Board of Education Meeting Recap
November 5th, 2024
Deputy Superintendent Chad Wiese and Director of Food Service Robyn Billig presented a Food & Nutrition update and shared recommendations related to student meal pricing for the 2026-27 school year. The presentation included participation data, financial trends, comparisons with neighboring districts, and recommendations intended to maintain a sustainable and high-quality school nutrition program.
District leaders shared that student participation in school meals remains strong, with more than 268,000 breakfasts and 343,000 lunches served so far during the 2025-26 school year. Lunch participation rates remain near 48% districtwide, while breakfast participation rates are approximately 37%.
The BOE also reviewed a financial update for Fund 50, the district’s food service fund. Administrators noted that rising costs related to food commodities, labor, and benefits, along with reduced federal reimbursement eligibility tied to declining free and reduced-price meal qualification rates, have created ongoing budget pressures. Over the past four years, Fund 50 has decreased by more than $643,000.
As part of the discussion, Deputy Superintendent Wiese and Director Billig explained that fewer schools now qualify for the federal “severe need breakfast” reimbursement rate, which previously supported free elementary breakfast districtwide. Projections show only one school qualifying during the 2026-27 school year.
To help maintain the financial stability of the Food & Nutrition program while minimizing impacts on participation, Deputy Superintendent Wiese and Director Billig recommended introducing a $1 elementary breakfast charge and modest increases to lunch prices beginning in 2026-27. Recommended lunch prices would remain generally aligned with those of neighboring school districts while remaining comparatively affordable.
The presentation also highlighted ongoing efforts to provide engaging meal experiences for students through promotions, local foods, harvest-of-the-month programming, and student-tasting opportunities.
BOE members expressed appreciation for the Food & Nutrition team’s work to balance financial sustainability with affordability for families. Member Murphy thanked Director Billig for providing transparent information and thoughtful context around the recommendation, noting that the proposal appeared to strike a balance between maintaining reasonable meal prices for families while also supporting the district’s budget needs and avoiding future deficits.
BOE members also discussed the importance of maintaining equitable access to school meals. Member Peguero emphasized that families have different financial circumstances and asked for clarification that students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals would continue to receive meals at no or reduced cost. Deputy Superintendent Wiese confirmed that free and reduced-price meal access would continue.
The BOE discussed participation trends and the potential impact of introducing a breakfast charge at the elementary level. Member Hanes asked whether the district has data suggesting students would continue participating in the breakfast program if meals were no longer free. Deputy Superintendent Wiese explained that maintaining participation in reimbursable meals remains important to the program's long-term sustainability.
BOE members praised the quality and variety of meals available to students. Member Peguero shared that his own children enjoy school meals and often talk about what they ate at school, highlighting appreciation for the district’s menu variety and focus on locally sourced foods.
VASD Rental Fees
Relevant Policy: Operational Expectation (OE) 12: Facilities
Deputy Superintendent Wiese presented a recommendation to modernize the VASD Performing Arts Center (PAC) rental fee structure beginning July 1, 2026. The proposal includes adjustments to venue rental rates, technical equipment fees, and staffing costs for both the middle school and high school PAC facilities.
He shared that current rental fees have not kept pace with regional market rates and do not fully reflect the operational costs associated with maintaining high-quality performing arts spaces and specialized equipment. The updated proposal is intended to help offset rising maintenance costs, equipment wear and tear, and the increasing costs of recruiting and retaining skilled technical staff. The tiered pricing structure would remain in place to continue supporting accessibility for local student groups and community nonprofit organizations.
A regional benchmarking review comparing VASD’s current PAC pricing with that of neighboring school districts in Dane County showed that comparable districts generally charge higher fees for venue rentals, premium equipment usage, and technical services. Proposed adjustments would bring VASD more in line with regional standards while continuing to offer more accessible fees to support community access.
Recommended changes include modest increases to PAC rehearsal and performance rental rates, updated pricing for equipment such as microphones, projectors, grand pianos, and orchestra pit covers, and increased hourly compensation rates for technical and front-of-house event staff.
The updated fee schedule is expected to generate additional revenue that can be reinvested directly into facility upkeep, equipment replacement, and operational support for the VASD’s performing arts venues.
BOE members discussed the importance of balancing community access to district facilities with the financial realities of operating and maintaining performing arts spaces. Member Hanes noted that the current rental structure results in the district losing money and shared support for maintaining lower rates for community organizations as a public service, while recognizing that it is reasonable for non-community groups to pay higher rates. He emphasized that local community members already help support district facilities through their taxes. Member Murphy also highlighted the operational costs associated with facility rentals, noting that staffing expenses must be covered whenever outside groups use district buildings and performing arts spaces.
2026-27 Academic Standards
Relevant Policy: Results (R) 1: Mission, R2: Core Academics, R3: Exploration Academics, R4: Special Academics, Operational Expectation (OE) 11: Instructional Program
Executive Director of Academic Services Amy Engelkins shared information on the VASD 2026-27 Academic Standards. Member Murphy reminded viewers and the public that all materials referenced throughout BOE meetings are available online.
Vote on Results (R) 5: Journey of a Lifelong Learner Monitoring Report
Executive Director of Academic Services Amy Engelkins and Country View Elementary School Principal Jess Beem presented the Results (R) 5 Journey of Lifelong Learner Monitoring Report. The Journey of a Lifelong Learner Monitoring Report focuses on answering a key question for each skill (Personal Growth, Communicator, Collaboration, Self-Awareness, Empathy, and Resourcefulness). An extensive video presentation and the full report are available.
They shared examples of students demonstrating these lifelong learning skills across multiple content areas and grade levels. Student reflections and classroom examples illustrated how learners are building confidence, communicating their ideas, collaborating with peers, taking creative risks, and reflecting on their own growth. Examples included elementary students sharing pride in classroom discussions and projects, as well as high school students connecting coursework and career pathway experiences to future goals in healthcare and biotechnology.
They also highlighted efforts to strengthen empathy and social-emotional learning through digital citizenship instruction, restorative practices, and supportive school environments. Administrators noted growth in Student Experience Survey results connected to responsibility, problem-solving, and student belonging.
Executive Director Engelkins emphasized that the Journey of a Lifelong Learner framework continues to be intentionally connected to classroom learning and student experiences across the district. Looking ahead, Academic and Career Planning will serve as a key opportunity for students in grades 6-12 to further reflect on personal growth and future goals, while elementary social-emotional learning instruction will continue supporting these lifelong learning skills.
BOE members expressed appreciation for the VASD’s efforts to measure student growth through both qualitative and quantitative data. Member Murphy highlighted the importance of student feedback and student voice as meaningful evidence of progress alongside traditional assessment measures.
Member Porco reflected on a recent end-of-year site visit to Country View Elementary School, noting that the experience brought the report's concepts to life. He noted that the values and skills outlined in the Journey of a Lifelong Learner framework were clearly visible in classrooms and student interactions. Porco also highlighted conversations around gradual release of responsibility and the importance of avoiding over-scaffolding so students can build independence, confidence, and problem-solving skills. He shared that the report serves as an important tool for continuous improvement by helping the VASD evaluate progress in ways that extend beyond standardized test scores.
Member Murphy also thanked district staff for compiling and presenting the information and shared appreciation for continued opportunities for BOE members to visit schools and observe student learning firsthand.
Member Peguero motioned to approve the Results (R) 5: Journey of a Lifelong Learner Monitoring Report as achieving reasonable progress. Member Medina seconded. The motion carried 5-0.
Vote to Approve the Operational Expectations (OE) 11: Instructional Program Monitoring Report
Relevant Policy: Operational Expectations (OE) 11: Instructional Program
Executive Director of Academic Services Amy Engelkins presented the Operational Expectations (OE) 11: Instructional Program Monitoring Report. OE 11 holds that the Superintendent shall maintain a program of instruction that offers challenging and relevant opportunities for all students to achieve the outcomes defined in the BOE’s Results policies. In addition, it holds that the Superintendent will:
1. Assure that instructional programs accommodate the different needs, abilities, interests, and personal goals of individual students.
2. Assure that all curricular programs are aligned to district-adopted learning standards and are effective in assisting students to meet or exceed performance expectations as defined by Results policies.
3. Effectively assess each student’s academic performance, identifying and appropriately addressing significant inequities and gaps in achievement outcomes.
4. Assure that the instructional program includes opportunities for students to develop talents and interests in their specialized areas of interest.
5. Encourage new and innovative programs and regularly evaluate and modify all instructional programs as necessary to assure their continuing effectiveness.
6. Monitor and control student access to and utilization of electronically available information.
7. Protect the instructional time provided for students during the academic day by prohibiting unnecessary interruptions or intrusions.
An extensive video presentation and the full report are available.
Executive Director Engelkins highlighted the district’s continued implementation of tiered service delivery models for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), with more than 550 students receiving services during the 2025-26 school year. She also shared updates on secondary course guides and scheduling processes designed to ensure students and families have access to academic opportunities and course selections that reflect student interests and goals.
She reviewed how curriculum and instructional programming align with Wisconsin State Standards and the Common Core State Standards in literacy and mathematics. The BOE reviewed the VASD’s annual assessment calendars, which provide families and staff with clear information about assessment timelines throughout the school year.
The report further highlighted efforts to provide students with meaningful learning opportunities connected to their interests. VASD’s course selection and scheduling processes are designed to support student choice. They noted that more than 80% of students in grades 3-5 responded positively to the climate survey statement, “I enjoy specials or electives.”
Executive Director Engelkins also shared a refresher on VASD’s established process for evaluating curricular resources and innovative programs. The evaluation system is intended to help the VASD regularly monitor the effectiveness of instructional resources and make informed decisions about future curricular investments and programming.
Additional updates included the VASD’s continued implementation of the Acceptable Use Policy agreement process for families, as well as confirmation that district instructional schedules and calendars continue to meet state requirements for instructional hours and school days.
Looking ahead, two primary leadership priorities are strengthening the VASD’s program evaluation process and continuing efforts to simplify high school scheduling so more students can access preferred courses while maintaining balanced schedules throughout the school day.
BOE members discussed the VASD’s efforts to improve and modernize the high school scheduling process. Member Medina expressed appreciation for the scheduling technology being used, noting that the system helps balance course offerings and student schedules across instructional periods.
Member Murphy shared that she also found the scheduling discussion informative and appreciated how clearly the process changes were explained, noting that she had not previously realized the scope of the adjustments.
Member Medina also highlighted the importance of regularly reviewing instructional tools and resources to ensure the district is using effective systems and making thoughtful decisions about ongoing investments and subscriptions.
Member Medina motioned to approve the OE 11: Instructional Program Monitoring Report as meeting expectations. Member Hanes seconded. The motion carried 5-0.
First Reading of the Adjusted Operational Expectations (OE) 10 Regarding Wireless Communications Devices per State Statute
Relevant Policy: Operational Expectations (OE) 10: Learning Environment/Student Behavior
Director of Policy and Compliance Nate Edwards refreshed the BOE that the VASD previously reviewed the topic of expectations regarding wireless communications devices. He explained that the updated policy framework will include both BOE policy language and accompanying administrative rules to ensure full compliance with state requirements, including reporting obligations to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).
BOE members discussed the importance of ensuring the policy establishes expectations for cell phone use. Several BOE members expressed support for an approach that includes ongoing monitoring and data collection related to the effectiveness of the policy. Member Porco emphasized the importance of having indicators that clearly demonstrate whether the policy is achieving its intended outcomes and supporting positive learning environments for students. He shared concern that overly broad language could make it difficult for current and future BOEs to meaningfully assess progress.
Member Murphy and Member Porco both discussed the value of including clear data points in future reports so the BOE can evaluate not only whether a policy exists, but whether it is working effectively in practice. Director Edwards noted that the district could incorporate more defined data measures into the reporting process. Members Peguero, Hanes, Medina, and Murphy all expressed support for the monitoring approach that focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of the policy and its impact on the learning environment.
Member Murphy motioned to declare this discussion to be considered a first reading of the adjusted Operational Expectations (OE) 10 Regarding Wireless Communications Devices per State Statute. Member Porco seconded. The motion carried 5-0.