Board of Education Meeting Recap

Director Stiner administered a survey to varsity student-athletes, caregivers, and head coaches to gather information about the impact of athletics and the relationships between student-athletes and their coaches. VAHS has implemented Arbiter, a new registration system, and will introduce a new scheduling site in the spring. Other ongoing or upcoming projects include the potential installation of a stadium board on the football/boys lacrosse, and track and field area, exploring the addition of boys volleyball, and collecting data on student athlete participation in other VAHS clubs.

BOE members expressed strong appreciation for the continued growth, academic success, and student-centered focus reflected in the fall athletics update. They highlighted that rising participation numbers and a 3.44 average GPA demonstrate that student athletes are excelling in both their academic and athletic commitments. BOE members also emphasized the value of the survey data collected from athletes, caregivers, and coaches, noting that this intentional approach is helping the district better understand the student athlete experience, celebrate strengths, and identify areas for improvement.

The BOE was particularly encouraged by the leadership development taking shape through the Student Athlete Initiated Leadership (SAIL) group. Members noted that this work aligns closely with the district’s mission and reinforces the high expectations VASD sets for both students and coaches. They also remarked on the growing statewide visibility of Verona Area athletics, sharing that the district’s competitive reputation is increasingly recognized by peers across Wisconsin.

The BOE’s discussion affirmed that the athletics program is advancing in ways that support student growth, strengthen school pride, and mirror VASD’s broader commitments to data-informed decision-making and educational excellence.

State Report Card Update

Relevant Policy: Operational Expectation (OE) 10: Learning Environment, Results (R) 1: Mission

Executive Director of Academic Services Amy Engelkins provided an update on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s (DPI) 2024–25 State Report Card. The VASD’s overall score is 76.6, earning a distinction of “exceeds expectations” and a four-star (out of five) distinction. All ten VASD schools meet, exceed, or significantly exceed expectations.

DPI evaluates districts in four priority areas that make up the overall score: Achievement, Growth, Target Group Outcomes, and On-Track to Graduation. Achievement measures students’ level of knowledge and skills attained in English Language Arts and math compared to state and national standards. Growth measures changes in students’ English Language Arts and math performance over time and compared to the average growth for similar students across the state. Target Group Outcomes examine results for students with the lowest test scores in the district across multiple factors, aiming to help districts better support these learners. On-Track to Graduation indicates the success of students in achieving educational milestones that predict postsecondary success.

Growth Scores See Meaningful Gains

VASD saw a 3.8-point increase in overall growth, with middle schools experiencing gains of up to 24.6 points, a notable indicator that VASD’s instructional approaches and interventions are having a significant impact on student learning trajectories. While DPI cautioned against broad year-over-year comparisons due to scoring revisions, they clarified that growth scores remain comparable to last year’s results.

Strategies implemented at middle schools contributing to these improvements include:

• Implementation of high-quality core curricular resources

• Longer blocks of core instructional time

• Increased focus on targeted skill development

• Strengthened data review systems through the Multilevel Systems of Support (MLSS) framework

Attendance information on the DPI Report Card is complex and, in some cases, lagging data, incorporating a three-year rolling calculation. Executive Director Engelkins reported more recent data that showed a substantial positive shift in student attendance. The district’s chronic absenteeism rate decreased from 17.7% in 2024 to 16.8% in 2025, demonstrating measurable progress from the previous school year.

District leaders attribute this improvement to a coordinated set of efforts, including:

• A districtwide attendance campaign

• Consistent processes for attendance letters, meetings, and family outreach

• A new wraparound support option for families needing additional assistance

• A strengthened, role-alike Social Work Team

• Improved tracking and documentation of barriers to attendance
  
  

BOE members expressed appreciation for the overview of the State Report Card and engaged in a discussion about both the meaning of the results and their limited implications for classroom practice, noting that the lag in state-provided data, along with the use of multi-year averages for some of the ratings, limits its usefulness for informing day-to-day or even year-to-year instructional planning. The BOE also reflected on how families engage with this type of information. Superintendent Dr. Clardy shared that, although VASD communicates transparently through districtwide and school-level messages, staff typically receive limited feedback or questions from families, likely because positive outcomes align with community expectations for high performance.

BOE members celebrated the gains in student growth, particularly at the middle school level, as a meaningful indicator of the effectiveness of recent instructional shifts. They highlighted these results as evidence that the district’s focused strategies, such as strengthened core curriculum, expanded instructional blocks, and more robust data review systems, are positively influencing student learning trajectories.

In reflecting on the district’s overall rating, BOE members expressed pride in achieving the “exceeds expectations” designation. Dr. Clardy underscored the district’s ethical responsibility to compare data only when measures remain stable, noting the importance of avoiding inaccurate or overstated claims when state scoring methodologies change. The discussion reinforced the BOE’s shared commitment to transparency, academic excellence, and continuous improvement.

School Community Connections

Relevant Policy: Operational Expectation (OE) 9: Communicating with the Public, Operational Expectation (OE) 3: Treatment of Community Stakeholders

Public Information Officer Marcie Pfeifer-Soderbloom shared an overview of an upcoming engagement opportunity called School Community Connections, designed to strengthen relationships with community members and expand access to timely, accurate information about the VASD. The effort aligns directly with the Strategic Framework’s emphasis on Community Collaboration and aims to create additional pathways for residents to learn about district operations, share feedback, and remain connected to the work happening in VASD schools.

While VASD enjoys strong community support, many residents, particularly those without school-aged children, may not have regular opportunities to engage. School Community Connections is intended to bridge that gap by offering structured ways for community members to receive updates, participate in conversations, and build a deeper understanding of VASD’s priorities and progress. Officer Pfeifer-Soderbloom emphasized the importance of fostering two-way communication, ensuring the district not only informs the community but also listens and learns from their perspectives.

As part of this new approach, the district will initiate a series of small-group engagement sessions, commencing with the first event on January 15, 2026, and focusing on local realtors as attendees. Because realtors play a key role in shaping perceptions of the district among families considering a move to the area, building stronger relationships with them will help ensure they have accurate, up-to-date information about VASD. The session is expected to include an overview of school finance, district-created realtor resources, and a Q&A segment to support direct dialogue.

Looking ahead, Officer Pfeifer-Soderbloom shared plans to develop a four-session community cohort for the 2026–27 school year. This cohort model will deepen engagement with a broader group of residents, create space for ongoing dialogue, and cultivate a network of informed community partners.

BOE members were excited about the prospect of engaging community members with VASD in this way. They found it creative and inviting, and were invited to share any contacts they may have among realtors so they can be invited to the January session.

State Education Convention Pre-Conference Workshop

The VASD, Sun Prairie Area School District, and Eau Claire Area School District will provide a pre-conference convention on Board of Education governance.

State Superintendent of the Year Recognition at the State Education Convention

As the 2026 State Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Clardy is the keynote speaker during the State Education Convention lunch on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Please let Lorrie Jensen know if you plan to attend.

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