The Owen-Withee School Board held their final meeting of the year on Monday, December 15. As part of the meeting, they recognized the State Girls Basketball team from last year. Kayla Rasmussen spoke saying that it was a lot of fun and that some of them have played together for a long time. She also felt the community involvement helped them. Coach Josh Jalling spoke about how great it was to watch the looks on the girls’ faces as they walked into an empty arena at state. He said they are ranked 7th so far this year. He talked about the importance of home court advantage and that they don’t lose games when they play at home. So far this year most of their games have been on the road. Jalling also said that Holly Hatlestad has been a great addition to the coaching staff.
Under the Consent Agenda, the board approved the minutes, payment of bills, union recertification results, administration intention letters, and the resignation of Brian Lewison as Head Cross Country and Middle School Track Coach. For the union recertification 35 of 41 eligible teachers and 14 of 18 eligible support staff voted with all votes in favor of keeping the union. Director of Pupil Services Kristi Ruggles, Elementary Principal Julie VanArk and Middle/High School Principal Nate Johnson all submitted letters saying they intend to return next year. Lewison submitted his letter of resignation saying he felt it was time for new blood in the position.
The Non-Emergency Lockdown was reviewed. District Administrator Randy Bergman said the district is required to do this once per year. VanArk said in the elementary they try to keep it simple. In the lower elementary, it is treated like a game of hide and seek. She said everyone in the elementary was quiet. There were some rooms that don’t get used all day that were left open and they will need to be locked in the future. Board member Robyn Renderman asked if the school just trains to do shelter in place and if the school has a reunification site if students do escape the building. Bergman said they do have a reunification site. They also don’t want kids on cellphones saying where they are if there is an incident. VanArk said they spent more time on school safety at the beginning of the year in-service. Johnson said he couldn’t hear or see anybody as he walked through the building. The staff is trained not to answer the door and to wait until administration or police unlock the door. He felt his area did well. Bergman said once the new phone system is in, they will be able to communicate with the entire building. Currently the high school and elementary school are on separate PA systems.
Policies for Advanced Level Post Secondary Coursework, Early College Credit Program, and Start College Now Program were approved as presented. The policies update and replace the youth options policy. For Start College Now, the policy says that the student must pay the District back for the class if they fail. It lays out what needs to happen. Test fees, e.g. CNA test fees, are not paid. Students can take up to 18 credits as part of the program.
The 2026-2027 school calendar was approved. Bergman said staff had looked at it. It is mostly the same as the current year calendar. After speaking to staff, a spring break was added and an in-service day was moved. Summer School will run from August 24-August 27, 2026. The first day of school will be September 1 and the last day of school May 27. Spring Break will be March 22-26, 2027. Graduation is scheduled for May 22, 2027.
Under Administrator Reports, Elementary Principal Julie VanArk said they are doing Manic Mondays again this year where students can earn special Bruno Bucks for being in school and on time on Mondays. Attendance continues to improve. Students participated in the Kids Heart Challenge. Students raised $3,500 for the American Heart Association. They also learned healthy living habits and hands only CPR. The elementary Christmas Concert is coming up. The angel tree was successful again this year. She thanked the churches, organizations, businesses, etc. that donate to this project as well as donate other items throughout the year. A committee of teachers is meeting to discuss enrichment opportunities for students. The science curriculum committee will be meeting to discuss the science curriculum and aligning it with the middle/high school. Teachers continue to implement the new reading curriculum.
Middle/High School Principal Nate Johnson reported that there are four students participating in the wrestling co-op with Thorp. FBLA put on an Entrepreneur Business Panel for students to learn what employers look for when hiring someone and how to be a successful business owner. Those who held privilege cards during the 1st quarter got to go to a movie in Medford. There were 111 students who participated. The High School Student Council is planning some holiday activities for December 23. The PLC Student Incentive Committee is planning a Bruce Mound trip.
District Administrator Randy Bergman reported on a DPI grant that was applied for to hire a literacy coach. They would not need to hire a new person. Either Katie Hatlestad or Rachel Devine could serve in that role. There will be another strategic planning meeting, probably in January. Two other grants received will pay most of the cost of a smartboard for 2nd grade and half the cost of a kiln for the art department.
The board went into closed session for almost two hours to discuss co-curricular coaching contracts and hold a disciplinary appeals hearing in regard to a disciplinary decision made in regard to the Athletic Code.