A focus of the meeting was the discussion surrounding the mandatory music program for seventh graders. Board members deliberated on a proposal to make participation in music classes optional, following concerns raised by the music department. It was noted that the current requirement may not be beneficial to the overall program, as students who are uninterested in music can disrupt those who are genuinely passionate, particularly affecting choir dynamics. The suggested change would allow students to opt for general music courses instead, which they already take from kindergarten through sixth grade.

The board weighed the potential impacts of this proposal, acknowledging that while participation might decrease, the experience for those who choose to participate could improve. The motion to make seventh-grade music classes optional passed without opposition, with a commitment to closely monitor the program’s quality over time.

Additionally, the board discussed a collaborative effort with local medical centers in Appleton, Madison, and Dawson to expand medical education offerings for students. This initiative includes the existing Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course and aims to introduce more medical courses, fully funded by the hospitals. The program is designed to provide students with college credits, thereby enhancing their educational experience at no additional cost to the district.

In another agenda item, the board deliberated on a two-year grant intended for the renovation of a property in Madison. This project is aimed at providing students interested in the construction field with hands-on experience. A key consideration was the legal logistics of the property’s purchase, with discussions on whether the school district should acquire it using grant funds or if the Economic Development Authority (EDA) should manage the purchase. The board emphasized the importance of securing a qualified instructor to ensure the project’s success and expressed a desire to collaborate with local contractors.

The meeting also addressed the acceptance of gifts, donations, and grants, with acknowledgments extended to contributors such as the Madison Art and Innovation Center and local businesses. A motion to approve this resolution passed without further discussion. Updates on the Construction and Design (CD) class were also provided, noting that students had completed the basic portion and were moving into the behind-the-wheel phase, with all necessary permits in process.

Enrollment figures were reported, indicating a slight increase from the previous month, which is significant for district funding. The board reminded teachers of upcoming requisition deadlines for supplies, materials, and field trips for the next school year, following a recent capital outlay meeting that evaluated departmental needs.

The state financial forecast was discussed, with concerns about a less favorable outlook than previously anticipated. While the governor’s revised budget was noted, specific details were lacking. Questions about funding for the CDL program and the house renovation project were clarified, noting that the CDL program relies on donations, while the house renovation will be funded through grants.

A new shared contract for food service coordination with the Minneota School District was introduced, involving Bridget Gallagher taking on this role two days a week. Gallagher, previously the food service director at Minneota, expressed enthusiasm for the position, acknowledging the challenges of integrating into a new system but looking forward to working with the staff.

The board also discussed modifications to the school calendar, particularly the addition of early release days for teacher collaboration. These early releases are intended to focus on developing a guaranteed and viable curriculum through collaborative teacher work. Concerns were raised about the impact on working parents, with suggestions to gather public feedback before finalizing changes.

The board considered the elimination of school days following Memorial Day, which are viewed as unproductive, and discussed retaining the last three days of the school year as workshop days for teachers. A motion to adopt the school calendar for the 2025-2026 school year passed without further discussion.

Furthermore, the board reviewed a law change concerning the tracking of certain funds, specifically “cuom” funds, necessitating a motion to move the balance to a restricted area for clarity. The board discussed a three-year engagement for audit services with I Bailey and acknowledged receipt of a letter of intent from Union 70 regarding contract negotiations.

Monthly building leader reports were presented, revealing updates to the school website and plans to transition to a new platform, Parents Square, to enhance communication and accessibility. The board also discussed upcoming construction projects, including demolition work in the auditorium, and noted community feedback meetings for the strategic plan.