Neillsville School Board Elects New President of the Board

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021 -- 9:03 AM

The Neillsville School Board began their meeting with organizational matters.

Dewey Poeschel was nominated as the chairperson for the organizational meeting.  In the end, Sue Voigt was selected as President, Dewey Poeschel was selected as Vice President, Peggy Grap as Treasurer, and Deanna Heiman as Clerk.

Also, representatives from Wendel Companies presented preliminary designs for the high school entrance remodel and Lance Gregorich from CESA 10 presented a comprehensive list of potential building repairs and upgrades.

The Board approved the June Operational Plan and calendar as presented, approved a bid from Arrow Precision for asphalt sealing and striping for the sum of $43,200, and approved the project development agreement with CESA 10 for upcoming potential building projects.

The Board also approved the Achievement Gap Reduction contract for additional funding as presented, approved Dewey Poeschel as the TIF delegate for 2021-2022, approved Deanna Heiman as the CESA 10 Delegate for 2021-2022, approved Peggy Grap as the WASB Delegate for 2021-2022, and approve Paul Opelt as the alternate WASB Delegate for 2021-2022. The Board also approved the 6th grade Math curriculum updates as presented and approved the WIAA membership for 2021-2022.

In employment matters, the Board approved the resignation of Carrie Schmidt from her teaching assistant position, the resignation of Patricia Drangstveit from her teaching assistant position, the resignation of Carly Kuran from her high school English teaching position effective June 3rd, the resignation of Jill Neville as the middle school student council advisor effective June 3, and the resignation of Matthew Diestler as the athletic director effective June 30th.

The Board also approved the 2021-2022 Support Staff Addendum for Todd Schmidt.  The Board approved the Memorandum of Understanding for Rhonda Pernsteiner, the Memorandum of Understanding for Sharilyn Ziegler, and the Memorandum of Understanding from the Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators for Amy Gerhardt as presented.

The Board approved the hiring of Riley Anderson as a 3rd grade teacher, approved the hiring of Nicole Abbott for the position of high school English teacher, and approved the hiring of Chelsea Opelt as the middle school student council advisor.  The Board also approved changes to policy KBG as presented and changes to policy KBGA as presented.

The Board heard the Administrators’ Reports.  Elementary Principal Marcy Kunze reported on attendance, a high school presentation on leadership to 3rd grade, the 4th grade farm field trip, reading intervention updates,step up day, guidance counselor activities, and summer school.

Middle School Principal Kory Poeschel reported on attendance, remote learners, character trait of the month, college day for kids, guest speakers, Forward state testing, PBIS, and 8th grade graduation.

District Administrator John Gaier shared High School Principal Craig Anderson’s report on attendance, scholarship awards presentation, graduation, high school forensics competition, high school choir solo and ensemble results, and the Academic Awards Ceremony.

Finally, Mr. Gaier reported on the ICAA Head Start grant, Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce thank you, Neillsville Improvement Corporation meeting agenda, approval of the U.S. Department of Education accountability waiver, COVID-19 testing in schools, and AEF testimony on school funding.

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