april 2017 newsletter - school district of west salem, wi · april newsletter 1 march is budget...

Letter from Superintendent Troy Gunderson

School District of West Salem

April 2017

NewsletterContents

• LetterfromSuperintendentTroyGunderson........................................1-2

• CalendarofEvents.........................2-3

• Announcements............................4-6

• SchoolBoardMinutes................7-10

• HighSchoolAgricultureProgram

Article.......10

• SchoolBoardElection/District

Communication................................11

1April Newsletter

March is Budget Season

The development and management of the annual school district budget is nearly a year-around process that culminates for the current school year each October at the Annual Meeting with final state aid confirmation, property evaluations, enrollment totals, and tax levy determination. The process begins for the upcoming school year in January with an enrollment count, scheduling, and programming. The month of March is a critical time when the district attempts to match revenue projections with programming and expenses.

Data: As the district prepares for the 2017 – 2018 school year the process begins with a review of relevant information. Projections indicate resident enrollment will be stable. The proposed state budget freezes our revenue limit but offers a $200 per student increase in adjustment aid. The district anticipates a consistent number of open enrollment students. District property values continue to grow. Finally, including the approved facility referenda of 2016, the school district tax rate declined from $10.20 to $9.42 or about 7.5%

Revenue: The above data provides a school district revenue projection for 2017 – 2018 predicting total revenue will remain unchanged when compared to the current school year. Flat revenues are the result of the increase in adjustment aid being offset by a decrease in the revenue limit. The data also projects the school district tax rate will decline from $9.42 to approximately $8.80 when we set the 2018 levy at the Annual Meeting in October of 2017.

Expenses: Preliminary estimates for the expenses connected to district programming and services next year suggest increases in staff costs and programming. While it is typical for the school district to make the reductions necessary to balance the budget each year, planning for the 2017 – 2018 school year is proving to be more difficult and will require more significant reductions. After years of balancing the budget by limiting wage increases, shifting benefit costs, reducing programming, and tapping fund balance, the district is more limited in its options for additional reductions. Upcoming meetings will feature discussions about increased class size, program elimination, delayed maintenance, delayed equipment replacement, and continued deficit spending.

Letter continues on next page...

2April Newsletter

School District of West SalemSchool District of West Salem

It is worth noting, the School District of West Salem continues to spend less per student than 90% of Wisconsin school districts as reported by the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance. Also of note, the School District of West Salem performs near the top of all Wisconsin school districts as evidenced by the recent nomination of our elementary school as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. The School District of West Salem is an outstanding value.

In conclusion, after several years of state-imposed restrictions on revenue growth, the School District of West Salem is finding it increasingly difficult to continue offering the same quality of programming and services. The 2017 – 2018 budget cycle offers a larger deficit and more difficult choices.

Public education is just that – public. It requires each one of us to stay engaged and stay involved in the public debate over the future of our public schools. Thank you for reading and thank you for your continued support of public education.

Saturday, April 1, 2017 Solo/Ensemble Both Bands All DayMonday, April 3, 20174:30pm Softball: Varsity Game-La Crosse Aquinas @ Holy Cross Seminary Field 5:00pm Baseball: JV/V Games vs. Viroqua @ WSHSTuesday, April 4, 2017 3:00pm Golf: Boys JV Match vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua, Westby Area High School @ Coulee Golf Bowl School 4:00/6:00 pm Baseball: V/JV Games- Bangor @Bangor High School 4:00pm Track: JV/VARSITY Meet vs. Alma, Cochrane Fountain City @ Cochrane- Fountain City High School 5:00pm Baseball: C-Team Game vs. G-E-T @ Riverview Park 5:00/7:00 pm Soccer: Girls JV/V Games vs. Arcadia @ West Salem Elementary School 5:00pm Softball: JV/V Games vs. Luther @ West Salem High School Thursday, April 6, 2017 4:00pm Baseball: JV/V Doubleheader vs. Black River Falls @ West Salem High School 4:30pm Track: JV/VARSITY Meet Melrose- Mindoro @ Melrose-Mindoro HS5:00/7:00 pm Soccer: Girls JV/V Games vs. Reedsburg @ West Salem Elementary School 5:00pm Softball: Varsity Game-Onalaska @ Onalaska High School Friday, April 7, 20171:00pm Golf: Boys Varsity Tournament vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, Coulee Christian, G-E-T, Holmen, La Crescent, La Crosse Aquinas, La Crosse Logan, Luther, Sparta, Westby Area High School @ Fox Hollow Golf Course 5:00pm Baseball: Varsity Game vs. River Valley @ West Salem High School

Saturday, April 8, 2017 TBD Softball: Varsity Tournament-Waupun @ Waupun - Jerry Medema Fields Monday, April 10, 2017 5:00pm Baseball: JV/V Games- Arcadia @ Arcadia High School 5:00pm Softball: JV/V Games vs. Prairie du Chien @ West Salem High School Tuesday, April 11, 20171:00pm Golf: Boys JV Match vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua, Westby Area High School @ Arcadia Country Club 3:30pm Golf: Boys JV Match vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua, Westby Area High School @ Ettrick Golf Course School 3:30pm Track: JV/VARSITY Meet vs. Aquinas, Arcadia, Black River Falls, Central, G-E-T, Holmen, La Crosse Logan, Luther, Onalaska, Sparta, Tomah, Viroqua, Westby Area High School @ Holmen School 5:00pm Baseball: JV/V Games-Mauston @ Mauston High School 5:00/7:00 pm Soccer: Girls JV/V Games vs. La Crosse Central @ West Salem High School West Salem Elementary SchoolThursday, April 13, 2017 5:00pm Baseball: JV/V Games Prairie du Chien @ Prairie Du Chien High School 5:00/7:00 pm Soccer: Girls JV/V Games vs. Tomah @ West Salem High School West Salem Elementary School5:00pm Softball: JV/V Games vs. Arcadia @ West Salem High School**Friday, April 14, 2017 NO SCHOOL**Saturday, April 15, 201710:00am Softball: JV Doubleheader vs. Iola- Scandinavia @ Woodside Sporting Complex

April’s Calendar of Events Continues on Next Page

Calendar of Events April

3April Newsletter

Monday, April 17, 2017 **NO SCHOOL TODAY1:00/3:30 pm Golf: Boys Varsity Match vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua, Westby Area High School @ Viroqua Hills Golf Course 5:00pm Softball: JV/V Games vs. Sparta @ West Salem High School Tuesday, April 18, 20174:00pm Soccer: Girls Varsity Game- Holmen @ Holmen High School 4:30pm Golf: Boys JV Match vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua, Westby Area High School @ Fox Hollow Golf Course 5:00pm Baseball: C-Team Game vs. Westby Area High School @ Riverview Park 5:00/6:30 pm Baseball: Varsity/JV GamesCochrane Fountain City @ Cochrane-Fountain City High School 5:00pm Softball: JV/V Games- Westby Area High School @ Westby High School Thursday, April 20, 20173:00pm Golf: Boys Varsity Match vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua, Westby Area High School @ Coulee Golf Bowl 4:00pm Track: JV/VARSITY Meet vs. Black River Falls, Brookwood, Mauston, New Lisbon, Sparta @ Sparta High School 5:00pm Baseball: C-Team Game Westby Area High School @ Westby High School 5:00/7:00 pm Soccer: Girls JV/V Gamesvs. La Crosse Aquinas @ West Salem High School West Salem Elementary School5:00pm Softball: JV Game-Viroqua @ Viroqua High School-Roou Softball Field (off Education Ave & Hwy 56)5:00pm Softball: Varsity Game-Viroqua @ Viroqua High School-Park Bowl-Softball Field Friday, April 21, 2017 4:00pm Track: JV/VARSITY Meet vs. Altoona, Aquinas, Blair-Taylor, Chippewa Falls, Colfax, Fall Creek, Mondovi, Providence Academy (MN), Regis, Viroqua, West Salem @ Arcadia High School 4:30pm Golf: Boys JV Match vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua, Westby Area High School @ Skyline Golf Club School 5:00pm Baseball: JV Game vs. La Crosse Aquinas @ Riverview Park 5:00pm Baseball: Varsity Game vs. La Crosse Aquinas @ West Salem High School 5:00pm Softball: JV/V Games vs. G-E-T @ West Salem High School Saturday, April 22, 2017 10:00am/12:00 pm Soccer: Girls JV/V Match vs. Platteville @ West Salem Elementary3:00pm Track: JV/VARSITY Meet vs. Bangor, Boyceville, Cochrane Fountain City, Colfax, Fall Creek, Luther, Whitehall @ St. Mary’s University

Monday, April 24, 2017 4:30/6:00 pm Soccer: Girls Varsity/JV Games Mauston @ Mauston High School5:00pm Baseball: JV/V Games vs. Westby Area High School @ West Salem High School5:00pm Softball: JV/V Games- Black River Falls @ Black River Falls High SchoolTuesday, April 25, 2017 4:00pm Track: JV/VARSITY Meet vs. Alma, Altoona, Arcadia, Cochrane Fountain City, Durand, G-E-T, Mondovi, Tomah, Whitehall @ Cochrane-Fountain City High School4:30pm Golf: Boys Varsity Match vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua, Westby Area High School @ Fox Hollow Golf Course5:00pm Baseball: JV/V Games- G-E-T @ Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau High School5:00/7:30 pm Soccer: Girls JV/V Games-La Crosse - Logan @ Fields For KidsThursday, April 27, 2017 11:00am Golf: Boys Varsity Invitational Nekoosa @ Nekoosa5:00pm Baseball: C-Team Game vs. Viroqua @ Riverview Park5:00/7:00pm Soccer: Girls JV/V Games vs. Sparta @ West Salem High School West Salem Elementary School5:00pm Softball: JV/V Games-Luther @ Luther High SchoolFriday, April 28, 2017 **NO SCHOOL TODAYTBD Softball: Varsity Game Mauston @ Mauston High School4:30pm Golf: Boys Varsity Match vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua, Westby Area High School @ Sky-line Golf Club School5:00pm Baseball: C-Team Game vs. Tomah @ Riverview Park5:00pm Baseball: JV Game-Viroqua @ Viroqua High School-Mason Baseball Diamond (near pool)5:00pm Baseball: Varsity Game-Viroqua @ Viroqua High School-Park Bowl-Baseball DiamondSaturday, April 29, 2017 9:00am Golf: Boys Varsity Invitational-Sparta @ Sparta - River Run Golf Course10:00am Track: JV/VARSITY Meet vs. Adams/Friendship, Altoona, Arcadia, Bangor, Bloomer, Cashton, Colfax, Fall Creek, Hayward, Holmen, La Crosse Central, La Crosse Logan, Mauston, Mondovi, Mosinee, Onalaska, Rochester Mayo, Viroqua, West Salem, Winona Senior @ UW-La CrosseApril 26-29 DECA International Career Development Conference


4April Newsletter

District Announcements

West Salem Community Care

and Share Food PantryHours: Saturday 10 a.m. to noonLocation: Our Saviors Lutheran ChurchServing: Communities of West Salem, Bangor, Rockland, and Mindoro

Art Student of the Month: Abby JohnsonThe West Salem Art Department announces that Abby Johnson is the Art Student of the Month. Abby works in a variety of media, oftentimes combining materials to create new and unique forms of art. She is constantly working on art, and her dedication to the work earned her the honor of Art Student of the Month.

Thisyear’sRelayforLifewilltakeplaceonFriday,April7thatthehighschool.StaffmembersKristaBeronandSaraPattersonhavegraciouslyacceptedtherolesandwillrepresenttheRelay.

AchallengehasbeenmadetoseewhichoneofthethreeWestSalemschoolscangetthemostteamstogetherforthisyear’sevents.

Formoreinformation,contactLindseyPurlat(608)[email protected]:www.relayforlife.org/westsalemwitoregisterandfindoutmore!

Relay for Life

Heider Center

Box Office (608) 786-2550

Monday: Noon to 7:00 p.m.Wednesday: Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Friday: Noon to 4:00 p.m. www.heidercenter.org

Art Gallery:Marked By Inspiration by Debra Yellick Manly

Cases: Stamp Your Hand by Lori DuMarsApril 1-30, 2017Art Reception: Thurs. April 13,2017 from 6:00pm - 7:30 pm

Performances:William Florian’s “Those Were the Days”Saturday, April 8, 2017 7:30 pm $24/$22

Presenting amusing stories in anintimate show, this former lead singer of the New Christy Minstrels take audiences on an upbeat musical journey of America’s greatest songs of the 60’s from Peter, Paul and Mary, John Denver, Pete Seeger, The Mamas and Papas, and The New Christy Minstrels, to his own uplifting originals.

MAYFAIR:12th Annual Mayfair Art Fair

Sunday, May 7, 201710 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The 12th Annual Mayfair Art Fair is a major Heider Center Arts Board Fundraiser. This event will take place at the West Salem High School. Activities will include a Fine Arts and Fine Crafts Fair, Big Boar pulled pork meal, silent auction, free children’s art activities, entertainment by area youth and door prizes. Artists interested in participating in the art fair can call Jane at 786-2388 or email [email protected]. Applications are also available at the Heider Center Box Office and on the website at www.heidercenter.org

FunFact:Somecalledamamethesupervegetablebecauseitistheonlyvegetablethatcontainsallnineessentialaminoacids.

May Art ReceptionThe May art reception for the seniors will take place on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 6:00-7:30 p.m.

5 April Newsletter


State Mathcounts Exciting News

District Announcements VAC Is Off to State

Metals Fabrication Class Partners With Local Businesses

To gain real-life experience creating product for a customer, the metals fabrication class takes on projects that require them to partner with local businesses. Recently the metals fabrication class worked with Brickl Brothers Project Manager Terry Stluka to create a concession window for the new pool house. The students were approached by Mr. Stluka and challenged to create a design for the project. This was a tremendous opportunity for students to see how the construction and welding industries work together. The stainless steel sill required bending and welding operations to complete the task.

Pictured on the right are students Trevor Smith and Shane Craig working with Mr.Stluka.

The State Mathcounts Competition was held in Sheboygan on Saturday, March 4, 2017. There were 143 total students competing, representing 42 different schools from across the stateof Wisconsin. There were 27 official teams competing.

West Salem’s team competitors were Elsa Mitchell, Ava Huth, Brennan Holst, and Wolf Weiss. They placed 17th as ateam. Mitchell placed 49th, Huth placed 75th, Holst placed 106th, and Weiss placed 54th. Ethan Heger also competed for West Salem as an individual. He placed 64th.

Mathcounts is a national program designed to promote excellencein math and science in grades 6 through 8.

West Salem’s Mathcounts program is coached by Tammy Bentzen andJon Jones.

The National Competition will be held in May in Orlando, Florida. The top four individuals from the State competitionwill represent Wisconsin at the National Competition.

Jump Rope for Heart Raises $20,719.74 for the American Heart Association

Kindergarten through fifth grade students jumped all over heart disease by participating in a Jump Rope for Heart event back in February. $20,719.74 was raised for the American Heart Association. We are proud of WSES kids!

The West Salem High School Visual Arts Classic team competed in the La Crosse VAC Regional Competition and earned 19 individual first place ratings, as well as a first place in the Group Critical Thinking Category, the Art History Quiz Bowl category and first place overall! This group is moving on to the State Competition on April 7th at the University of Wisconsin Madison:Anna JohnsonAlyssa SzewczykBrigitte BakerAbby TowerAbby SharpAbby JohnsonRiana HerboldLauren OstremPeyton FrengCourtney KoeppEmma DealBen Sharp

Left to right: Mitchell, Huth, Heger, Weiss, and Holst

6 April Newsletter


District Announcements

School Board MembersGregBrickl~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~616-9921MelindaKopnisky-Bloomfield~~~~~~~~~799-5313SylClements~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~786-1491JaneHalverson~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~786-1067KenSchlimgen~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~786-4382CatherineGriffin~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~769-1714TomGrosskopf~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~386-0168

Wanttobecomeasub?Nowisyourchance!

Subsareneededinthefollowingareas:Teachers

CustodiansParaprofessionals

SecretarialKitchen

BusDrivers(WillTrain)Interested?StopbytheDistrictOfficeat405E.HamlinSt,

WestSalem,orcall608-786-0700,orapplyonlineatwww.wsalem.k12.wi.us.

TheWestSalemSchoolDistrictprohibitsdiscriminationinallitsprogramsandactivitiesonthebasisofrace,color,creed,nationalorigin,age,disability,andwhereapplicable,sex,maritalstatus,familialstatus,parentalstatus,religion,sexualorientation,geneticinformation,politicalbeliefs,reprisal,orbecauseallorapartofanindividual’sincomeisderivedfromanypublicassistanceprogram.Personswithdisabilitieswhorequirealternativemeansforcommunicationofprograminformation(Braille,largeprint,audiotape,etc.)shouldcontactthePupilServicesDirectorat(608)786-0700.Tofileacomplaintofdiscriminationwriteto:PupilServicesDirectorat405EastHamlinStreet,WestSalem,WI54669orcall608-786-0700.TheWestSalemSchoolDistrictisanequalopportunityproviderandemployer.

West Salem Community Fitness Center Hours

Mon-Fri:5:00–7:30AMMon-Thurs:3:00–9:00PMFriday:3:00–7:00PMSaturday:8:00–12:00PMSunday:4:00–7:00PM

Formorefitnesscenterinformation,visitwww.wsalem.k12.wi.us/content/community/fitness-center

Bus Drivers Needed!Wearelookingforindividualswithstronginterpersonalskillswhocantransportstudentssafely.Weofferafulfillingcareerinthetransportationofourmostpreciouscargo:students.

IndividualswhoareinterestedinbecomingamemberoftheWestSalemSchoolDistrictshouldbeabletopassarequiredbackgroundcheck,DOTphysical,andbeabletoobtainaCDLwithaSchoolBusendorsement.Trainingandtestingwillbeprovidedtoqualifiedapplicants.

Transcript Information Are you transferring to a different college, or do you need a copy of your high school transcript?

WSHSgraduatesthatneedatranscriptcanrequestoneonline,orprintoutanofficialtranscriptrequestformbygoingtotheStudentServicespageonthedistrictwebsiteatwww.wsalem.k12.wi.us.

Middle School UsesBreakout Box as

Instructional ToolBoththehighschoolandthemiddleschoolhaveintroducedafun,problemsolvingformoflearningthatrequiresteamwork:Breakoutboxes.

Thebreakoutboxesareaconceptoflearningthatrequirescollaboration,problemsolving,andcommunicationtoessentially“breakout”ofalockedbox.

OnesuchexampleofteachersusingthebreakoutboxwasMr.Tashner’s6thgradeclassatthemiddleschool.Duringthislesson,thethemewasinformationaltextfeatures,withanemphasisonhumanrights.

Tashnersaid,“Studentsthrivedwiththehandsonstyleoflearninginthe6thgradeEnglishclassroomaswebeganourinformationalwritingunit.Itwasabeneficialmoment,asateacher,toobserveandlistenasstudentswerecollaboratingwithoneanothertowardsacommongoal-toBREAKOUT!”

The American Red Cross Babysitting Class will be held in June. Please be checking the district website and ES, MS, and District Offices in the month of April for registration forms. Date to be announced.

American Red Cross Babysitting Class

Group reading to discover a clue in the library that would open a lock.

7 OApril Newsletteretter


School District of West SalemSpecial School Board Meeting MinutesFebruary 20, 2017Marie Heider Meeting Room6:00 p.m.

ConveneThe meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by President Syl Clements. The meeting was noticed to the Coulee News, La Crosse Tribune, WLSU Radio 89 FM, WXOW TV-19, WKBT-TV, WKTY, WIZM, Union State Bank, First Community Credit Union, St. Joe’s Country Market, River Bank-Barre Mills, West Salem Post Office, Village of West Salem, posted at each school, district web site, and district office on February 16. The meeting was at the request of a board member.

Pledge of Allegiance to the American FlagDavita Molling led everyone in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and Greg Brickl recited the District Mission Statement.

Roll CallPresent: Syl Clements, Jane Halverson, Ken Schlimgen, Tom Grosskopf, Catherine Griffin, Melinda Kopnisky-Bloomfield, and Greg Brickl. Also in attendance – Administrators: Troy Gunderson, Ben Wopat, Eric Jensen, Josh Mallicoat, Ryan Rieber, Lisa Gerke (6:54), Michael St. Pierre (6:53), and Davita Molling; Recording secretary: Patrick Bahr.

Approval of AgendaMrs. Halverson moved, Mr. Schlimgen seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Discussion/Action Items:2017-2018 Budget information was reviewed: Revenue Limit Worksheet, Equalization Aid, Tax Levy, building and district expenses, health insurance, and salaries.

Mr. Brickl left the meeting at 8:09 p.m.

AdjournmentMrs. Griffin moved, Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield seconded to adjourn at 8:26 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,Jane Halverson, Clerk

ConveneThe meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Syl Clements. The meeting was noticed to the Coulee News, La Crosse Tribune, WLSU Radio 89 FM, WXOW TV-19, WKBT-TV, WKTY, WIZM, Union State Bank, First Community Credit Union, St. Joe’s Country Market, River Bank-Barre Mills, West

Salem Post Office, Village of West Salem, posted at each school, district web site, and district office on February 22, 2017.

Pledge of Allegiance to the American FlagPaige Dunnum led everyone in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and Catherine Griffin recited the District Mission Statement.

Roll CallPresent: Syl Clements, Jane Halverson, Ken Schlimgen, Tom Grosskopf, Catherine Griffin, and Melinda Kopnisky-Bloomfield. Also in attendance – Administrators: Troy Gunderson, Ben Wopat, Josh Mallicoat, Mike Malott, Ryan Rieber, Davita Molling (7:01), and Lisa Gerke; Student representatives: Paige Dunnum and Simon Buchanan. Recording secretary: Patrick Bahr. Excused: Greg Brickl, Michael St. Pierre and Eric Jensen.

Approval of AgendaMr. Schlimgen moved, Mr. Grosskopf seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Connection with the CommunityPaige Dunnum reported on:1. On February 17, West Salem held an Honors Band, inviting the best musicians from local schools to play together. Students received their music a week before the event, and spent all day that Friday learning to play with one another under the supervision of guest conductor Tammy Fisher of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. The day finished with a free concert at the Heider Center.2. The West Salem Middle School Student Council, which discusses and organizes various middle school events, activities, and dress-up days, ran concessions for the two middle school basketball games this week as a fundraiser for future activities. 3. On February 23, the West Salem High School Drama Department put on a play entitled “Senior Year Survivor”, that included high school students in grades 9 - 12. The play, which requires audience participation and has multiple endings, will be performed Tuesday for the senior class, and one final time this Thursday, March 2, at 7pm.4. The Panther Quiz Bowl Tournament was February 18, and the two West Salem Teams both placed. The West Salem A Team took 2nd place while the West Salem B placed 4th. Both teams have qualified for the National Tournament where they will compete in Chicago at the end of April.

Simon Buchanan reported on:1. Boys’ and girls’ basketball events of the past two weeks were summarized.2. Devin Bahr earned his third state title in wrestling. Aaron Broer also competed at state wrestling this past weekend.3. The gymnastics team is sectional champions and will compete at state along with three gymnasts, Anna Tanke, Anna Gorski and Ellie Tschumper, competing in individual events.4. The hockey team is sectional champions and will compete at state.

CorrespondenceA note from Ellen Thorn of the Heider Center Arts Board regarding their request for enhanced concessions was read.

A press release was shared: DECA Recognizes Outstanding School-based Enterprises.

School District of West SalemRegular School Board Meeting MinutesFebruary 27, 2017Marie Heider Meeting Room7:00 p.m.

8April Newsletter


A Proclamation by Tony Evers, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, School Breakfast Week, March 6-10, 2017, was read.

Public comments – None.

Written and Oral ReportsBuildings and Grounds Committee – Mr. Grosskopf reported on the multi-purpose events center, site preliminary cost estimates, the Boys and Girls Club agreement and the Owners Representative.

Reports from supervisors Scott Johnson, Davita Molling, Rick Kline, Kerri Feyen, and Troy Gunderson were reviewed.

Consent AgendaMr. Schlimgen moved, Mr. Grosskopf seconded to approve the Regular Board Meeting Minutes of February 13, 2017; the Special Board Meeting minutes of February 20, 2017; and invoices to be paid. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mrs. Halverson seconded to convene into closed sessionThe Board will discuss, consider and if appropriate, take action pursuant to Wis. Stats § 19.85(1)(f) “Considering financial, medical, social or personal histories or disciplinary data of specific persons, preliminary consideration of specific personnel problems or the investigation of charges against specific persons except where par. (b) applies which, if discussed in public, would be likely to have a substantial adverse effect upon the reputation of any person referred to in such histories or data, or involved in such problems or investigations” for the purpose of discussing a student issue.

Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mrs. Halverson seconded that the Board convene in closed session at 7:19 p.m. A roll vote was taken: Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield, Aye; Mr. Clements, Aye; Mrs. Halverson, Aye; Mrs. Griffin, Aye; Mr. Grosskopf, Aye; and Mr. Schlimgen, Aye. Motion carried unanimously.

Closed Session

Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mr. Grosskopf seconded to reconvene into open session at 7:23 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

Open Session

Mr. Grosskopf moved, Mrs. Halverson seconded to deny the Open Enrollment request for the 16-17 school year based on the best interest of the student. Motion carried unanimously.

Discussion/Action Items:With the upcoming Spring Election, the Board discussed the position of student representatives to the school board. No action was taken.

No action was taken on hiring an Owner’s Representative for the campus and facility projects after hearing from the Buildings and Grounds Committee.

Mr. Gunderson summarized the 17-18 Budget information following the February 20 Special Board meeting. No action was taken.

Mrs. Halverson moved, Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield seconded to accept the administrations recommendation to hire Tyler Fish as a Limited-Term Adaptive Physical Education/High School Physical Education Teacher for the remainder of the school year. Motion carried unanimously.

Mrs. Halverson moved, Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield seconded to accept the administrations co-curricular recommendations to hire Katie Fink, 7th grade softball head coach; Stacy Rel, 8th grade softball head coach; Nicole Friell, middle school track & field head coach; Scott Johnson and Bill Jensen, middle school track & field coaches; Teesha Williams, volunteer track coach; Rod Hamilton, Rob Hansen, Ethan Giese, and Victoria Hansen, volunteer softball coaches. Motion carried unanimously.

Representative Steve Doyle was present to provide an update on events happening in the state and issues concerning public education.

AdjournmentMr. Schlimgen moved, Mr. Grosskopf seconded to adjourn at 8:26 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,Jane Halverson, Clerk

ConveneThe meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Syl Clements. The meeting was noticed to the Coulee News, La Crosse Tribune, WLSU Radio 89 FM, WXOW TV-19, WKBT-TV, WKTY, WIZM, Union State Bank, First Community Credit Union, St. Joe’s Country Market, River Bank-Barre Mills, West Salem Post Office, Village of West Salem, posted at each school, district web site, and district office on March 9, 2017.

Pledge of Allegiance to the American FlagJane Halverson led everyone in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and Jane Halverson recited the District Mission Statement.

Roll CallPresent: Syl Clements, Jane Halverson, Ken Schlimgen, Tom Grosskopf, Catherine Griffin, Melinda Kopnisky-Bloomfield, and Greg Brickl. Also in attendance – Administrators: Troy Gunderson, Ben Wopat, Eric Jensen, Josh Mallicoat, Ryan Rieber, Michael St. Pierre, Davita Molling, and Lisa Gerke. Recording secretary: Patrick Bahr. Excused: Mike Malott, Paige Dunnum and Simon Buchanan.

Approval of AgendaJane Halverson moved, Melinda Kopnisky-Bloomfield seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

School District of West SalemRegular School Board Meeting MinutesMarch 13, 2017Marie Heider Meeting Room7:00 p.m.

9 October Newsletter


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April Newsletter

Connection with the CommunityMrs. Griffin read Paige Dunnum’s report:1. In February, the 4th and 5th grade Council of Kids organized “Coins for a Cause” at the Elementary school. They raised money for the “Bunkbed Project” which builds beds for underprivileged kids in Guatemala. In one week, they raised $1,299, which is enough to build 6 sets of bunkbeds. They are hoping to Skype with the organizers of the project when the bunkbeds get delivered to the families in Guatemala.2. The West Salem High School National Honor Society is holding a spring blood drive on Tuesday, March 14, from 8:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., and they are in need of donors to meet their goal. 3. West Salem DECA competed at the state competition in Lake Geneva last week and was very successful, with 14 students moving on to the International Career Development Conference in Anaheim, California this April. 4. West Salem High School forensics competed this past Saturday at the District competition hosted by UW-La Crosse. Ten of these students will move on to the state competition in April. 5. Last Friday, the West Salem High School Visual Arts Classic team competed in the La Crosse VAC Regional Competition. West Salem earned 19 individual first place ratings, as well as a first place in the Group Critical Thinking Category, the Art History Quiz Bowl category, and first place overall. This group is moving on to the State Competition on April 7th at UW-Madison.

CorrespondenceA thank you note from the family of Sandy Folgers was read.A thank you note from the family of Joan Solie was read.A thank you note from the family of Kevin Hilby was read.

Public commentsAlex Koonce spoke in reference to having a owner’s representative for the district’s building projects.

Written and Oral ReportsCESA #4 Board of Control – Mrs. Halverson reported on the Board’s monthly meeting.

Bearing Wall Committee – Mr. Clements reported that the recipient for the Bearing Wall Award is Janice Stuntebeck, and there will be two recipients for the LaVerne Nuttelman Distinguished Service Award: Elaine Clements and Bernie Repky.

Finance Committee – Mr. Schlimgen reported that the committee met and reviewed 2017-18 budget additions and reductions.

District Performance Initiatives by Ryan Rieber and Lisa Gerke, Ben Wopat, Josh Mallicoat and Mike Malott, Eric Jensen, Michael St. Pierre, and Troy Gunderson.

Selection of Art Work – High School Art Teacher Quenten Brown invited board, administrators and district staff to select work from the K-12 Honors Art Exhibit in the Heider Gallery to be displayed in the Heider Meeting Room for a year. Elementary Art Teachers Angie Hemker was also present.

Pat Lapekas from Lapekas & Associates reviewed the services she is providing to the district to assist in organizational performance.

Consent AgendaMr. Schlimgen moved, Mrs. Halverson seconded to approve the Regular Board Meeting Minutes of February 27, 2017, and the invoices to be paid. Motion carried unanimously.

Discussion/Action Items:Mrs. Halverson moved, Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield seconded to accept donations from the Neshonoc Lakers Girls’ Basketball Club for varsity jerseys; from the La Crosse Community Foundation for baseball; from Carol Hanson, Fay Gora, Kathleen Thompson and Wendi Hundt for the high school drama club. Motion carried unanimously.

Jerry Schomberg, Brian Guthrie and Tyler Schomberg from Vantage Architects to review the final design, bid procedure, general contractor, and the exterior design and options. No action was taken.

The possibility of an Owner’s Representative for the campus and facility projects was discussed. Mr. Brickl moved, Mr. Schlimgen seconded to hire an owner’s representative with project management the skillset for the duration of the project. A roll vote was taken: Mr. Brickl, Aye; Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield, Abstained; Mr. Clements, Nay; Mrs. Halverson, Nay; Mrs. Griffin, Nay; Mr. Grosskopf, Nay; and Mr. Schlimgen, Aye. Motion failed. (2-Aye, 4-Nay 1-Abstained)

Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mrs. Halverson seconded to approve the following Resolution on a School Start Date Restriction. Motion carried unanimously.

WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin by current state statute has indicated that public school districts in the State of Wisconsin cannot start school before September 1 pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes Section 118.045 Commencement of school term; and WHEREAS local control over the start date would allow for additional days of instruction for students prior to state and local assessments and preparation for the ACT and Advanced Placement; andWHEREAS local control over the start date will allow the School District of West Salem to align its school calendar with post-secondary institutions to better meet the needs of its students; and WHEREAS local control over the state start date will allow the School District of West Salem staff to participate in professional development college coursework for license renewal as K-12 schedules become more aligned with post-secondary schedules; and WHEREAS local control over the start date will allow for the School District of West Salem to adjust its calendar to allow for non-instructional days that better meet the needs of our community, and to prevent ending the school year late into June; andWHEREAS local control over the start date will allow the School District of West Salem to better align its calendar with the co-curricular schedule for students that begins in early August; andWHEREAS charter and voucher school districts have the flexibility to start prior to September 1 and still receive public funding from the State of Wisconsin; andWHEREAS the West Salem community has long-standing traditions of hosting the annual celebration of June Dairy Days on


10 April Newsletter

High school science teacher Kelly Rueckheim has presented new life to agricultural programming at West Salem High School-quite literally.

Rueckheim recently completed a course in Aquaponics with Nelson and Pade, worldwide leaders in Aquapon-ics, which has qualified him to add this to the WSHS curriculum. Aquaponics will start in fall of 2017.

“Aquaponics is the big thing with agriculture right now. It incorporates technology into agriculture and in ways is the future of agriculture,” Rueckheim said.

Rueckheim is excited about the new course and what it will provide to students. Students will have the opportunity to grow food that will be served in the West Salem school cafeterias.

“I am excited to have such a good core group of students to work with and for the kids to be involved in growing their own food,” he said.

Agriculture education is evolving but still very much present in public schools.

Rueckheim explained that this direction in agricultural education is getting not only the traditional agricultural students involved but also students who are interested in understanding where their food comes from.

High School Agricultural Education Growth

the first weekend in June and of awarding high school diplomas on the last Sunday in May. The September 1 start date often causes the end of the school year to extend past these two local events; andWHEREAS the State Superintendent is recommending in his 2017-2019 Biennial Budget to allow the Milwaukee Public School District to be provided an exception to this provision in the state law TO ALLOW THE DISTRICT TO MAXIMIZE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES; therefore, this opportunity should be granted for all school districts in the State of Wisconsin.

BE IT RESOLVED that the School District of West Salem is officially asking legislators to repeal Wisconsin Statutes Section 118.045 Commencement of school term, to re-establish local control in determining the school calendar.BE IT RESOLVED that the School District of West Salem will be better able to educate its school children and meet the needs of the district’s families because of this flexibility.BE IT RESOLVED that on March 13, 2017, the School District of West Salem passed this Resolution in order to re-establish local control for the school calendar.

Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mr. Brickl seconded to approve the 2016-2017 budget adjustments as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Mrs. Halverson moved, Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield seconded to rescind the resignation of Stephanie Williams. Motion carried. (5-Ayes, 2-Nays: Schlimgen and Grosskopf)

Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield seconded to accept the resignation of Elementary Teacher Stephanie Zais.

AdjournmentMr. Schlimgen moved, Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield seconded to adjourn at 9:22 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Jane Halverson, Clerk

Correction to last month’s newsletter on 1/23/17 school board minutes:

Mrs. Halverson moved, Mrs. Kopni-sky-Bloomfield seconded to accept donations from Roger Fish, James and Karen Kindschy, and Microtel Inn of Onalaska for the Jane Doe fund; from Kwik Trip for the high school; from the West Salem Aquatic Center for the School District; from the West Salem Com-munity Foundation for the 2016 Scholarship fund; from an anonymous donor for the 8th grade student fund; from Tammy and David Hallum for the Korry Servais Scholarship Fund; from Stephen and Deborah Kraus for the Horace Moran Memorial Fund. Motion carried unanimously.

NOTICE OF SPRING ELECTION OF SCHOOLBOARD MEMBERS

§120.06(8)(C), Wis. Stats. Notice is hereby given to the qualified electors of the West Salem School District that on Tuesday, April 4 2017, Spring election of school board members will be held. Candidates for the school board are as follows:

Sylvester ClementsCatherine Griffin

Electors will vote in their regular polling places.Polls will be open and time may be obtained by contacting appropriate town and village clerks. Or by visiting the following website:http://www.lacrossecounty.org/countyclerk/elections.asp Dated this 27th day of February, 2017. Jane HalversonDistrict Clerk

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11April Newsletter

For WSHS athletic events, visit our website:

*click Calendars and then*click Coulee Conference

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Check out videos and photos of the innovative things happening in your student’s classroom at our district Facebook page and Twitter page. Our social media features videos of student

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School Breakfast Program

To check out each school’s options for breakfast, please go to http://wsalem.nutrislice.com. Each school offers unique breakfast options that accomodate the different age levels. Some of these options include a grab-and-go breakfast and traditional breakfast.

The website above also provides menus for all meals offered during each school day, as well as nutritional facts about the different foods that are served. Once you have selected a school and menu, there is an adver-tisement for a free app that can be downloaded to have quick access to daily breakfast and lunch menus. This app is super convenient!

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