Board of Education Meeting Recap
November 5th, 2024
Spring 2025 Athletics Update
Relevant Policy: Operational Expectation (OE) 10: Learning Environment/Student Behavior, Results (R) 3: Well-Being
Director of Athletics & Activities Adam Stiner shared an update on 2025 Spring athletics. The 2024–25 school year saw strong engagement and achievement across athletics and activities, with 1,262 athletics sign-ups from 902 individual students, representing 48% of the student population. Student-athletes averaged a 3.47 Grade Point Average (GPA). VAHS athletes earned many accolades and awards this year, including 47 All-Conference honorees, 2 state champions (Nicole Repka in the 400m dash and the Girls 4x400m relay), and 1 All-American goalie, Caleb Jabas. Other highlights include 6 team Big 8 Conference championships, 11 regional/sectional plaque winners, 3 team state champions, the successful launch of a new student-athlete leadership group (SAIL), enhanced communications overall, and restructuring of the theatre department.
Looking ahead to 2025–26, the department will focus on expanding SAIL, increasing community involvement, and seeking feedback from leaders. A proposal was also made to name the Cross Country course in honor of retired coach Randy Marks, recognizing his six state titles and decades of service. The suggested name is Coach Randy Marks Cross Country Course at Stewart Woods.
Board of Education (BOE) members commended the department's continued focus on student engagement, achievement, and inclusion.
Member Peguero voiced appreciation for the recognition of Coach Randy Marks in the proposed naming of the Cross Country course and noted the importance of retaining the Stewart Woods name in the title. He also highlighted the inclusive approach to reporting participation, specifically acknowledging non-binary student-athletes, and shared enthusiasm about the future possibility of a Rugby team. Director Stiner shared that a Rugby Club was launched this year.
Member Murphy reaffirmed the importance of following district policy related to naming recognitions. Director Stiner confirmed that Coach Marks, though characteristically humble, had been consulted and is comfortable with the proposed naming. Member Murphy also thanked Stiner for gathering meaningful feedback from students and families and for efforts to extend student involvement into the broader community.
Member Medina expressed full support for naming the cross country course in honor of Coach Marks, recognizing his exceptional legacy and decades of service to the district.
2025-26 Budget Update
Relevant Policy: Operational Expectation (OE) 6: Financial Administration
Deputy Superintendent Chad Wiese shared a budget update. The 2025–27 Wisconsin State Biennial Budget has been passed with no increase in general aid for public education and an increase in special education reimbursement to 42% in 2025–26 (up from 33%) and 45% in 2026-27, reducing the need for general fund transfers by approximately $1.5 million. With no general aid increase and a goal of maintaining a flat mill rate, a decrease in the Fund 39 levy may be necessary. We analyzed additional Fund 39 debt prepayment levies, with each $0.10 increase on the mill rate equating to an additional $10 tax per $100,000 in property value.
Member Hanes noted that the State’s decision to provide no additional general aid may require incremental increases to the mill rate. He emphasized that continued state-level funding decisions could begin to affect the district’s overall debt management strategy.
In the realm of federal funds for public education, reductions are projected in Title I, II, III, and IV funding.
Vote on Results (R) 2.2.1: Academic Achievement Career & Technical Education Monitoring Report
Relevant Policy: Results (R) 2: Academic Achievement
Executive Director of Academic Services Amy Engelkins, Verona Area High School (VAHS) Principal Brian Cox, and VAHS School to Career Coordinator Jenny Johnston presented the (R) 2.2.1: Academic Achievement Career & Technical Education Monitoring Report. R 2 holds that each student will be literate and numerate, and each student will acquire the academic competencies needed to achieve their personal goals in Career and Technical Education. The full monitoring report is available by clicking this link.
Executive Director Engelkins, Principal Cox, and Coordinator Johnston presented a robust update on 6–12 CTE programming, including participation, dual credit options, and work-based learning opportunities. Middle School CTE offerings include a wide range of exploratory courses such as 3D Design, Robotics, and Agriculture. High School CTE Pathways include Agriculture, Business, Tech Ed, Family & Consumer Science, and more. About 70% of VAHS students enrolled in at least one CTE course. Through VASD’s Dual Credit offerings, 91 students earned 249 college credits through agriculture courses, 22 students completed Certified Nursing Assistant programs with a 100% completion rate in the second semester, and additional partnerships supported student internships in health and public safety. Students earned industry certifications in areas such as food safety, Information Technology, precision measurement, and early childhood education. The Seal of Biliteracy was added to this credential list for the 2024–25 school year. Youth Apprenticeship, where students participate in a structured job-based learning program, nearly doubled from 12 to 21 students. Strategic partnerships with UW Health and other employers provided career exposure and internship opportunities.
In 2025–26, new CTE courses will include Career & College Readiness and Sports & Entertainment Marketing. VASD is planning to expand Youth Apprenticeship and Employability Skills Certificate recruitment and participation. In addition, the department will continue to collaborate with regional workforce development partners.
Member White shared that students he speaks with are increasingly interested in learning practical skills around financial literacy. He was encouraged to hear that staff are expanding financial literacy instruction, noting it aligns with what students say they want to learn.
Member Peguero encouraged staff to consider additional partnerships with professional and cultural organizations that support underrepresented students, highlighting Advancing Indigenous People in STEM (AISES) and Maydm as an examples. He also expressed interest in seeing student participation data disaggregated by demographics to better understand access and equity.
Member Medina asked about transportation as a potential barrier for students participating in off-campus learning opportunities such as Youth Apprenticeships. Coordinator Johnston acknowledged it can be a challenge, though VASD offers supports like bus passes and sometimes arranges authorized transportation options. Medina praised the CTE program, especially its dual credit offerings, which he noted can significantly reduce college costs for families. He also inquired about support for students and families navigating the FAFSA process. Principal Cox shared that VAHS currently hosts two financial aid nights each school year and is exploring ways, such as videos, to make that information more accessible year-round.
Member Porco commended the structure and thoroughness of the report, stating that the breadth of information provided met all his expectations and left him with no additional questions.
Member Murphy acknowledged the significant coordination and effort required to implement and sustain such comprehensive programming. She asked whether apprenticeships take place during the school day, and Coordinator Johnston confirmed that student schedules are built with flexibility to accommodate both learning and work-based experiences during and outside of the school day.
Member Stier Christensen added her appreciation for the report, expressing agreement with the positive feedback shared by fellow board members.
Overall, the BOE celebrated the depth, quality, and impact of the district’s CTE programming, noting its alignment with student interests, college and career readiness goals, and VASD’s commitment to expanding real-world learning opportunities.
Member Medina motioned to accept the Results (R) 2.2.1: Academic Achievement Career & Technical Education Monitoring Report as presented. Member Peguero seconded. The motion passed 7-0.
