Tax Levy Approved at Neillsville School Board's Annual Meeting and Regular October Board Meeting
Wednesday, October 21st, 2026 -- 9:01 AM
The Neillsville School Board held their Annual Meeting and monthly October meeting on Monday.
According to the unofficial minutes from the meeting, during the Annual Meeting, District Administrator Corey Peterson reviewed the proposed budget and answered questions from the floor. A tax levy of $5,756,227 was recommended.
The Board also approved to set board salaries and per diems at the current rate and to authorize reimbursement for expenses. The Board also approved that, until the next annual meeting, the school board be authorized to sell or otherwise dispose of all unused, outdated or obsolete supplies, equipment and materials and to authorize the sale of any property belonging to or not needed by the School District of Neillsville.
The Board also approved to authorize temporary borrowing for cash flow purposes and they set the 2027 Annual Meeting date for October 18, 2027, at 7:00 p.m. Finally, the Board, and the residents present, approved to levy a school tax of $5,756,227 as recommended. It passed with 10 voting yes and 1 voting no.
According to the unofficial minutes from the regular meeting, Elementary PBIS staff provided an update regarding the recent color run and playground project and Mr. Peterson provided a progress report on the implementation of the District’s strategic plan.
The Board also approved the Achievement Gap Reduction Report. Jodi Stokdyk presented information on behalf of the Spanish and Ecology Clubs regarding a joint trip to the Galapagos Islands in June of 2028.
The Board also approved an out-of-state field trip to the Dorian Vocal Festival for High School Choir on January 10-12, 2027. The Board also approved several monetary donations including in the amount of $3,840.99 from the Booster Club, $500 from the Motorhead Mafia, a donation in the amount of $1,637.60 from Atmus Filtration, and $2,000 from the Neillsville Lions Club.
In employment matters, the Board approved the resignation of Rhonda Lokken from her teaching assistant position and Kimberly Crutchfield from her special education teaching position.
The Board also approved the hiring, Jaycee Butts for the custodian position, Cassie Reavley for the teaching assistant position, Reed Lehman for the Math Interventionist position, and Chelsea Schmidt for the middle school student council co-advisor position.
The Board approved the updated letter of appointment for Brian Klinge. The Board also approved the Memorandum of Understanding for caseload management for Kari Mayer, the Memorandum of Understanding for leave for Rebecca Bernhagen, and the Memorandum of Understanding for leave for Jesse Bernhagen. The Board also approved the revised 2026-2027 teaching contract for Kendra Friemoth.
Finally, the Board approved some items from the Annual Meeting including a Fund 10 levy in the amount of $4,739,577, Fund 39 levy in the amount of $941,650, and Fund 80 levy in the amount of $75,000, for a final tax levy of $5,756,227 for the 2026-2027 school year. The Board approved the finalization of budget adoption for the 2026-2027 school year.
Finally, the Board heard the Administrators’ Reports. Elementary Principal Marcy Kunze reported on:
- Enrollment;
- Character trait;
- Walk to school day;
- Data meeting update;
- Behavior referral update;
- And class highlights.
Middle School Principal Jesse Bernhagen reported on:
- Enrollment;
- Attendance goals;
- Behavior updates;
- Classroom updates;
- Academic goals;
- Parent teacher conferences;
- And upcoming events and dates.
High School Principal Jennifer Aspenson reported on:
- Enrollment;
- Behavior data;
- Tardiness data;
- Academic achievements;
- And student activities.
Transportation Director Adam Krause reported on:
- The current number of drivers;
- A student bus safety presentation;
- And a diagnostic scanner for the bus mechanic.
Building and Grounds Director Mark Spencer reported on:
- A proposal for masonry repairs;
- A replacement for the curtain in the Middle School balcony area;
- Classroom signage;
- A custodial staff update;
- And ball field maintenance in preparation for spring.
Mr. Peterson reported on:
- Open enrollment numbers;
- Fall 2026 pupil count;
- Social Media Report Card;
- Veterans Day;
- School Board Appreciation and Principal Appreciation.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.