Board of Education Meeting Recap

Congratulations to our newest National Honor Society members who were inducted into the National Honor Society on Tuesday October 13, 2026. This recognition reflects their commitment to the four pillars of the National Honor Society: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. These students have demonstrated excellence in the classroom and a commitment to making a positive difference in their school and community. We look forward to seeing the many ways they will continue to lead, serve, and make a difference.

The final budget includes a total tax levy of approximately $85.6 million, an increase of 2.87% over the previous year, compared with the 4.93% increase projected at the Annual Meeting. Increased state equalization aid, updated enrollment figures, and growth in property values contributed to the improved financial outlook. With the lower mill rate, new construction, and increased school levy credits, the district estimates that its portion of the average property tax bill will remain flat or decrease slightly. Actual impacts will vary by municipality and property.

Deputy Superintendent Wiese and Director Grender also highlighted the district’s proactive approach to debt management. VASD has saved approximately $10.5 million through strategic debt payments and defeasances and has identified up to $14.9 million for additional debt prepayments in 2026-27. These efforts help reduce long-term borrowing costs and strengthen the district’s financial position.

Careful management of expenditures and revenues during 2025-26 also created additional financial flexibility. The district identified $2 million in available budget capacity for 2026-27, with $1.7 million designated to address future employee benefit obligations and $300,000 toward a solar energy project, which is expected to receive partial reimbursement through grants and rebates. These investments demonstrate the district’s focus on addressing long-term financial obligations while making strategic improvements to district facilities.

Dr. Clardy pointed out that VASD’s successful open enrollment campaign, which yielded approximately 168 additional students who live outside of the VASD who now attend VASD schools, in bringing additional funds to VASD. While the number of students living within VASD declined, our enrollment increased due to the expertise of our staff and our reputation as providing educational excellence grounded in equity.

The presentation also reviewed the financial impact of Wisconsin’s private school voucher programs, which are projected to cost VASD approximately $855,000 in 2026-27, a slight decrease from the previous year.

Overall, the final budget reflects VASD’s commitment to responsible stewardship of public resources, using available funding strategically, reducing long-term debt, and managing the impact on taxpayers while continuing to support the district’s educational mission. If the BOE approves the 2026-27 budget, the district will submit its final tax levy information and begin planning for the 2027-28 budget.

BOE members discussed the district’s approach to fiscal responsibility, the factors influencing property taxes, and the financial impact of Wisconsin’s private school voucher program.

Member Murphy asked about the importance of maintaining a modest year-end budget surplus. Deputy Superintendent Wiese explained that the district works to balance taxpayers’ expectations that their contributions support current-year educational needs with maintaining sufficient reserves to avoid a deficit. Murphy also emphasized the district’s careful management of the school tax levy, while recognizing that other factors, including property valuations, influence individual property tax bills.

Member Porco highlighted the impact of rising property values, particularly in the Town of Verona, and emphasized that while VASD can manage its budget and levy, it does not control state aid or property assessments. He noted that property owners may see increases in their tax bills even as the district lowers its mill rate.

The BOE also discussed the financial impact and accountability of Wisconsin’s private school voucher program. In response to Member Porco’s questions, Deputy Superintendent Wiese and Director Grender explained that the state withholds funding from VASD based on the number of students participating in the voucher program and allows the district to recover those funds through local property taxes. Porco raised concerns about financial transparency and accountability for private schools receiving public funds. Superintendent Dr. Clardy discussed concerns about the availability of information regarding participating students, student performance, and differences in enrollment requirements between public and private schools. Member Murphy expressed frustration with the financial impact on taxpayers, who contribute state tax dollars that support private schools while also paying additional local property taxes to replace funding redirected from public schools.

Member Porco concluded by expressing appreciation for the district team’s efforts to maintain a historically low mill rate. Overall, the discussion reinforced the BOE’s commitment to responsible financial management, transparency, and balancing the needs of students with the impact on taxpayers.

Full-Day 4K Exploration Proposal

Relevant Policy: Operational Expectation (OE) 2: Core Academic, Operational Results (R) 1: Mission

Dr. Clardy prefaced a presentation to the BOE by clarifying that the problem VASD is working to solve through its exploration of Full-Day 4K aligns directly with the commitment we express in VASD’s Equity Framework to explore, understand, and address barriers to access to education. VASD has a population of families that are not accessing the 4K resources currently available from our strong 4K providers. Simultaneously, families are open-enrolling students out of VASD into other school districts where they do offer Full-Day 4K. Once students open enroll into another school district, there is a tendency for them to stay enrolled at that district outside of VASD for the rest of their K-12 experience.

Executive Director of Academic Services Amy Engelkins and Director of 4K-8 Education Theresa Taylor presented an update on the VASD’s exploration of a full-day Four-Year-Old Kindergarten (4K) option, with a focus on expanding access to early learning for children who are not currently participating in 4K programming. VASD has offered half-day 4K programming in partnership with community childcare providers since 2012. While this model continues to serve many families, the district recognizes that the lack of a full-day option can be a barrier for others.

District data demonstrates the value of early learning experiences. Students who participate in VASD 4K consistently demonstrate stronger early literacy skills, higher attendance rates, and fewer behavioral incidents upon entering Kindergarten compared with students who did not attend VASD 4K. However, approximately 57% of this year's Kindergarten students participated in VASD 4K. Enrollment trends also show an increasing number of resident students open-enrolling into neighboring districts for 4K, with 32 of the 36 students who open-enrolled out this year attending districts that offer full-day programming.

To better understand family needs and interest, VASD conducted an engagement process that included family surveys, targeted outreach, focus groups with community childcare providers, conversations with early childhood staff and elementary principals, and a review of enrollment and student achievement data. Family feedback demonstrated strong interest in a full-day option, with 83% of respondents to a community survey and 68% of Kindergarten family survey respondents expressing interest. Among surveyed families whose children did not attend VASD 4K, 75% indicated interest in a full-day option. Families identified scheduling challenges, the cost of wraparound childcare, transportation, and a desire for consistency in their children's daily routines as important considerations.

Community childcare providers also shared valuable perspectives, emphasizing the importance of maintaining developmentally appropriate, play-based learning and considering how a new option could affect enrollment and the financial sustainability of existing programs. Feedback from families and providers reinforced the importance of preserving a variety of 4K options to meet different family needs.

Based on these findings, VASD is considering a small full-day 4K pilot for the 2027-28 school year, potentially located at an elementary school, while continuing to explore opportunities at community childcare sites. Next steps would include convening a broader design team to examine programming, staffing, transportation, location, and family recruitment. The pilot would provide an opportunity to evaluate the model before considering any future expansion.

The exploration reflects VASD's commitment to reducing barriers to early childhood education, responding to family input, and working collaboratively with community childcare partners to help more children access the benefits of 4K.

BOE members expressed appreciation for the district’s thoughtful approach to exploring full-day 4K, emphasizing the importance of addressing barriers to access while considering the needs of families and community childcare providers.

Member White noted that the district’s data reflects concerns he has heard from families, including proximity to 4K programs, the challenges of coordinating half-day programming with full-time employment, and families’ preferences for children to attend school with their siblings. Superintendent Dr. Clardy emphasized the importance of starting small, addressing barriers where possible, and avoiding unintended consequences for community childcare partners. He also noted that understanding where families who are not currently accessing 4K live should help inform program design.

Member Murphy strongly encouraged the district to prioritize understanding and reaching families whose children are not currently participating in 4K. She also highlighted the importance of considering broader questions, including the developmental appropriateness of full-day programming. Executive Director Engelkins shared that the district has data to help inform these discussions and that the Department of Engagement & Extended Learning Pathways has already begun connecting with families who have not accessed 4K services.

Member Porco expressed appreciation for the district’s focus on children who are not currently accessing early learning opportunities. He acknowledged the significant financial challenges facing both childcare providers and working families, noting that childcare costs can make employment financially difficult for some households. He emphasized that expanding access to 4K could support both children’s early learning and families’ ability to participate in the workforce. Member Peguero echoed the importance of recognizing childcare access as an economic affordability issue.

Member Murphy concluded by clarifying that the presentation was intended to inform the BOE and community and support continued discussion, rather than seek a BOE vote at this stage. The discussion reinforced the importance of a thoughtful, data-informed approach that prioritizes students who are not currently accessing 4K while considering family needs, developmental appropriateness, and the district’s partnerships with community childcare providers.

Vote on the Miracle League Proposal as Presented

Relevant Policies: Operational Expectations (OE) 6: Financial Administration, Operational Expectations (OE) 12: Facilities

Member Pegeuro motioned to approve the Miracle League proposal as presented. Member White seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.

Vote on the 2026-27 Budget as Presented

Relevant Policy: Operational Expectation (OE) 5: Financial Planning, Operational Results (R) 1: Mission

Member Medina motioned to approve the 2026-27 budget as presented. Member Porco seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.

Vote on the Certification of the 2026-27 Tax Levy at $85,611,575 as Proposed

Relevant Policy: Operational Expectation (OE) 5: Financial Planning, Operational Results (R) 1: Mission

Member Peguero motioned to approve the certification of the 2026-27 tax levy at $85,611,575 as proposed. Member Medina seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.

Vote on Permanently Moving Future VASD Board of Education Meetings to the Operations and Human Resources Building Board Room, located at 5375 King James Way, Fitchburg, WI 53719

Relevant Policy: Operational Expectation (OE) 5: Financial Planning

BOE members shared that they enjoy being in a school location at VAHS, but that they also value the idea of having a presence in Fitchburg and the increased efficiency of having a dedicated space that staff doesn’t have to completely set up and tear down for every meeting. Member Murphy pointed out the inconveniences to a school building of hosting BOE meetings in terms of safety and security and that being in a school in the evening doesn’t feel like it makes a stronger connection to families and students for her.

Member Peguero motioned to permanently move future VASD Board of Education meetings to the Operations and Human Resources Building Board Room, located at 5375 King James Way, Fitchburg, WI 53719, as proposed. Member Murphy seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-1.

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