Greenwood School Board Hears Another Instructional Update

Thursday, April 15th, 2021 -- 11:01 AM

The Greenwood School District heard another instructional update at their meeting.

District Administrator Todd Felhofer provided an updated District COVID-19 incident report. They had one positive case at the end of March. District staff received the second dose of the covid-19 vaccine on April 8th . Over 80% of staff is fully vaccinated.

Third quarter grades at the middle/high school were dramatically improved from the second quarter. An afterschool homework/help program and credit recovery options are nearly ready to go. There is no need to designate May 7th as an E-Learning Day, it will remain a regular instructional day.

State assessments are beginning this month in both buildings.  The Board also approved the application for science credit equivalent status for three Agriculture courses and approved going forward with Co-op baseball and softball programs in 2022.

The Board also reaffirmed that building use requests will be evaluated on a monthly basis.  Focus will continue to be on those events which are district-sponsored or involve district students.

The Board also approved allowing summer league basketball to host games and approved the purchase of a new tractor.  The Board also received a financial update from Ms. Zimmer and received an update on the Health Insurance renewal process.

The Cooperative, that the district is a member of, voted to continue with WCA/UMR for the next two years.  The Board also approved the second reading of the NEOLA 29-2 Policy Update, approved the sunset of the Covid-19 leave option, and approved the District Substitute Staff position days, pay and benefits.

The Board also approved increasing custodial weekend check from $20 to $35/day, approved increasing selected game worker pay, tabled the discussion of the Teacher Longevity proposals, approved the issuing of 2021-22 contracts to all current teachers, approved the issuing of 2021-22 letters of reasonable assurance to all current support staff personnel, and discussed staffing needs for the 2021-22 school year.

The Board also approved the following staff positions for 2021-2022 including an additional 4K teacher, 5th grade teacher, 6th grade teachers, and an interventionist at the middle/high school.

The Board also approved a $1000 salary increase for 2021-2022 for the teaching staff, a 2% increase in hourly wages for support staff, and they accepted a $1,330 donation from Denny and Judy Olson for the purchase of new softball uniforms for the Greenwood-Loyal co-op team.

The Board also accepted a donation of $1,000 from the City of Greenwood for summer recreation programs, $25 for Megan’s Fund in the memory of Ron Kowitz from Sharon Rogers and Jim Mildbrand, and the donation of a soft serve machine from Cal’s Rock Dam Resort.

The Board also heard the Committee Reports.  Board Member Mark Shain reported on the CESA Board Meeting.  Board Member Jerome Krempasky reported on the Employee Relations Committee Meeting.  He reported that the 2022-23 calendar is on hold. There was a discussion of starting school before September 1st. The committee also discussed the longevity and supplemental pay frameworks.

The Board Heard the Administrators’ Reports.  Elementary Principal Joe Green provided an update on the Title 1 program and the renewal process that is currently underway. Some 6th grade students will be participating in the UWSP College Days for Kids later this month.

Teachers from the Gilmanton School District visited the elementary school to gain insight into their implementation of the ARC reading program. This is a great opportunity for their teachers to showcase their hard work and leadership with this reading program.  Summer School numbers are looking good. Swimming lessons will again be offered to students this summer through a partnership with Neillsville.

Athletic Director/Dean of Students Jenny Mayenschein reported that the MS and HS softball co-ops are off to good starts. High school spring sports officially start on April 19th. The time has come to consider a Baseball co-op for the 2022 season and formalizing the softball co-op.

There is a June 1, 2021 deadline for these requests. The WIAA may reinstitute the collection of membership fees due to the financial implications of covid-19. Planning is underway for annual senior class events and Graduation.

Finally, Mr. Felhofer provided an update on the District’s anticipated ESSER II and ESSER III funds. A committee of board members and administration will begin to develop a priority list.

The district has a policy in place to continue to require the wearing of masks inside of district buildings at least until the end of the 2020-21 school year. The rationale for continuing mask wearing was shared by Mr. Felhofer.

Congratulations were offered to Mr. Krempasky and Mr. Lindner on their re-election to the School Board. Greenwood was approved as an Invested Member by the Rural Virtual Academy and Staff Appreciation is the week of May 3rd.

Finally, during the appearance portion of the meeting, a community member asked if the district had a plan for spending the stimulus money it is receiving.

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