Elmwood School Board Meeting
2-19-2007 @ 7 pm
Attendance- All school board members present, Both the Elementary & High School Principals Madden, and Rose, 2 Teachers ( Mrs. Hannock & Mrs. Glaus) Citizens ( Neil Boltic, Kristina & Rick Talford)
also DNR Representative Steve
note: prior to the meeting starting, Sue Borgerson, Board President asked the group if there was anyone with
a concealed recording device, or an unconcealed recording device? Kris Talford showed Sue, she did have a
recorder that was not concealed. She had shown the recorder to Board members Dave Wolf, Board Clerk,
and also Jason Afdahl, another Board Member prior to the questioning by Mrs. Borgerson.
7 PM the meeting was called to Order-
There was no Public Input to be shared by anyone, so the meeting went onto the Administrative Reports,
to be given by the Principals of the school.
Shawn Madden ( Elementary Principal) started with Giving the Student of The Month Award information.
He read off the list of students that rec’d the award for the month of January 2007. He then reported the
creation of a new Student Support Team, and read off a list of the individuals being involved with the team.
He stated this team would be doing student assessments, going over the 10th grade testing results.
They would be identifying the students with disabilities and there needs from K-12. also being covered would
be the Special Ed services needs. The Athletic Code Violation sheets where part of his report to the board,
as well as information on the free and reduced meals rec’d by the students. He stated that the 7-12 students
make up 18% of the use, and the Elementary students make up 25%. A confidential Health listing was
prepared and shared with the board members, to be aware of, Mr. Madden stated.
The reason that the Support Team was created falls into 14 areas-There will be more information to
share next month. We will Identify the children with needs. I met with the student team last week.
also the Free and Reduced meals rec'd listing is included, showing who is using the program.
Janelle Wolf (board member) asked if the names of the members where in the papers received by
Madden, and he responded, No. She then asked if He wanted these papers back, seeing they did not
have the information provided., again the response was No.
Barry Rose (HS Principal & Superintendent) commented on the papers, stating the meal
information is close to 30% regular usage. Seasonal workers may create a higher number though.
The school does a mailing every 5 years, to get an idea.
Jason Afdahl (board member) questioned if the parents are involved with the Support Team.
Shawn Madden- stated, No- but this is only in the infancy stage, and the parents
receive the results of testing, by the report cards. They are made aware.
Jason A.- I would think that it would be beneficial for the parents to have correspondence and input.
Shawn M.- "Point well taken". I will be meeting with each Dept. (reading, science, math,etc.)
within the next month to go through what is being taught, and why.
This will assist me in finding out our deficiencies.
The Professional Staff members and teachers are working together.
We are all doing our part to move forward.
Everything we do is to help our kids.
The parent -teacher conferences are upcoming March 26th, the High School
grades 7-12 have open meeting time, and the Elementary will be done by alphabetical order.
This is when the parents can choose to meet the teachers, face to face. They can
also talk about the child's strengths and weaknesses. The conferences have been well attended.
A couple teacher Thank Yous to go out to Mr. Klink, for his help the past 6 yrs. with the Public Library,
and Mr. Birtzer has been inducted into the Teachers of America Hall
(note- did not get all info. on this- please contact the school for more information)
The State level for music ensembles was this past week, and there where 6 judges, 298 performances.
Elmwood had 119 of the performances, with 83 Students participating. There where 3 levels
to compete, and 12 students made it to State level competition. They will be held
May 5, 2007 in Madison. Congratulations to all students and teachers.
Tournament time is here for Basketball, the Girls play vs Augusta on Tues., and the
Boys play vs Independence next Tues.
(note: girls won there 1st round game)
FFA week is here, and the pancake feed is Saturday.
PTO meetings will be held tomorrow night.
We had a couple presentations given (Color of Love & Freedom Calls)
the commentator stated that our kids where awesome, so credit goes out to them and the staff.
Sue Borgerson (board president) asked if there where any follow up questions for Shawn
Barry Rose, then began his administrative report.He thank those who attended the meeting.
He stated the the curriculum and testing being done was to keep up with the state
"NO Child Left Behind Program", This is an extensive project, the scope and sequence
and energy needed is alot. We will find what it is that we need to do different. It is a non-stop
process. No 2 kids will ever test the same, and we share those results with the parents. We are
doing a good job here, and making improvements for the future.
The Parent Teacher conferences are coming, and parents can get information from
the Teachers first hand, right from the teachers mouth.
The SSA capital report has 3 different copies, that have been sent home prior.
Feb 2nd, Feb. 14th, and Feb. 16th.
Feb. 16th report is the one by Gov. Doyle that is proposed. You can read it, and call me with any questions.
Doyle has stated he will continue the 2/3rd funding. Our decline in enrollment is still a big issue.
The QEO report is in the Leader-Telegram for anyone to read, on the revenue caps.
There is a possible change in credits from 2 and 2, to 3 and 3.The change could create trouble
in covering the additional staffing needed. This is all night time reading material.
The WI State Journal also had a listing of the State Funding, that gave me a bad
feeling in my stomach. I believe within the next 3 years, there will be major changes coming.
The referendums showing up, prove the dysfunction at the State Level.
The PAC meeting is March 27th @ Cesa 11. Toni B. is out, we need to leave by 4:45pm.
The Motivational speaker is Murry Banks.
The Committee meeting upcoming are Professional Staff on Feb. 28th, @ 6:30pm
Sports Staff on March 7th, at 6:30pm
Update on the Nov. 20th, 2006 Public Input on Classroom Activities in Plants and Landscaping
1-A Complaint filed with the Dept. of Health by Rick & Kristina Talford
in reference to the Deer processing. The main concern was the blood, and the Dept.
found no Significant Hazards, and stated the blood is sterile, and was locally tested.
The Dept. closed the case.
2- A follow up complaint, also filed by Rick and Kristina Talford with
the State and County Dept. of Health over the Wild Game Feed.
Mr. Pickerign was in contact with UWRF and DNR. The 7 1/2 yrs that I have been here,
there have been no problems with the safe handling. we did receive some recommendations
from them on things like hand washing.
We don't fall under the state laws on safe food handling. as just a note, we have alot
of trees and hills around here.
3- also from Rick Talford, his election statement # 5- I'm not going to read all this.
well, maybe I will.
"Public School Agendas- This is an area, much like the village board. the school boards are run,
without any public input. This is not by request of the community, but by the request of the
administration.They do not want anyone in the meeting that could bring any questions on the actions
of the board"
Barry Rose stated- "That's a Lie "
"In our small town, they have even tried to take away the public input, except 1 meeting
a year"
Barry again stated " That's a Lie"
(note: Dec. Board meeting 2005, when Barry informed the board he was working
on the public input, and wanted to make it clear. The board meetings where for board
business, not for public business, that he says should only be in the annual meeting. January, Barry
made his changes to the policy, and Feb. the Board approved it. Barry even stated that he was
going to tweak the policy to fit Elmwood's needs)
This is why I have donated my time, and efforts in helping the district with some control.
Barry responded " That's a Lie"
The creation of the Task Force Team was accomplished here, only to last 3 months and disappear.
Barry again stated, That's a lie, and added that there where 2 members of the
team currently on the board.
(note: only 1 person from the Task Force Team is a board member, Jason Afdahl-
and even at that, the Task Force Team has not met since the April election in 2006.
I should know, I was the first person to offer my time to be a member. Then Bob Rupakus,
a village board member, stated he would chair the team.- This all occurred when Barry
attempted to take over the Basketball Team, and was not going to allow the coaches contracts,
to be renewed. This got 300 citizens together quick. Then Barry even started crying wolf,
and created more poor publicity to our community at Glenwood City)
The District must pull together, to stand against the wrong actions that are taking place in our schools.
Our children are the Future, We must help guide them, and keep the schools a safe
place for them to learn and grow up with integrity and morals.
Barry, then became nasty once again, and stated, "This from the exact people we had
to create our school lock downs because of. He then went on to stating,
The Talford's have filed frivolous lawsuits against the school.
This is what the district has to deal with, the frivolous lawsuits by them"
(note: this was direct slander, and hatred. you could see the redness in Barry's face)
Rick Talford responded, Now you have gone to far, There has never been one single
lawsuit filed against the school, and I don't know where you are coming up with this information,
but it is far from true, Mr. Rose.
Barry then said, " well now you have it on your little recorder don't you?"
Sue - then said that it was time to get back to the agenda.
Rick T. apologized for interrupting the meeting.
(A long pause occurred, and the room was silent. You could see the shock in the boards faces.)
Sue -. then retook control of the meeting, and went onto the next item on the agenda,
approval of the minutes from Jan. Meeting.
Then the approval to pay bills.
Next, was the Stream Bank Restoration that the local DNR and Rod & Gun Club where interested in
doing, and had a presentation last month.
Barry told the board that they needed to give the group permission to access the land. He also said
he would inform the Agriscience class teacher. " It is an eyesore out there I think."
The board agreed and approved the project.
Steve, the Rep. from DNR, asked " how many trees do you want removed?"
Barry replied, We'll have to ask Mr. Pickerign, and possibly mark those to keep.
Sue-. then went onto the next item. The WIAA Co-op wrestling agreement.
Mrs. Glaus was present to inform the board how pleased she was, that the older students
assisted with the Transportation needs when they fell short.
She went on to inform them, Trent Lareau (apology if misspelled) would be going to state this Year,
and we'll have 3 freshman next year.
Sue - next would be the WIAA Girls Hockey
Mr. Glaus again would respond,
Megan, she said would be graduating this year, and she is up for
Mrs. WI Hockey, to be announced sometime this week.The sectionals would be Fri. & Sat.
She said the agreement needed to be signed, even though there was not an athlete
for the sport next year. She added that there would be no cost to the school next yr either.
She said it would be nice if there where some interest, but there is no ice rink in town.
Sue - Next up was the Cesa 11 agreement.
Barry replied that this should have been done last month, and a sample bid was sent home.
The first 3 items, all 39 districts must pay. The comprehension part, and the special ed
related services. I have went over these for the past 5 years, and there are services we
do not need anymore. The special ed, Nursing assoc. have high cost testing. The Occupational
Therapy, we just cannot afford. The Physical therapy is the same.
The Special Ed contract would not be renewed, as we can be part of a 66-30 agreement
with a surrounding district. The Title 1-5 programs we must keep.
The consulting and networking, only gives us a couple days on sight, with little work
with our staff.
There will be a change in the Environmental Services, Dave Smith will keep the info.
regarding the asbestos in the buildings.
Technology Services, we are going another direction with. We are removing the 750,
but keeping the 741. The E-rate and Tax plan.Everything else will stay the same.
There will be significant cuts next year. Approx. 55K in Special Ed cuts.
We have Teachers doing more. The staff is doing the services. The Luxuries are not
affordable anymore. There will be no Special Ed Director. (Peg Bavin now)
Steve Thompson- I have seen these WI Virtual Schooling, and they have
alot of advanced placement courses available.
A Roll call vote was done, to accept the agreement for 07-08'
Sue- next is the convention report-4 board members and the administrator attended.
We spent 3 days in Madison, for different info. sessions. I felt that this was very beneficial.
Kenosha school came with an issue list, and have started meeting with potential board members,
to show them what goes on with the board. They bring everyone in on a PowerPoint presentation.
I think that a semi-annual workshop may work out for us.
Steve- I seen alot of referendums out there. The personal knowledge of the alternative
school out there, like Appleton and Oshkosh charter schools. I have asked for more info.
I want to find out why there is so much negative response to them. I would like the allowance
from the board to attend the meeting April 15th-17th.
Janelle- River Falls also have a alternative school, they state it is for troubled students.
The Renaissance Academy.
Jason- I have 3 things I would like to say. 1st- The people of Florence and Marcuson Schools
where saved, due to the threats of disolving. I noticed that when things where at the worst,
the community really pulled together to get things done.
2nd- I think we are doing some of the right things now. The District is facing things to improve
the education they receive. We are fortunate to have the administration we have.
3rd- We could be doing things better from the board to the citizens.
I thought it was entertaining and a good learning session.
Sue- Toni B. also had his 20th Anniversary and Presentation there.
Barry- On Friday I met with Robert W. Baird. Wed. was the Ballot Box presentation.
There demographics are not the same as here.
A special note on Toni, There are nearly 3000 school board members and only 16
have made it to there 20th anniversary, and even fewer to there 30th
Sue- next is the committee reports.
Barry- The grounds and Transportation committee met, and we looked at the
costs of our fleets, and vans. we looked over the mileage charts. We also
looked at open enrollment, and the evaluations of drivers.
A maint. list of 20-25 items was made out, and then cut back to the top 5. Instead of being
categorized by area, we may list by costs, so that more may be accomplished.
We had hail damage to the Bus garage, the roof has been shot. We also discussed
the DNR restoration project.
An Example- Saturday we had a leak in the girls locker room. damage was donr to the heating
coils. It will cost $3-4,000.00, and we need 2 of them. The Main boiler is from 1967
The main pump failed. I keep my fingers crossed every night on that.
When one thing goes, usually another will. Repair cost for that may be near $7,000.00
The budget $ are short. We have had a loss of $15,000.00 in the past month.
The power shop also has a want for heat. We are just keeping the place going.
Sue- I have one thing to add. I think it was a good idea to combine the committee's
Barry- I have had nothing but good feedback. Dave and Rick are working together.
The Finance Committee met, we did a breakdown of the budget summary & needs.
We have looked at the costs for the referendum. We looked at our Professional Staff needs.
We looked at the 2 bioler pumps working for the school.
Steve- How about leasing buses, has that been looked at?
Barry- I looked into that 5 years ago, and the costs where higher. The Transportation
Supervisor is driving routes, and doing 40% of the maintenance work. We looked at thining
out buses, because we need quality buses to carry our kids.
I have not looked at that though for 5 years.
We looked at foodservice also, but we are not big enough.
Sue- the last item is the referendum
Barry-A brief update. In the next week , we will have the finalization.There are notices A-D.
Notice A- must be posted prior to the election. the 4th Tues. prior to March 6th
Notice B- A faxcimile a day prior to March 26th. Exceeding revenue dollars through 2010
NOT TO EXCEED $ 300,000.00
Notice C- 1 week prior to March 26th. this is the notice to vote Yes/No
Notice D- The polling locations, this is not done yet. We must have it handicap accessible.
Notice E- March 6th, the absentee ballots update.
The newsletter coming in the mail tomorrow will have the information on the referendum.
There is a $ 700,000.00 swing since May of 2001.
What would the referendum cost the tax payers. There has been no increase the past 2 yrs.
If the referendum does not pass, then a meeting will occur for the public to come ask questions.
This is a rough draft only. The power point starts right here. Look at this tonight, and
get back to me by Wed. I must have the final copy ready in 1 week.
There are 3 reasons that there are funding problems.
The 05-06' snapshot of exspences, the revenues for 07' compared to prior.
We made graphs & charts for the community. The bar graphs show the state aid.
Education costs, and Fund 10 contracts and balances. The student memberships, and decline
are all direct reflections. The reduction guide, the only I know how to change is used.
There will be a summary at the end, as well as a Q&A session. Thats the basics of it.
The presentation will be approx. 1 hour.
The trial shot for this is, Feb. 28th, at 4:45 pm in the school cafateria.
I am requesting all employees and 3 board members be present. Some of this is
Personal to me, as well.
(note: a Question was asked, why the entire board cannot be present, and the response
was, that would make it a quarum of the board, and that cannot happen.)
Sue- In our best interest, we do not want a quorum for the meeting. This is why there can
only be 3 members of the board at the meeting.
Barry- The meeting will be clear, and precise. We will cut some information if needed.
Sue- I'll be there, and would like to see the Treasurer there also.( Steve)
This meeting will now go into closed session., unless there are any questions.
Neil Boltic- Yes, as far as the Student Support Staff- Will there be Parent Input allowed?
Shawn- No, this is confidential information.
Neil- I just thought, if you where going into a brainstorming session, you would have some
outside help.
Shawn- I'll take that under advisement. Not to many Districts are doing this.
Toni B.- I suggest we go into closed session now-
Sue- we will now go into closed session.
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