Owen-Withee School Board Hears Presentation on New Math Program

Friday, April 15th, 2022 -- 10:00 AM

The Owen-Withee School Board heard a presentation to begin their meeting.

Elementary Principal Julie Van Ark and Jenniffer Slowiak led a discussion of the math curriculum, Bridges, that the elementary staff has been investigating for the past couple of years. They chose Bridges over three other programs they looked into.

Albert Goerlitz was on hand to support the adoption for the 4K, Raeann Schwab represented the Special Ed staff and Lexi Opelt supported the adoption from the regular ed. side. After several questions, the Board unanimously approved the adoption of the Bridges math curriculum.

Also, Deb Delyea presented the concept of supporting both philosophically and financially, the development of their own School Psychologist over the next four years. With the current shortage of school psychologists, when they have an opening in a few years, they will have a very difficult time finding a replacement.

Supporting this concept will require an investment from the district to develop their own school psych, but will come with a guarantee that we will have one for 5 years. The Board unanimously approved supporting the “grow your own” plan and wants to move ahead with negotiating an agreement.

Angela Greschner, Board Clerk, and her Board of Canvassers reviewed the election results and confirmed that Adam Simington and Julie Wendler were the two top vote getters. Julie will remain on the Board and Adam will be seated at the May meeting.

Ryan Wichmann and Dan Renderman from Market and Johnson were on hand to discuss the progress of the building projects. Fencing is up and trailers/equipment has started to be onsite. The fiber optic cable replacement has been buried and should be operational on April 15th. Excavation of the site should start in the next week or so.

The monthly review of the COVID plan resulted in the recommendation that no changes be made at this time. At the March meeting, the Board heard a presentation from the coaches that they purchase a subscription to HUDL, which is a video/scouting program. The Board agreed that this was a purchase that they should make. The Board unanimously approved the purchase of an annual HUDL subscription.

In employment matters, Debra Smith submitted her letter of retirement after 38 years of service to the District. The Board unanimously approved her retirement and thanked her for her tremendous service to the children and families of Owen-Withee.

Also, Belinda Stratton submitted her letter of retirement after 8 years of service to the District. The Board unanimously approved her retirement and thanked her for her service to the District.

Also, Nancy Tolzmann submitted her letter of retirement after 20 years of service to the District. The Board unanimously approved and thanked her for her service and wishes her well in retirement. Justine Sova submitted her letter of resignation. The Board unanimously approved her resignation and wishes her the best of luck.

The Board approved the hiring of Bobbi Koziol to replace Dave Laabs as part of the Maintenance Department and unanimously approved the hiring of Melissa Long as an elementary teacher. Melissa will be assigned to a first grade classroom for the 2022-23 school year.

They approved the hiring of Alyssa Raetzman as an elementary teacher. Alyssa will be assigned to a second grade classroom for the 2022-23 school year. Also, the Board unanimously approved the hire of Shelly Carpenter as a Middle School Track coach and unanimously approved the hire of Trent Klemm as an Assistant Baseball coach.

Project SOAR is a program, run by the Medford School District, that provides educational and vocational opportunities to 18-21 year old special needs students. Owen-Withee joined the consortium in 2021. The Board unanimously approved renewing their contract with Project SOAR.

The Board unanimously approved the renewal of the student accident insurance. The consortium of 14 schools that they have banded together with to purchase health insurance was notified that they will see a 9.5% increase for the 2022-23 school year. That will increase their current premiums from $1,103,211 to $1,208,016. The Board unanimously approved the renewal of our health insurance for the 2022- 23 school year.

Also, CESA 10 wants to sell some property they own near the office in Chippewa Falls. They need 75% of the school districts in CESA 10 to approve the sale. The Board unanimously approved the CESA 10 property sale.

After 2 terms in office, Kim Amacher has decided to retire from the Board. The Board wishes her the best of luck in the future. The Board presented Kim with a school bell which is the traditional gift for members who leave the Board.

The Spring Recognition program will take place on Friday, May 27 at 11:30 AM in conjunction with the last day of school teacher lunch. They will recognize Teachers and Support Staff of the Year, retirees, years of service recipients and others at the lunch. Middle and High School Dean of Students Matt Cihlar reported that the graduation ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 21 at 10:00 AM in the gym.

Finally, the Board heard the Administrators’ Reports. Mrs. VanArk provided the elementary report. She sent out a big thank you to Nazareth Church, the OW Lions Club and Thrivent for their donations of “goodies” to our kids. It brought a lot of joy to our kids.

Summer school packets were sent home. Summer school will be June 6th – June 24th. Thank you to Mrs. Katie Hatlestad for organizing our summer school. Wednesday, April 13 was Grandparents Day. A Scholastic Book Fair will be held from April 25th – April 29th. Thanks to Mrs. Nelson for organizing this.

Mr. Cihlar provided the middle/high school report. 3rd Quarter grades have been finalized and mailed out. Spring sports are up and running. Participation numbers look like: Boys and Girls Track (25), Softball (11), Baseball (16), Golf (2), MS Track (18).

Prom will be held at Munson Bridge Winery on Saturday, April 23 from 7PM – 10:30 PM. Kudos to Mrs. Scheuer and the cast and crew of the production of The Brothers Grimm Spectacular held this past weekend. It was FANTASTIC.

Thank you to Nazareth Church, the OW Lions Club and Thrivent for their donations of “goodies” to our kids. FBLA will be heading to the National Competition/Conference in Chicago in June.

During communications, President Paul Heggemeier read and passed around a Thank You from the 4th grade class regarding their field trip to the Maple Production at the School Forest and at Engel’s Sugar Bush.

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