The Owen-Withee School Board held their regular meeting on Monday, May 18. The board elected officers for the upcoming year with Dean Schmelzer getting four votes for president and Julie Wendler getting two. Schmelzer will be president, Wendler will be the vice-president, Angela Greschner clerk, and Robyn Renderman treasurer.
Under Public Participation, FBLA Advisor Caleb Green said this has been their most successful year in competition, including the first time for the middle school team. He said it is astounding how well they do given the size of the student body. Green and his students thanked the board for their support.
Under the consent agenda, the board approved minutes, payment of bills, WIAA membership, teacher contracts, co-curricular and fall coaches, open enrollment applications (there is one student applying to come in and one student applying to leave), Sunny Rufsholm as the music teacher and Johneen Schwab’s resignation as elementary special education teacher.
New business began with the recognition of Thorp/Owen-Withee wrestling coach Scott Shilts and state qualifier Leah Simenson. Shilts said at the beginning of the season, Leah’s goal was to win one match. It was her first year wrestling and she made it to state. He said with Leah talking up the program they might be able to qualify a girls team for next year.
The board approved a resolution authorizing the transfer of funds, the establishment of an escrow account with respect to and the defeasance of certain of the general obligation refunding bonds from March 25, 2021. This will transfer $600,000 for defeasance. It will be used to pay principal and save $114,471 in interest. They are estimating it will result in an increase in state aid of $146,570 in addition to having a lower loan payment.
Hours and minutes for the 2026-2027 school year were approved. The total calculation for next year is 1,172 hours. Grades K-6 requires 1,050 hours and grades 7-12 requires 1,137 hours. Board member Todd Nelson brought up the fact that it seems banquets are always held on Wednesday nights, which conflicts with church activities for kids.
The board approved allowing Clark County Health Department to put two Naloxboxes in the school. This will allow for Narcan to be locked up and dispensed at the school. It hasn’t been a problem in the past, but board members felt if something happens it would be nice to have. Nelson said he was okay with it as long as it was locked up and concealed. He also said staff would have to be trained in the use of Narcan. Schmelzer said it would also make it available if something happened during a school event. He asked if the entire staff would be trained. District Administrator Randy Bergman will write a policy for the district in regard to the storage and dispensing of Narcan.
The co-curricular code for 2026-2027 was approved. This replaces the athletic code and includes students involved in co-curricular activities. Some language has been tightened up, particularly in regard to eligibility. Co-curricular participants who violate the code would have to do community service. If a student fails a class in the fourth quarter, any requirements in regard to penalties would happen in the fall. They also put in some rules on attendance. Students need to be in school from the 4th period on to be eligible to participate that day. Any absences must be excused. Transportation was changed so notes don’t need to be at school ahead of time. A parent can hand a note to the coach at the event saying they are taking their child home. If a student quits an activity, they are not eligible for another one during that season. If a student or parent has an issue with a coach, there will be 24-hour cooling off period after which a meeting will be set up. Pre-season meetings are required to lay out expectations. Information was added for students selling their likeness, etc. to the code. An honesty clause has also been added. A student who comes forward may get a reduction to their penalty. Penalties and appeals processes are also outlined. Community service options must be approved by school administration but will not be provided by the school. If a student isn’t currently involved in an activity, their penalties will be enforced in the next activity they participate in.
The sealing of the parking lots was approved at a cost of $15,315. Redoing floors in the kindergarten and the maintenance room was approved at a cost of $18,033.
Julie Wendler is not running for a new three-year term on the CESA 10 board. If anyone is interested in running, they should let her know. Schmelzer will be the representative for the CESA 10 annual meeting.
Under Administrator Reports, Middle/High School Principal Nate Johnson gave his report. At state forensics all four students competing got silver medals. At the FFA CDE Conference, the Agronomy team finished 9th, with one student finishing in the top 20. The Farm Business team finished 6th with one student finishing 1st. The Forestry team finished 7th with two students finishing in the top 20. The Milk Quality & Products team finished 9th. Community Service Day went well. The middle/high school math department met with CESA 10 to review curriculum. Senior banquet and graduation are complete. Finals are coming up. On Friday, May 22, there will be an awards ceremony before students are dismissed at 11:30.
Elementary Principal Julie VanArk reported they are doing end of year assessments. Summer school planning is underway. There are already over 100 students signed up. They will have their end of year celebration on May 21. Their Title I annual meeting is coming up.
The board went into closed session for a little over half an hour to discuss employment contracts. Nothing was reported when they came into open session.