Board of Education Meeting Recap

The Board of Education (BOE) opens all meetings by reading the mission statement and equity statement as follows: In the Verona Area School District, our mission is that each student will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their personal goals, thrive in a diverse global society, and lead a healthy, self-fulfilling life. To meet this mission, the Verona Area School District will ensure that every individual has access to the educational, social, and emotional support they need to feel valued and affirmed in their unique identities and experiences. We acknowledge that inequities and power dynamics exist in our system such that some individuals, on the basis of their identities, face barriers to accessing the opportunities they need to experience success. In acknowledgment of such, the Verona Area School District is committed to disrupting these systems of inequity.

As the BOE prepared to read the Verona Area School District’s (VASD’s) equity statement, Member Murphy shared that the BOE would like to bring voice to what equity means in VASD. There has been much rhetoric and negativity around the word “equity," as well as "diversity" and "inclusion." As the BOE read the equity statement, they reminded themselves and our community what VASD stands for–-per the voices of our staff, students, community members, families, school leaders, and school board. We value and uplift the power of the lived experiences of those we serve. In the VASD, equity means an intentional focus on ensuring that students have the resources and support they need, regardless of demographic and identity characteristics, to thrive in a diverse global society–removing the predictability of outcomes by demographic or identity characteristics. The BOE remains committed to advancing the success of VASD through the greatness of all of our students and who they are, and we will not change or minimize our equity focus.

Member Peguero shared that being a member of a multiracial, queer family made him hesitant when moving to Wisconsin from across the nation. His family is doing great in the Verona Area. VASD’s commitment to equity brought him to serve on the BOE.

Member Hanes asserted that “DEI” is being used as a buzzword for anything people don’t like. The BOE founds their work on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Extensive research has shown that inclusion, or a feeling of belonging and being valued and safe, is correlated with student well-being and success.

Member White shared that his spouse works for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and is highly involved with setting up schools worldwide. DEI has become a bad word, and it seems to be revolving around race. His wife’s duties and accomplishments in education show him that diversity, equity, and inclusion span far beyond race – it’s inclusive of ethnicity, gender, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, people with disabilities, and more. He applauded Dr. Clardy, who he called early on with questions and concerns, and Dr. Clardy assured him that VASD would continue our journey to educational excellence grounded in equity.

Dr. Clardy expressed that he is honored and proud to serve in VASD and to be in partnership with a BOE that has taken a stand to say what equity, diversity, and inclusion should mean and does mean in VASD. We are unapologetic in our stance to honor every child and ensure every child has an appropriate, world-class education and can ultimately be free to thrive in the most diverse global society that the world has ever known.

Member Murphy reminded all in attendance and our community that the community wrote VASD’s equity statement, which reflects our community’s values. Member Stier Christensen asserted that everyone on the BOE stands for everything in VASD’s Equity Statement every day.

Core Knowledge Charter School Charter Renewal

Relevant Policies: Results (R) 1: Mission, Results (R) 2: Academic Achievement

Core Knowledge Charter School (CKCS) former and current Governing Council members, students, and Principal Stephanie Krenz shared a presentation on CKCS’ focus, instructional model, experiences, and why they value the educational opportunities provided by this public, tuition-free charter school. They shared a brief video about CKCS, which can be accessed here.

Human Growth & Development Update

Vote on Core Knowledge Charter School Charter Renewal

Relevant Policies: Results (R) 1: Mission, Results (R) 2: Academic Achievement

Member Stier Christensen motioned to approve the Core Knowledge Charter School Charter Renewal as presented. Member White seconded. The motion passed 7-0.

Second Reading of Policy Board/Superintendent Relations (B/SR) 5: Annual Summative Evaluation of the Superintendent Adjustment

Relevant Policy: Board/Superintendent Relations (B/SR) 5: Annual Summative Evaluation of the Superintendent

The BOE had the opportunity to discuss updating the wording in Board/Superintendent Relations (B/SR) 5: Annual Summative Evaluation of the Superintendent to better reflect the timing of the Superintendent’s annual review.

Vote on the Policy Board/Superintendent Relations (B/SR) 5: Annual Summative Evaluation of the Superintendent Adjustment

Relevant Policy: Board/Superintendent Relations (B/SR) 5: Annual Summative Evaluation of the Superintendent

Member Hanes motioned to approve the proposed Board/Superintendent Relations (B/SR) 5: Annual Summative Evaluation of the Superintendent as presented. Member Porco seconded. The motion passed 7-0.

Vote on Proposed Health Insurance

Relevant Policy: Operational Expectation (OE) 4: Personnel Administration, Operational Expectation (OE) 6: Financial Administration

Director of Human Resources Rachelle Hady, Verona Area Education Association Co-President Barb Winger-Rourke, and Verona Area Education Support Personnel Co-President Jami Brown shared information with the BOE regarding a potential health insurance update, the process to date, and factors to consider.

Director Hady provided the following recap of the process so far:

October 9, 2024 VASD leadership team met with Group Health Cooperative’s (GHC’s) leadership team to discuss strategy, updates, and future district goals, and overall budget review.

November 2024 GHC provided an initial renewal that resulted in a +10.9% increase to current premium rates and then a revised renewal that resulted in a +9.9% increase to current premium rates. The offer still included Not-to-Exceeds of 7.9% for the 2026 and 2027 renewal cycles.

Early-December VASD leadership met with VAEA and VESPA leadership to review the status of healthcare, discuss RFP and gather their voice and feedback regarding the process.

January 13, 2025 GHC, Dean and Quartz provided responses and quotes to the RFP, with GHC and Dean selected to move forward.

January 29, 2025 VASD leadership team, 3 members from VAEA, 3 members from VESPA, WEAC Uniserv Director and M3 attended on-site RFP presentations from GHC and Dean.

February 11, 2025 VASD leadership team, 3 members from VAEA, 3 members from VESPA and WEAC Uniserv Director met to review RFP presentations from GHC and Dean and to determine how to gather staff feedback regarding healthcare needs.

February 14, 2025 VASD/VAEA/VESPA co-authored an update to staff regarding healthcare, including a request to provide feedback via survey.

February 19, 2025 VASD, VAEA and VESPA reviewed staff survey feedback, RFP responses and collectively agreed to a recommendation for healthcare for 2025-26 and beyond.

Director Hady shared that all staff were invited to participate in a feedback survey. There were 185 out of 850 respondents (approximately 25% of those enrolled in insurance). Respondents identified the following priorities: affordable premiums, low out-of-pocket costs, a broad network of providers, access to mental health services, and prescription drug coverage. Respondents also shared that greater clarification is needed on the Point of Service (POS) plan option and access to a larger network. Sixteen percent (16%) of the respondents stated they want to stay with GHC for various reasons (access to University of Wisconsin resources, continuing treatments, etc.)

The bullet points below each provider summarize the services they would offer to VASD.

GHC

• 1.1% renewal with the total premium increase for the following year not to exceed 7.9% of the current rate for 2 years

• 3-year healthcare spend is $36,715,840

• Required to move to “limited access network” (access only through 5 Dane County clinics). Significant disruption for primary care providers and no care available at UW-Verona clinic or other UW community clinics. UW Health and Meriter for specialty care when referrals are reviewed/approved. Six hundred fifty (650) current members would be required to change Primary Care Providers (PCP).

• Return to $20 office visit copays and $10 / $25 / $50/50% RX

Dean

• -7% renewal with the total premium increase for the following year not to exceed 7.9% of the current rate for 2 years

• 3-year healthcare spend is $33,774,215 (district 3-year savings of $2,941,625)

• Disruption to most members, moving to Dean in-network providers (such as SSM Health Clinics and Hospitals)

• Wide access to in-network facilities across southern Wisconsin

• Option for near-site/onsite clinic, with $0 copay

• Return to $20 office visit copays and $10 / $25 / $50/50% RX

The budget implications are described below.

2025-26 Beginning Budget Shortfall: -$1,665,670

Budget Work and Updates

• Projected Salary Savings +$1,010,722

• Healthcare Savings Moving to Dean +$1,517,799

• Projected Open Enrollment Income +$358,480

• Other Savings: +$25,000

Total Adjustments: +$2,912,001

Estimated 2025-26 Budget Margin: +$1,246,331

Verona Area Education Association Co-President Barb Winger-Rourke and Verona Area Education Support Personnel Co-President Jami Brown thanked Dr. Clardy, Mr. Wiese, Dr. Hawkins, and Ms. Hady, for their commitment to working collaboratively with both VAEA and VESPA. In addition, they thanked the School Board for their many hours of service to the betterment of students, families, and all staff employed in the VASD. Their complete statement, which explained both their support and reservations about the potential change, is available here.

Director Hady reviewed that the next steps would entail the following:

• February: Decision on VASD health care provider

• March: Communication and onsite carrier meetings

• April: Open enrollment and further carrier support

• April - June: Transition of care, scheduling appointments, etc.

• July 1: Go live with provider serving VASD staff

Member Stier Christensen asked if women's health and healthcare for the LGBTQIA2S+ community is available through Dean. Director Hady stated that Dean committed to providing access to these services, and it would be a condition for VASD to enter into a contract with them. If a Dean provider cannot provide the care, they would refer the patient to a provider out of network who would provide care at the same cost available through Dean.

Member Hanes marveled at the opportunity to have an onsite/near site clinic. Member Murphy concurred that access at a near site or onsite clinic would be very convenient for staff and their families and decrease staff time away from work for appointments.

Member Hanes addressed the concerns shared by VAEA Co-President Winger-Rourke and VESPA Co-President Jami Brown, stating that we don’t live in an environment where we can always exercise our values financially. We live in a zero-sum environment. We live under a revenue limit and must make decisions that allow us to function within our economic realities. Member Stier Christensen acknowledged that switching care providers is a significant change for many families. Member Porco stated that it feels like Dean wants to work with VASD. Member Medina highlighted that we need to ensure every employee understands the Point of Service (POS) model and how they can align their choice of provider with their values.

Director Hady shared that information will be provided through email, online resources, in-person group meetings at schools, and 1:1 meetings with Dean. Information will be provided in multiple languages. The HR team will track who has completed the process and continue to follow up with people who still need to complete the process.

Member Stier Christensen motioned to approve the recommendation of district administration to accept the healthcare proposal submitted by Dean Health Plan Inc., as presented. Member Porco seconded. The motion passed 7-0.