the administrative assistant position currently held by Beck and Bergman said he has someone interested in replacing Rasmussen as bookkeeper. Pay for the positions will be discussed during a closed session at the September meeting. Board member Todd Nelson asked if O-W could share a bookkeeper with Greenwood, but Bergman thought there would be too much work for one person to do the job for both districts.

Under the consent agenda, the board also approved the hiring of Amanda Kosar, 4th grade teacher, Lyndsey Stachowicz for Middle School Science, and Matthew Grant for Middle School Special Education Aide and Alternative Education Advisor. Board member Dean Schmelzer asked when the new hires would be certified. The response was that Grant should be eligible for a substitute license by year end and complete his degree in 2025, and Stachowicz will have her degree completed in 2026. Bergman said they will be assigned mentor teachers to help them.

The Seclusion and Restraint Report showed three incidents related to one female special education student. The milk bid from Weber’s Farm Store was also discussed with board member Angela Greschner saying she doesn’t like the milk coming in bags. Principal VanArk said the quality of the milk is better than that from their previous supplier. Bergman added it was the only bid. There was some discussion about getting paper cups or something to set the bags in to make it easier for students. Middle/High School Principal Nate Johnson said his students have no trouble with the bags. Board member Julie Wendler thought it might be possible to get some plastic cups from the Clark County Milk Marketing Board or 4-H so they could try it out for a month. With that, the consent agenda was approved.

Student fees for the school year were approved as were 18 students who wish to enroll in either the Early College Credit Program or Start College Now. Students are allowed to complete 18 credits through these programs.

Digital mapping of the school was discussed. Bergman said they are working on a new safety plan. The digital mapping would help police and fire to know what entrance to come in if something happens. The $4,722 cost will be paid for with a Department of Justice grant. The mapping will include both mapping the building interior and an arial view of the school site.

The referendum flyers and mailing were discussed. Flyers and posters will be created in both English and Spanish. The possibility of creating a tabletop display to be put in local restaurants was also discussed. Board member Robyn Renderman was in favor of that idea. She also felt they need to be specific about what has already been cut and what will be cut if the November referendum fails. Wendler has been watching webinars on referendums. She said the current revenue cap on schools happened 30 years ago and has not kept up with inflation. Putting flyers in grocery bags was also suggested. Bergman said that referendum information is available on the district website at https://www.owen-withee.k12.wi.us/. Click on District, and then on Referendum. Wendler said that 85% of people surveyed believe in public schools. Other ways to get the word out were suggested. Board members could be available to talk to people before board meetings. Sign boards could be in the lobby and out by the football field on game nights. Getting information out to people in favor of the referendum was also discussed so they would have the information they need to promote the referendum. Bergman said that the numbers are currently as close as he can get them and that the mill rate should go down $100 per thousand of valuation even with the referendum. That is using last year’s student enrollment as they don’t have the number for this year yet. He used a 3.5% increase in valuation in the school district. If that number is higher, the mill rate could go down more. The district is seeking to exceed the state revenue cap by $500,000 per year for three years to retain programs and staff, as well as complete needed maintenance. This referendum, if passed, would replace the referendum that expired at the end of the previous school year.

The Athletic Code was approved after questions in regard to an issue with a student from last year. The athletic code now uses school days as there was some confusion over school days versus calendar days. The board would like a report on what the coaches committee decided about the student in question. That will be done in a closed session at the next meeting. The Teacher and Staff Handbook was also approved. Bergman said it was just a condensed version of what they already had.

Under Principal Reports, Elementary Principal Julie VanArk said they have been getting ready for school. She and the elementary secretary attended a workshop. They plan to have a picnic at the Withee Lions Park during Summer School. This year they will be using Bruno Bucks to help improve student attendance. Students can use them to purchase items in a school store. The staff will also be starting their Keys to Literacy training during in-service.

Middle/High School Principal Nate Johnson said that sports practices have started. They will be having an orientation for 6th grade students. School starts September 3. The PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) team is looking at additional ways to recognize students. Johnson said the custodial staff did a great job over the summer.

District Administrator Randy Bergman said that the problem with the leaking in the door of the Forward Center has been resolved, but they are still working on the security part in regard to getting the doors open in the event of a weather emergency. The asphalt in the parking lots is done, but they are still working on painting lines and sidewalk repair.