Board of Education Meeting Recap

February 14, 2025

Superintendent Dr. Clardy and the Board of Education (BOE) recognized that February is Black History Month. During Black History Month, we honor and celebrate the lasting impact of African Americans who have shaped our nation’s history. Black History Month is a time to honor their achievements, resilience, and contributions and reflect on the rich cultural heritage and challenges that have defined our shared story.

New Century School Charter School Charter Renewal

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

New Century School (NCS) Governing Board members, parents, students, and staff shared a presentation on NCS’ 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 NCS, which is available here.

Member Hanes shared that he is a long-time NCS parent. He appreciated the culture, community, and success of project-based learning, which depends on the NCS staff. Member Peguero expressed his passion for and career history in environmental equity and said that he is delighted to hear about NCS’s focus on the natural world. Member Porco had three kids attend NCS, and he is glad to see VASD recognize the contract between NCS and VASD as legally binding. Member Porco shared that his kids love science because of NCS and the teachers at NCS. He is grateful that it remains a priority of the district to provide this type of learning option with teacher and student autonomy. Member Murphy stated that the BOE is proud to have educational options available in VASD in the form of public, tuition-free charter schools. She asked about NCS’ efforts to ensure that all families are aware of NCS. Governing Board member Kate Parr shared that NCS attends the Kindergarten Information Night, shares information with anyone who approaches them, and shares information throughout the community. The NCS’ Governing Board has talked with Dr. Clardy about having another Kindergarten Information Night in the Stoner Prairie area to ensure all VASD families know about the various Kindergarten opportunities. Member Stier Christensen thanked the students for coming and for sharing their excitement and evidence of learning with the BOE.

Districtwide Wireless Refresh

Relevant Policy: Results (R) 2: Academic Achievement

Deputy Superintendent Wiese and Director of Technology and Digital Learning Jason Rubo provided information about a districtwide wireless refresh. The current system comprises Aruba switches and access points using a wifi 5 system. The system was adopted between 2013-2019. It provides 2.4 and 5 GHZ channels with speeds up to 3.5 Gbps. The last refresh was in 2019-2020.

The new system will use Extreme switches and access points on a wifi 6e System. Wifi 6e availability and adoption started in 2021. The system will have 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz channels, allowing for faster and stronger connections to devices and more devices to be connected to a single access point. It has speeds up to 5.4 Gbps.

High school and middle school sites will be upgraded starting in the Spring and finished in the Summer of 2025. With enrollment numbers as high as they are at our middle and high school sites, it was important to refresh them earlier than usual, especially with the vast advancements in new wifi standards. Elementary sites will have a slower rollout based on enrollment and wireless needs.

VASD built this project into the Technology & Digital Learning budget to cover about 50% of the project costs with $406,000 matched with another approximately $406,000 additional E-rate Universal Service Program for Schools and Libraries (E-rate) funds for switches for all sites and access points for Verona Area High School, Badger Ridge/Core Knowledge Charter School, and Savanna Oaks. VASD will request additional E-Rate funds during the 2025-26 school year to be used during the 2026-2027 school year to purchase and install elementary access points during the summer before the 2026-2027 school year.

Member Hanes asked how often VASD should expect to need to do a refresh. Director Rubo said it’s typically a 5-8 year cycle and Deputy Superintendent Wiese shared that the 5-8 year timeline is the industry standard for wifi refresh. VASD’s last wireless occurred during the end of the technology’s production cycle, which meant it was approaching obsolescence relatively soon after implementation. Member Hanes asked if this was a planned refresh or if an issue arose that forced an early refresh. Deputy Superintendent Wiese clarified that this was a planned refresh.

Member Murphy asked about budgeting for the project. Deputy Superintendent Wiese stated that VASD built this project into the Technology & Digital Learning budget. It is an approximately $800,000 project; half of the funds will be reimbursed to VASD through the federal E-rate program. He noted that these federal funds have already been approved by Congress. VASD is required to make the purchase and provide proof or purchase to the E-rate program prior to reimbursement. This project and the related expenses are part of VASD’s work to shore up all technology systems. He emphasized that solid internet connectivity is crucial in an educational institution where staff and students use devices in many classes throughout each day. Member Medina asked a clarifying question about the cost and e-rate. Member Hanes asked about the bids and how they were ranked. Director Rubo shared information about the multiple aspects the team considered in assessing who the most appropriate vendor would be to meet VASD’s needs.

Operational Expectation (OE) OE 7: Asset Protection

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

Operational Expectation (OE) 7: Asset Protection holds that the VASD BOE expects the Superintendent to ensure that all District assets are adequately protected, properly maintained, appropriately used, and not placed at undue risk.

Deputy Superintendent Chad Wiese provided evidence of compliance with all OE 7 indicators. The full Monitoring Report is available here. Deputy Superintendent Wiese reminded members of the public that a video presentation of the full monitoring report is available here in the “Agenda Item Details” section.

Vote on New Century Charter School Charter Renewal

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

Member Porco motioned to approve the New Century School Charter School Charter Renewal as presented. Member Hanes seconded. The motion passed 7-0.

Vote on Operational Expectation (OE) 7: Asset Protection

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

Member Peguero motioned to approve the OE 7 Monitoring Report as in compliance as presented. Member Hanes seconded. The motion passed 7-0.

Second Reading of the Proposed Governance Culture (GC) 10: Process for Addressing Board Vacancies Policy

Relevant Policy: Governance Culture (GC) 10: Process for Addressing Board Vacancies

The BOE had no discussion pursuant to the second reading of GC 10: Process for Addressing Board Vacancies.

First 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 discussed 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 Proposed BOE Member Appointment Policy

Relevant Policy: Governance Culture (GC) 10: Process for Addressing Board Vacancies

Member Stier Christensen motioned to approve the proposed BOE Member Appointment Policy. Member Peguero seconded. The motion passed 7-0.