Board of Education Meeting Recap

Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association Silver Star Award in Special Events

The Aquatics Department received the Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association Silver Star Award in the Special Events category for the 1st Annual Verona Area Kids Triathlon. Silver Star Award winners are selected for the event’s purpose, participation, operational efficiency, creativity and innovation, and successful marketing. Congratulations again to Deb, our Assistant Director of Aquatics Leah Wicander, Staff Wellness & Community Programming Coordinator Sidney Peach, and Facility & Events Scheduling Coordinator Jeanene Ennis on the highly successful Kids Triathlon and this award!

The largest year-over-year gains included students feeling safer at school (9% increase), students being kind and showing respect to each other (7% increase), and 6% increases in students receiving more regular academic feedback, experiencing stronger collaboration, and developing greater empathy. Dr. Clardy connected these improvements to intentional actions, including School Resource Officer Stoll starting a full-time position at Verona Area High School, strengthening school systems, targeted professional learning for staff, and clear behavioral expectations for students.

Students also identified ongoing opportunities for growth, including peer behavior, school cleanliness, and access to healthy food choices. While these remain focus areas, each showed measurable improvement compared to the prior year.

Family survey results reflected high levels of confidence in VASD. Families most frequently cited caring, committed, and skilled staff, respectful treatment, well-maintained schools, and strong classroom resources and instruction.

Families also reported significant gains, including an 11% increase in receiving feedback about their child’s progress, a 12% increase in receiving positive communication from schools, and a 10% increase in their belief that school administration makes decisions in the best interest of children and families. The percentage of families who would recommend their child’s school as a good place to learn increased nearly 12%.

Board of Education (BOE) members discussed the results, noting appreciation for the high response rate by our students and families.

Open-ended responses reinforced these findings. Families frequently praised strong staff relationships, positive school culture, communication efforts, and a sense of belonging. Areas for continued attention aligned with families’ scaled responses and included clearer and more consistent communication about learning and progress, student behavior and classroom disruptions, advanced learning opportunities and academic challenge, and support for students with special needs and neurodivergent learners.

Officer Pfeifer-Soderbloom emphasized that survey results directly inform school- and district-level improvement planning. Current and ongoing actions include professional learning in Standards-Based Teaching and Learning, which incorporates strengthened feedback on academic progress; expanding Advanced Learning programming and family engagement; continuing Restorative Practices and social-emotional learning; and elevating student voice through advisory groups and school-based leadership opportunities.

Survey results will be shared broadly with families and staff through district and school-level videos and communications.

The BOE expressed appreciation to the students and families who took the time to complete the surveys and share their insights. Members emphasized that strong participation strengthens the VASD’s ability to improve and respond to community voice.

BOE members indicated interest in reviewing future data disaggregated by grade bands (elementary, middle, and high school) to better understand trends across developmental levels. They also asked how VASD supports staff in communicating with families about students’ academic progress, what students are learning, and how learning is assessed. Executive Director of Academic Services Engelkins explained that providing clear feedback to students and supporting goal setting are central components of VASD’s Standards-Based Teaching and Learning work, which has been an ongoing focus of professional learning.

Several members asked whether data could also be disaggregated by focus groups. Executive Director Engelkins confirmed that student data can be disaggregated and that it is housed within VASD’s survey platform.

Member Hanes asked what may have contributed to the 105% increase in family participation. Officer Pfeifer-Soderbloom shared that communication efforts throughout the survey window consistently reinforced the participation goal. In addition, after last year’s survey, families received a video summary of overall results and action steps, as well as school-specific videos outlining each building’s results and plans. Providing families with clear follow-up and visible next steps may have strengthened trust in the process and encouraged greater participation this year.

Vote on Operational Expectation (OE) 7: Asset Protection Monitoring Report

Relevant Policy: Operational Expectation (OE) 7: Asset Protection

Deputy Superintendent Chad Wiese presented the Operational Expectation (OE) 7: Asset Protection Monitoring Report. The Monitoring Report focuses on ensuring that all district assets are adequately protected, properly maintained, appropriately used, and not placed at undue risk. The full report is available on the VASD website at this link.

During the discussion of the OE 7: Asset Protection Monitoring Report, BOE members engaged in a reflective and forward-looking conversation about how the VASD safeguards its physical, financial, and digital assets.

Several members highlighted the increasing importance of cybersecurity. The BOE discussed recent scam attempts using Dr. Clardy’s name, noting that phishing campaigns often increase when VASD leaders are referenced in the media. Deputy Superintendent Wiese referenced VASD’s ongoing “Phishing Bytes” educational newsletter to staff and broader phishing campaigns as an example of VASD’s educational efforts with staff.

Member Stier Christensen raised an important question about whether there are additional ways to verify that emails sent to families are legitimately from the VASD. Dr. Clardy shared that this very topic was recently discussed at a Dane County Superintendent meeting, and while the VASD does not currently use an added verification layer, it is something leadership values and continues to explore.

Member Medina asked whether insurance policy rates are rising in response to the growing volume and sophistication of cybersecurity threats. Deputy Superintendent Wiese outlined the VASD’s proactive safeguards, including multi-factor authentication, required password updates, and 16-character password standards. Several BOE members expressed appreciation for the team’s efforts and diligence, noting the consistent education, transparency, and meticulous detail they provide to the Board.

Member Porco raised several forward-looking governance questions for future consideration, including whether policy language should more explicitly reference specific types of insurance coverage, such as cybersecurity, and whether requirements for third-party renters’ insurance should be more clearly articulated in policy. He also asked about preventative maintenance language, with Deputy Superintendent Wiese clarifying that this is addressed under Operational Expectation (OE) 12: Facilities, and Dr. Clardy noting that Administrative Rules provide additional detail regarding insurance and related safeguards.

Member Medina also inquired about asset inventory practices. Deputy Superintendent Wiese confirmed that all major assets are inventoried annually and that appropriate accounting processes, such as depreciation and amortization, are in place.

Overall, the discussion reflected the BOE’s commitment to diligent oversight, proactive risk management, and continuous improvement in protecting the VASD's assets in an increasingly complex environment.

Member Stier Christesen motioned to approve the OE 7: Asset Protection Monitoring Report as meeting expectations. Member Medina seconded. The motion passed 6-0.

Recognition and Support for Families

Member Peguero made a statement regarding VASD’s focus on equity and the current climate in American society. He stated that families are feeling scared and threatened, and that we value our Latino community and we recognize the additional sense of stress you may be feeling. You are valued and important. He reaffirmed his commitment to VASD's embrace of our Equity Framework.

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