Board of Education Meeting Recap

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Member of the Year National Finalist and Coca-Cola Scholar Awardee

Verona Area High School student Dominic Jacobson, a member of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), has been selected as one of 15 semifinalists nationwide in the running for FCCLA Member of the Year. Dominic is being recognized for outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and a strong commitment to service. He founded the FCCLA Chapter at Verona Area High School (VAHS), established officer roles, and supported more than 20 members in leadership development and preparing for Competitive Events. He has served Wisconsin FCCLA as Vice President of Competitive Events, developing statewide resources that expanded access to events and helped new members grow in confidence. Jacobson’s record of excellence includes national recognition in Culinary Math and Food Science, leadership in community service, and academic honors.

In addition, Dominic was recently selected as a Coca‑Cola Scholar by The Coca‑Cola Scholars Foundation. This national recognition includes a $20,000 college scholarship to support Dominic’s continued academic journey. As a member of the 38th Class of Coca‑Cola Scholars, Dominic was selected from more than 107,000+ applicants nationwide, earning distinction as one of only 150 students chosen for this honor. Selection is based not only on academic excellence, but also on leadership, service, and a demonstrated commitment to making a positive impact on the local community. Congratulations, Dominic!

Distinguished Art Scholar Award Recipients

Students, families, and art educators filled the room with pride as this year’s Art Scholars were honored by the Verona Area School District (VASD) Board of Education (BOE). Each year, VASD art educators select one outstanding student artist from their school to receive the Art Scholar award. Before the Board meeting, guests enjoyed an art walk in the Verona Area High School (VAHS) Library Media Center, where each student artist shared the inspiration behind their piece. During the meeting, Dr. Clardy and the BOE highlighted each honoree, reading reflections from their teachers that described the students’ artwork and celebrated the personal qualities, such as empathy, creativity, and leadership, that make them shine. Congratulations to all of this year’s Art Scholars!

Best Communities for Music Education

The Verona Area School District has been recognized by the NAMM Foundation as one of the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education, honoring our ongoing commitment to providing meaningful music opportunities for all students. Recipients of this national recognition are selected through a rigorous application and review process that evaluates key indicators, including district support, instructional time, student participation rates, facilities, and community engagement. This designation reflects measurable achievement and a sustained commitment to music education. Special thanks to Samuel Cutter, a music educator at Badger Ridge Middle School and VAHS, for completing the application and nominating VASD for this honor. Congratulations to our music educators, students, families, and community members who support music in our public schools. This recognition reflects their dedication, passion, and belief in the power of music education.

Board of Education Reorganization

The VASD BOE is required to vote on the election of officers annually. The Board completed its annual requirement to vote on the election of officers. Jen Murphy was elected to serve as President, John Porco as Vice President, Juan Carlos Medina as Clerk, and Christopher Peguero as Deputy Clerk. Joe Hanes was elected to continue serving as Treasurer. Member White was elected to serve as the 2025-2026 Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) Delegate, with Member Medina as the Alternate. Member Porco was elected to serve as the 2026-2027 Cooperative Education Service Agency (CESA) 2 Representative. Members Porco, Peguero, and Medina were elected to serve as the 2026-2027 Intergovernmental Development Advisory Committee (IDAC) Representatives.

Incoming Associate Principals

Dr. Clardy welcomed two incoming Associate Principals. Hope Yates will be serving as the next Associate Principal of Sugar Creek Elementary School. Talisa Corcoran will be serving as an Associate Principal at VAHS. Thank you for joining the VASD team!

Budget and Operations Update 2025-26, 2026-27

The BOE received an update on the development of the 2026–27 budget, including revised assumptions, emerging financial pressures, and next steps in the planning process.

Administrators reviewed several changes since the previous budget update, including reductions in federal Title I funding, staffing considerations, debt payment planning, and updated healthcare renewal projections. VASD’s healthcare renewal estimate increased from 7.0% to 7.9%.

The presentation highlighted a significant reduction in anticipated Title I funding for 2026–27. District leaders explained that Title I is a federal program designed to help close achievement gaps and support equitable access to high-quality education. Funding for VASD is projected to decrease from approximately $499,000 in 2025–26 to approximately $207,000 in 2026–27.

The BOE also reviewed updated five-year planning assumptions related to enrollment, staffing, utilities, inflation, and state revenue limits. Current projections assume a decline of approximately 100 students in 2026-27, followed by modest enrollment growth in future years. Additional assumptions included projected increases in utilities and other operational costs, as well as continued growth in healthcare expenses.

Administrators also outlined several potential strategies that could help address a projected $1.65 million budget gap. These included additional staffing reductions, adjustments tied to collective bargaining agreements, potential reductions in Fund 41 expenditures, and possible healthcare plan design changes. District leaders noted that some previously discussed options, such as an annual step freeze, would no longer be available following BOE approval of employee step increases.

The update concluded with a review of next steps in the budget development process, including continued monitoring of enrollment, finalizing staffing plans, ongoing collective bargaining work, monitoring the Wisconsin state budget process, and preparation of the 2026–27 budget book.

BOE members discussed the financial challenges and planning considerations included in VASD’s 2025-26 and 2026-27 budget and operations update, including the impact of reduced federal funding, staffing considerations, and support for employees.

Member White expressed concern about the significant reduction in Title I funding, noting that these funds support services and resources that students need to be successful.

Member Peguero thanked district administrators for the extensive work involved in preparing and presenting the budget information, recognizing the complexity of the planning process and the effort to keep the BOE informed throughout budget development.

Member Murphy clarified that VASD is not planning layoffs as part of its staffing adjustments. Murphy explained that staffing reductions are primarily being managed through retirements, resignations, and decisions about how to respond to positions that become vacant. Murphy also addressed the “gap solutions” slide presented during the budget update, sharing support for providing employee step increases and noting that there are financial and organizational impacts associated with not advancing staff through the salary schedule.

Budget Transfer Recommendation

The BOE received an update on VASD’s Fund 39 debt payment strategy and reviewed proposed budget revisions and transfers for the 2025–26 fiscal year.

District leaders shared that Fund 39 has historically been used to help stabilize the mill rate and generate significant interest savings, totaling approximately $10.5 million to date. Because VASD’s remaining principal is now callable, administrators explained that VASD has greater flexibility in determining the timing of debt payments. To balance interest savings with state aid considerations, the recommendation is to make the minimum debt payment in fiscal year 2025–26 and a larger payment in 2026-27 to maximize future state aid opportunities.

The presentation also explained how shifting the timing of debt prepayments could positively impact state aid in both 2026-27 and 2027-28. District leaders noted that state aid calculations are based on prior-year spending and that VASD is projected to qualify for “hold harmless” aid in 2027–28.

The BOE also reviewed proposed budget revisions and transfers. Administrators explained that budget revisions are used when overall revenue or expenses change, while transfers move funds between accounts without changing VASD’s overall budget totals. Proposed Fund 10 transfers included adjustments related to the Employee Health Clinic, School Resource Officers, DPI account updates, and principal requests. Fund 27 transfers primarily reflected DPI account number updates.

Step Compensation Recommendation

The BOE reviewed a recommendation regarding employee compensation for the 2026-27 fiscal year, in alignment with Operational Expectation (OE) 5.5, which states that the Superintendent will develop a budget reflecting anticipated changes in employee compensation, including step increases and benefits.

Administrators proposed early approval of employee step increases for 2026-27, representing an estimated investment of approximately $1.27 million. The recommendation included a 2% step increase for VAEA and CTS staff, an approximately 2% increase for VESPA staff, and a 1% increase for administrators, excluding the Superintendent.

The proposal was presented as part of VASD’s ongoing efforts to support and retain staff while planning responsibly for future budget needs.

Daktronics Scoreboard Recommendation

The BOE reviewed a recommendation to install a new Daktronics video scoreboard at Verona Area High School. The project is designed to enhance the game-day experience while also expanding opportunities for student involvement in media production, as well as increasing sponsorship and marketing capabilities.

The total project cost is $399,722.98. The proposed plan includes financing through a 0% loan from Lake Ridge Bank, with VASD’s Building and Grounds team serving as the general contractor. Funding would be supported through Fund 38 for debt service and Fund 21 for sponsorships. The proposal also emphasizes cost efficiency through cooperative purchasing and competitive bidding practices.

BOE members discussed the proposed Daktronics video scoreboard project at Verona Area High School and highlighted both the educational and financial opportunities connected to the project.

Member Hanes emphasized the value of VASD securing a 0% loan through Lake Ridge Bank and noted that the scoreboard is expected to generate revenue through sponsorship opportunities. Hanes also connected the project to student learning opportunities, referencing the student recognitions earlier in the meeting and the growing importance of video creation and production skills.

Member Murphy noted that the proposed scoreboard project has been discussed publicly in prior meetings and presentations as part of ongoing planning efforts.

Member Stier Christensen described the financing arrangement as a significant show of support from Lake Ridge Bank and shared appreciation for the partnership opportunities the project may create with local businesses and community sponsors.

Deputy Superintendent Chad Wiese also thanked John Bremmer and VASD’s Building and Grounds team for serving as the project’s general contractor, noting that managing the project internally is expected to save VASD approximately $100,000.

Badger Ridge Middle School and Core Knowledge Charter School Roof Recommendation

The BOE reviewed a recommendation to move forward with a roofing project at Badger Ridge Middle School. The proposal includes awarding a $405,861 contract to Schweitzer Spray Coatings, LLC to replace more than 50,000 square feet of aging roof.

The project will also add insulation to improve the building’s efficiency and address ongoing maintenance needs. Work is scheduled to take place over the summer, from June 12 through August 1, 2026, to minimize disruption to students and staff.

BOE members discussed the proposed roofing project for Badger Ridge Middle School and Core Knowledge Charter School, emphasizing the importance of long-term facilities planning, transparency, and responsible stewardship of district buildings.

Member Hanes noted that the recommendation reflects VASD’s established operational expectations and competitive bidding practices, highlighting the importance of following a transparent process when making significant facilities investments.

Member Medina expressed appreciation for the transparency provided throughout the bidding process and noted the notable differences between submitted bids.

Member Stier Christensen shared that the discussion served as a helpful reminder of the varying ages of District facilities, noting that portions of Badger Ridge Middle School date back to the 1960s, with additions completed in later decades. The discussion emphasized the importance of ongoing maintenance and strategic investments to preserve and improve learning environments for students and staff.

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