Owen-Withee School Board Hears Update on Bond Anticipatory Note and Bond Sale Parameters

Monday, February 22nd, 2021 -- 9:00 AM

The Owen-Withee School Board began their recent meeting with a presentation.

Kevin Mullen was on hand via Zoom to talk to the Board about the resolutions on the agenda for the Bond Anticipatory Note and the Bond Sale Parameters. Kevin explained that the BAN is a loan they take out for $3.15 million dollars to get the project started.

Once the bonds are sold, they pay off the BAN. The Ban is for 6 months maximum at .52% interest. The Bond Sale Parameters are set up so that the District can sell up to $4.35 million and maximize the proceeds for the District.

After the presentation by Kevin Mullen, the Board discussed and then approved the BAN on a 7-0 vote and they approved the Bond Parameters on a 7-0 vote.  The Board also approved the 2021-22 school calendar as presented. The calendar has been posted on the District’s website.

A brief discussion regarding the building project related that the building sub-committees meet on January 25. The notes from those meetings were disseminated to the board members along with two documents, the Schematic design report and the Schematic Details.

The planning phase of the project is coming to a close and these two documents have been submitted to Market and Johnson, our construction managers.

For the next phases they will use the Schematics to develop cost estimates for the building and prepare documents to put the project out to bids, hopefully in March.

Troy Miller, the lead architect from LHB will be at the March 8th meeting to give more details to the Board regarding the project plans. Review/Revise COVID Return to School Plan.  The Board also reviewed the COVID Plan, especially in regards to the daily/weekly schedule.

There is a strong desire to go to 5 days per week amongst board members and parents. Administration has asked that they delay the decision until the March meeting.

Return to five days is much less complicated at the elementary level than the middle school/high school level. Implementation of the 5 days per week would happen at the start of the 4th quarter.

District Administrator Bob Houts also discussed with the Board the second round of federal funding to help schools deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Owen-Withee has been allocated $792,000 in this funding.

There are several areas that can be addressed and several ways to spend the money. Another round of spending is expected yet this spring which is estimated to be twice as much.

Ryan Gutsch also submitted his resignation from the Athletic Director duties effective June 30. The Board voted to approve the resignation and thanked Ryan for his years in the position.

Jill Boie has submitted her resignation from her P.E./Health position. The Board thanked her for her 25 years of service to the District and wishes her the best of luck. The Board unanimously approved the resignation.

The Board also reviewed and discussed the CESA 10 contract for 2021-22 as presented. The contract was unanimously approved.  Elementary Principal Julie Van Ark provided the AGR Report.

At the end of each semester, schools that participate in the AGR program must report to their Boards the progress being made towards the reading and math goals that are set each fall. Julie reported the mid-term progress being made.

There has been a noticeable drop due to the COVID pandemic closure last spring, but gains are being made and she is confident that students and staff will meet the goals by the end of the year.

The Board also discussed the Legislative Forum in Medford, being held Monday, March 1st.  Julie Wendler, Charlie Milliren and Dean Schmelzer have indicated they will attend the meeting in person. A virtual option will be available that others can join if they wish.

The Board also had the Annual Review of Policy 458 regarding wellness.  The Board reviewed the policy and discussed. One minor change was made related to the 6th grade moving to the middle school.

The Board also had the Annual Review of Policy 763 regarding unpaid meals. The Board reviewed the policy and discussed. No changes were made as, so far this year, there are no charges for breakfast or lunch this year.

The Board also heard the Administrators’ Reports.  Mrs. Van Ark reported that the 1st semester has wrapped up and report cards have been sent home. Meals have been going very well. Some challenges have presented themselves, but most have been overcome.

The cooks, custodians and aides have been terrific in making this work. Child Development Days (4K screening) is set for March 4th, with some minor adjustments due to COVID.

Middle/High School Principal Matt Cihlar reported on the donuts for Honor Roll students on February 11th and provided a thank you to Forward Bank for making that possible. Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on a very limited basis on February 24th from 4-6 PM.

Congratulations to Rylee Ollinger, Alyssa Graski and Katie Erickson on being named to the all-conference choir and to Ray Nelson, Gabby Goessl, Emma Batteen, Damian Nernberger, Aiden Smith, Libby Lehr, Rob Wendler, Ben Heggemeier and Ainsley Kelsey on making the all conference band.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.