Saturday, April 30, 2011

School Board Approved Minutes from March 2011

“Co-op between Elmwood and Plum City Basketball Denied”

Submitted by Rick A. Talford
Citizen Journalist

On March 21, 2011 The Elmwood School District held their monthly meeting.
In the Administrative Reports, Principal J. Alwin reported on the Middle School and High School athletics and activities. Boys and Girls Basketball, Wresting, and Dance are finished for the season. Track, Baseball and Softball have each begun practice. All of our Forensics competitors advanced to the District meet on March 26th in Menomonie. Open meetings about co-operative sports with Plum City will be held this week in Elmwood and Plum City. (Note- The meetings were held, with Plum City voting unanimously to go forward with the co-op, and Elmwood voted unanimously against the co-op). The Parent and Student Surveys have been completed, and data is being compiled. Forty- two different families attended Parent-Teacher Conferences on Feb. 28th. The Spring HS/MS Music Concert was held on Mar. 7th. A number of students and adults attended a Digital Technology Safety presentation in Spring Valley, about kids and their safety online. A Medieval Banquet was held in the Village Auditorium on Mar. 11th. She then closed her report stating, “Several Academic Events and Field Trips are scheduled in the near future.”

School Counselor, Paula Haugle presented an overview of the many activities provided by the counseling program, to assure that all of our students are served by it in one way or another.

Superintendent P. Blanford reported The old bus put up for sale last month, was sold for $1800 to the only person who made an offer on it. “The School finances will require some creative maneuvering, to adjust to a $462,000.00 reduction in State Aid to our school district for the 2011-2012 school year.” He added. Blanford then finished, by stating “Due to recent changes in State Laws, a Personnel Handbook needs to be developed for the next school year.”

Members P. Peterson, B. Christman and S. Weix were appointed to an Ad HOC Committee, to develop a personnel handbook. Members G. Nelson and G. Weix were appointed to an Ad HOC Strategic Planning Committee.

In other news, The Board approved hiring Jerry Hannack, as the Assistant Softball Coach. The Board also approved the purchase of the WASB Policy Resource Guide for $5800. They also approved to open a position for High School English Teacher.

In the Informational Items, A letter from the Ave Maria Academy in Plum City, gave official notification, that Elmwood School District is included in their attendance area. The Meeting then went into Closed Session. .

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Elmwood Village Board Meeting - April 2011

“Safety Concerns are Brought to Boards Attention”
Submitted by Citizen Journalist Rick A. Talford


ELMWOOD, WI - April 11, 2011 the Elmwood Village Board held their monthly meeting at the Auditorium. A majority of the board was present, with Trustee Neil Boltic being absent. This would be the last meeting for Trustee Robert Weix, as a Board member, as he did not run for re-election this year. Re-elected Village President Bill Stewart provided a “Thank You” to Mr. Weix for his service. The position opened by Mr. Weix leaving, was filled by former board member Mike Sand, a local tavern owner.

Area resident Halee Engeldinger, requested the board look into the intersection of May Avenue and Scott Street. She asked if this could be made into a four way stop. Her concern was for the safety of her child and other children in that neighborhood, since this was the entrance to school parking lot and a very high traffic area. Trustee Bruce Hartung; Chairman for the Public Works and Police Commission will look into this matter and see what can be done. Village President Bill Stewart will also do some research on this issue. No action was taken.

In other news, the Board approved three Liquor Licenses, one for Cenex, and two for the Longbranch Tavern. The “Open Book” is set for Monday, April 18th from 5-7 PM and it was stated “No Board Members need to be present at this meeting.” The “Board of Review” is set for Tuesday, May 17th from 5-7 PM. The President and Finance Committee Members will need to be present at this meeting.

Finishing up the meeting, were the Board and Committee Reports. Trustee Robert Weix reported that use was down this month, but up for the year for the Library. There were 85 people ages 3-85 years old at the “Family Game Night” on April 3rd. The Library is discussing purchasing a digital projector with donation money they have received. They are also researching the purchase of a re-furbished copier. Trustee Trisha Knops reported that at a short March meeting for the Nursing Home, bills were approved and paid. “All is well at the Nursing Home”, she stated. Trustee Bruce Hartung reported “We would be addressing the Bond issue with TID no. 4 in the near future, and Stewart would be setting new committees with the election.” The Spring Clean-up is this week as well was reported. This covered the Personnel and Finance Committee, and the Public Works Committee. The report for the Parks and Building Committee was provided by Trustee Brian Buck. He reported that the School will be ordering new backboards and rims for the Auditorium. And they would be looking at stripping and redoing the auditorium wood floor again, as they have done in the past.


The meeting was then adjourned at 7:21 pm.