July 2026 Board Considerations

Purpose

Open and timely communication is essential to a strong partnership between our school district and the community we serve. Board Considerations is designed to provide a clear and accessible summary of the discussions, actions, and key decisions from each Board of Education meeting. While the official meeting minutes remain the formal record, this newsletter highlights the important topics, provides helpful context, keeps our staff, families, and community informed about the work being done to support Student Success. We hope this resource helps everyone stay connected to the important decisions shaping our school district.

group of 12 people standing in front of a trailer

Members & Mentors the Chi Hi Robotics Team Avis Automata

Students giving presentation to School Board members

Chi-Hi Robotics Team Showcase at July Board Meeting

July 28, 2026 Regular Board Meeting

Showcase a School

Robotics Team

The Avis Automata 5826 Robotics Team had another successful year! One of the team's proudest accomplishments was earning the Gracious Professionalism Award at the La Crosse competition for the third consecutive year. They also received the Quality Award at the state competition because, to a degree, their robot was considered the best-quality robot. The quality of the robot can be measured in several ways, including mechanical durability, software durability, and more. The team is now eagerly awaiting the January kick-off event, when this year's robot challenge will be announced.

Monitoring Operational Performance

OE-3: Emergency Superintendent Succession

Dr. Brad Saron, Superintendent of Schools, provided an overview of the OE-3: Emergency Superintendent Succession monitoring report; the Board voted that the district is in compliance on monitoring report OE-3 Emergency Superintendent Succession. Read the OE-3: Emergency Superintendent Succession report here.

Review of Board Policy, OE-3: Emergency Superintendent Succession and Discussion of Potential Indicator Revisions

No suggestions were made at this time.

Focus on Results

R-2.3: Career & Technical Education (Draft Presentation)

Katie Coppenbarger, Director of Teaching & Learning, provided an overview of the R-2.3: Career & Technical Education monitoring report that was developed in partnership with the CTE Coordinator, instructional specialists, and certified staff. Ms. Coppenbarger will present the first report with baseline data in February 2027. The Board agreed that the report is reasonable. No formal action was taken. Read the Career & Technical Education (Draft) report here.

Board Consent Agenda

Approval of Financial Reports

The Board approved the June financial reports as presented. Read the Financial reports here.

Approval of Board Meeting Minutes

The Board approved the public and executive session board meeting minutes for the 06/23/2026 regular board meeting and public session meeting minutes for the 07/01/2026 special Board meeting as presented. Read the Board Meeting Minutes report here.

Approval of New Hires, Resignations, Retirements, and Transfers

The Board approved the new hires, resignations, retirements, and transfers as presented by the Human Resources Department. Read the New Hires, Resignations, Retirements, and Transfers report here.

Consideration of Monitoring Report Summaries

The Board approved the monitoring report summaries as presented. Read the Monitoring Report Summaries here.

Superintendent's Consent Agenda

Approval of 2026-2027 Academic Standards Notice

Motion by Sherry Jasper, second by Steve J Olson to approve the Notice of the Student Academic Standards in effect for the 2026-2027 school year as presented and direct administration to provide parents and guardians of District students with this notice in a manner that is consistent with the requirements of section 120.12(13) of the state statutes. Read the 2026-2027 Academic Standards Notice report here.

Matters Reserved for Board Action

Budget Transfers

Chad Trowbridge, Business Manager, provided an overview of the budget transfers and year end plan; the Board voted to approve the budget year end plan as presented. Read the Budget Transfers report here.

Consideration of Communication Committee Meeting Notes

Steve Olson, Committee Chairperson, provided an overview of the 06-23-2026 communication committee meeting notes; the Board approved the 06-23-2026 communication committee meeting notes as presented. Read the Communication Committee Meeting Notes report here.

Consideration for Community Survey for Tax Tolerance

Chad Trowbridge, Business Manager, provided an overview of the community survey for tax tolerance proposal from School Perceptions; the Board voted to approve the School Perceptions proposal to survey the community for tax tolerance and authorize Dr. Brad Saron or Chad Trowbridge to sign the proposal agreement. Read the Community Survey for Tax Tolerance here.

Consideration of Referendum Work Plan

Chad Trowbridge, Business Manager, provided an overview of the referendum work plan. The work plan includes two scenarios – the November 2026 election or April 2027 election – and the dates associated with both; the Board voted to approve the referendum work plan and timeline in preparation for an April 2027 referendum ballot question. Read the Referendum Work Plan here.

Consideration of Woldt Donation Process

During the August 2025 meeting, the Board voted to table the donation proposals until the funds were received and the new superintendent came in. The donation funds have since been received, and the administration requested to schedule a special board meeting to review the Board expectations, current proposals, and discuss next steps. The Board agreed that a special meeting will be scheduled in August.

Communicating with the Board (if applicable, click on the report heading for greater detail)

Student Handbook Revisions

Dr. Brad Saron, Superintendent of Schools, notified the Board of the revisions to the elementary, middle school and high school student handbooks. The handbooks are updated annually and are communicated to the Board.

Superintendent Entry Plan Update

The Superintendent Entry Plan was approved by the Board at the March 2026 meeting. Dr. Saron will update the Board and community on the progress of the entry plan throughout the year. The highlights of July include meeting individually with board members, administrators, and school resource officers. As we enter the month of August, Dr. Saron will focus on meeting with community members as they are available.

Community Conversation / Strategic Plan Refresh Update

The first design team meeting will be on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Those not able to attend the first meeting will receive a virtual update.

Enrollment Update

Chad Trowbridge, Business Manager, provided an overview of current enrollment. The open enrollment numbers will not be accurately stated until the fall when students have returned to school. The District is keeping a close eye on the Halmstad Kindergarten numbers as we transition towards the start of the school year.

State Budget Update

Chad Trowbridge, Business Manager, provided a state budget update. The District received an aid estimate from DPI on July 1, 2026 which was about $1.2M lower than projected.

*Please note that the above information is provided pending the approval of Board minutes at their next regularly scheduled meeting.

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CONNECTING WITH YOUR BOARD OF EDUCATION

As board members, we are elected to represent the interests of our community. Meeting with community members is a key process in this role. If you are interested in having board members come to your community or civic organization to talk about our district and answer questions you might have, please reach out to our Board Secretary, Angela Seyer at (715) 726-2417, ext. 1803. We would be honored to visit you.

Your CFAUSD Board of Education

Top row - Board Officers (l to r) - Dave Czech, President; Peggy McKillip, Vice President; Sherry Jasper, Clerk; and Dennis Fehr, Treasurer

Bottom row - Board Members (l to r) - Steve Olson, Dave Martineau, and Sharon McIlquham,

Additional Board of Education Information

The Board of Education of the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District represents, leads and serves the district’s owners and holds itself accountable to them by committing to act in their best interests and by ensuring that all Board and district action is consistent with law and the Board’s policies.

The Board’s purpose is to assure that the District achieves the results described in the Board’s Results policies and that it operates according to the values expressed in the Board’s Operational Expectations policies.

The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District School Board members are committed to maintaining an open line of communication with residents of the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District. Anyone having specific questions relating to board policies or actions should call the Board of Education office at (715)726-2417 or by mail at:

Secretary of the Board of Education

1130 Miles Street

Chippewa Falls, WI 54729