RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Regular Meeting
Middle School Library
7:00 p.m.
Board: Nelson, Ferguson, Cates, Crowley, Cummings, Caraway,
Pronold, Kali Coleman (Student Council Rep), Travis Kraemer (Student Council
Rep)
Absent: Peach, Taylor
Admin: Hayek, Hegland, Kaukl, Hoffman, Benson, Radtke, Briehl
Others: Sue Sadler, Heather Terrill Stotts, Jamie Licht, Brenda Degenhardt,
Carla Carmody, Aaron Joyce (WRCO), David Giffey (Home News), Paula Wedige
(Administrative Assistant)
President Caraway opened the meeting. He noted that the meeting had been properly noticed and notice had been provided to the appropriate media and each School Board Member. Crowley moved to proceed with the legal meeting. Cates seconded. Motion carried.
Legislative Update
In Taylor’s absence, she provided a written legislative report which stated
that the state budget was signed into law on October 26 to include a shift of
$158 million of general school aid over the next 2 years to the school levy
credit. Other items within Taylor’s summary included legislative hearing dates
and related senate and assembly activity on specific bills that are being
discussed and voted upon.
Board Training Opportunities
The WASB State Education Convention is January 22-25, 2008 in Milwaukee. An
agenda for the convention it not yet available.
Student Council Report
Student Council representatives, Travis Kramer and Kali Coleman, noted
several student council projects: an all school activities calendar; a penny
war fundraiser for charity; a data match activity in February; and discussions
with the 4 Pete’s Sake group on how the student council could help during this
fundraiser.
Project Lead the Way
The tech. ed. department and high school science teacher Brenda Degenhardt
presented information regarding the Project Lead the Way grant which has allowed
enhancements to science, math, and technology curriculum in our district. They
are applying for funding for the third year. A grant has also been submitted
for funding for the middle school tech. ed. program.
District Goals 2007-08 and Beyond
There was discussion of 2007-08 district goals and future district program
initiatives that may be explored, such as virtual schooling; 4 year old
kindergarten; new revenue sources; RTI; financial planning; and improvement of
at-risk and alternative ed. programs and project based schooling, all which may
attract home school families and open enrollment students. Benson noted that
money was the biggest roadblock to many of these initiatives; however, we strive
to be a progressive school district and want to foster independence, decision
making, problem solving, creative thinking, motivation, flexibility, and
collaboration, using the Board’s educational philosophy noted in Policy #110.
Benson explained that administration is creating a process for examining charter
school options.
Public Comments/Open Forum
No discussion.
Consent Agenda: Checks, Invoices, Receipts – October
2007; Open Session Meeting Minutes – October 11 and October 29, 2007
Crowley moved to approve the consent agenda items as submitted. Ferguson
seconded. Motion carried.
Consideration & Action on 2008-09 School Calendar – Delayed Start on School Fair
Day (Friday, October 3)
The Board Negotiations Committee and RVEA representatives met prior to the
Board meeting to discuss the delayed start on school fair day in 2008-09. The
delayed start will remain but there may be changes to the day’s schedule of
events. No action taken.
Consideration & Action on District Goals – Final Review
and Acknowledgement
Ferguson moved to approve the 2007-08 district goals as presented by
administration: Increase Innovative Support for Classroom Teachers; STAR
Reading Assessment; 6+1 Traits Writing; and K-12 Curriculum Mapping. Cates
seconded. Motion carried.
Consideration & Action on Resolutions Accepting Gifts
Pronold moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of $25 from Joseph and
Susan Tatar to be deposited in Fund 21 for use by needy students and their
families. Cates seconded. Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2
absent. Motion carried.
Crowley moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of $25 from Kathleen and Robert Ragan to be deposited in Fund 21 for use by needy students and their families. Cummings seconded. Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent. Motion carried.
Cates moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of $25 from Howard and Michelle Orcutt to be deposited in Fund 21 for use by needy students and their families. Pronold seconded. Polled vote was
7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent. Motion carried.
Ferguson moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of $25 from Yvonne Notbohm to be deposited in Fund 21 for use by needy students and their families. Cummings seconded. Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent. Motion carried.
Crowley moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of $192 from Christ Lutheran Church to be deposited in Fund 21 for use by needy students and their families. Pronold seconded. Polled vote was
7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent. Motion carried.
Crowley moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of $50 from an anonymous donor to be deposited in Fund 21 for use by needy students and their families. Cummings seconded. Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent. Motion carried.
Consideration & Action to Adjourn to Closed Session Pursuant to Wisconsin
Statutes 19.85(1)(c) for Discussion of Non-Union Support Staff Retirement
Benefits
Crowley moved to adjourn to closed session at 8:29 p.m. pursuant to
Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c) for Discussion of Non-Union Support Staff
Retirement Benefits. Cates seconded. Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative
with 2 absent. Motion carried.
Submitted by Paula Wedige For Deborah Nelson, School District Clerk
12/11/07 pw