If parents have been sending e-mails to Viking Middle School and not getting a response, there's a reason. Similarly, for anyone trying to telephone the high school since last Friday and not getting through, there's a reason for that too.
"Our server crashed the first day of in-service for teachers," Viking Principal Hank Dupuis informed school board members at Monday night's meeting, "and we've been struggling with it ever since.
"We're probably getting e-mails from parents that aren't being answered," he continued. Some of the e-mail accounts are now working Dupuis explained, but not all. Additionally, some folders, when retrieved, have lost bits of information, he said.
"Bryan Jones (Network Administrator and Technician) has been working hard on the problem and we hope to have it resolved soon," said Dupuis.
At the High School, the telephone hard drive crashed last Friday, according to Principal Eric Russell.
"BTI (Baldwin Telecom, Inc.) has been working with us," said Russell, "and we expect the new system to be working tomorrow."
During the open forum portion of the meeting, district resident and employee Kim Paul addressed the board on behalf of the Four-year-old Kindergarten Advisory Board. She explained the advisory board is studying the possibility of offering such a program at Baldwin-Woodville. The board would like to communicate with the community and will report to the school board on a regular basis. The Vision Statement of the advisory board is to provide all four-year-olds access to developmentally appropriate learning experiences through partnerships with communities and families.
Teachers Jackie Bensen and Jen Schommer gave a Smart Board presentation during the meeting. Bensen, a third grade teacher at Greenfield, explained that last school year, the district's Technology Committee made the decision to purchase Smart Boards for each building:
five at Greenfield, one at each grade level; four at Viking, one at each grade level and one portable; and three mounted and one portable at the High School.
"At Greenfield, teachers wrote proposals for the Smart Boards and we decided from there which classrooms would get them," said Principal Gary Hoffmann.
Smart Boards are connected to the teacher's computer and project from there. Students and teachers can then write or touch and move data around on the Smart Board screen. Notes can be taken and saved and it's easy to incorporate the Internet into lessons, according to Bensen. Lesson templates are provided through the software that comes with the boards.
Bensen said some teachers received training in operating the Smart Boards and then they trained other teachers in the district.
Using this new teaching tool benefits a variety of learning styles, according to Bensen. Visual learners as well as kinesthetic learners, who learn through physically interacting and touching the board benefit from the Smart Board. "It gets students involved in the lesson," she said.
High School Spanish teacher Jen Schommer invited board members to interact with the Smart Board. Board members then took turns writing on the board. Schommer and Bensen each demonstrated various lessons they have used with the Smart Board.
"The ways that we deliver information to students is constantly changing," commented Superintendent Rusty Helland.
During committee reports, board member Mike Bondarenko reported that since the No Child Left Behind legislation, national graduation rates are up two percent for a 74 percent graduation rate. He said two-thirds of schools have achieved the standards.
Transportation Director Wade Labecki informed the board that next week is Bus Safety Week and students will be practicing safety procedures.
Supt. Helland noted that Labecki (also B-W Athletic Director) is on the ballot for the WIAA Advisory Board.
Showing posts with label Baldwin Woodville School District. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baldwin Woodville School District. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
BAMC and Smestad team up to give students insights
Kit Smestad, left, B-W High School guidance counselor, took a course through WITC over the summer familiarizing herself with many aspects of the medical field at Baldwin Area Medical Center. Trudy Achterhof is BAMC's Human Resource Director.A credit class through WITC taken over the summer by B-W High School guidance counselor Kit Smestad at Baldwin Area Medical Center has given her insight into medically related fields which will help her advise kids about them.
Smestad spent time over the summer in 16 separate areas at BAMC to gain knowledge about each of the areas and the qualifications needed for each.
"Now I have a better idea how to advise kids and can make them aware of different opportunities in the medical field," said Smestad. "It's not to tell them what to do but to give them information so they can decide what to do."
Smestad worked with BAMC Human Resources Director Trudy Achterhof to set up the course. Over the summer Smestad was able to spent time in departments or areas including: surgery, risk management, infection control, diabetes control; respiratory therapy, clinic, social services, lab, radiology, ER, OB and scheduling and registration.
Achterhof said that because BAMC is a smaller facility Smestad was better able to see the whole of the operation, rather than at a large medical facility which has thousands of employees spread across hundreds of areas. She added that the 16 areas visited by Smestad were probably three-quarters of the areas at BAMC. "It made it more manageable for Kit," said Achterhof.
Smestad said the course, practically speaking, involved spending time in each of the departments, speaking to the people in them "and finding out what they do." She also discussed schools that educate students in their areas. The connections she made with employees also provides Smestad with a contact person for a student if they have questions in that area.
"The great thing about health care is there are many options and the training varies from on-the-job to being a doctor," said Smestad.
"That's the message we try to send when we go to schools," added Achterhof, "there are many options." She said BAMC puts lots of energy into recruiting and working on partnerships with schools because of the shortage of health care workers. "We try to make ourselves available to their school programs and to be speakers and participate in their school programs and in interview days as a way of saying we care about students who want to advance themselves and help them achieve their goals in health care." Achterhof said
BAMC has between 20 and 25 students yearly from WITC and CVTC who do clinical rotations. She said that provides a pool of resources from which the hospital may recruit in the future. "Many people prefer to be in a small [hospital] environment," said Achterhof. BAMC also offers multiple rotations, she added, with nursing a great example. A nurse can be trained in four or five areas at BAMC, while at a large facility a nurse would work in only one area. "People who come here want the diversity and variety they get."
BAMC also offers a program called "Me and my shadow" for high school students to shadow a health care practitioner in an area of their interest, said Achterhof. "In surgery, for example, a student may get achance to be in surgery."
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
What now? School board discusses failed referendum; Repairs completed on leaks at Viking
The Baldwin-Woodville Board of Education pondered their next move following the failed building referendum of June 3. The referendum, which was for a new intermediate school and swimming pool, was defeated by a three to one margin.
Superintendent Rusty Helland said the need for more space is still here and he doesn't see it going away. "We need to step back and think about where we go from here," he said.
Board member Deb Rasmussen started the discussion, complimenting the advisory committee on its work, suggesting that next time, progress reports from the committee every now and then might make the public more aware of the situation before a vote is taken.
"The committee did a great job," commented board member Tom Schumacher. "When we formed the committee we asked for volunteers, and maybe that inhibited a mix of all constituencies," he said. Schumacher said we need to have representation from the whole community. "Get the nay sayers on board and deal with those opinions.
"I wish people would take a longer view of things," Schumacher continued. "I'm willing to bet two steak dinners that when this thing does pass, we will get a lot less for more money."
"Just like the auditorium," commented board member Mike Bondarenko, referring to the substantial cost increase after a referendum including the auditorium passed on a second try.
"What I heard from people was, 'What's wrong with 30 kids in a classroom? We survived.'and 'What if lots of people move back to the cities?'" said board member Todd Graf.
Schumacher asked other board members if there was any interest in temporary classrooms.
"We should find out all the costs involved," said board president Jeff Campbell, "including electrical, plumbing, etc. to show people what it would cost."
"I think they (temporary classrooms) are a money pit," said Graf.
Supt. Helland said he would not recommend temporary classrooms to the board, since they are paid for up front and are worthless in the end. "But we can get the figures."
Helland said that until something is done, class sizes will continue to rise.
Bondarenko suggested the board schedule a special meeting, possibly with the advisory committee, devoted to the district's long range facility needs. The board agreed to wait until after the school year begins in September to have such a meeting.
Title I teacher Randi Hoffman gave the board a presentation on Balanced Literacy. She explained that this past year a committee was formed to study Balanced Literacy, before new textbooks were adopted. Seventeen staff members visited other schools' reading programs including guided reading programs.
Balanced Literacy has eight components, including modeled reading and writing in which the teacher reads and writes in front of the class; shared reading and writing in which teacher and students read aloud together and the teacher records students' ideas; independent reading and
writing; and guided reading and writing in which the teacher works with small groups of similar abilities.
"Research has shown that higher level readers read three times the minutes during the school day compared to lower level readers," Hoffman said. The guided reading approach allows for teachers to differentiate students' abilities and provide appropriate materials so all level readers
will read more she said.
Currently, each grade level has a basal reader, or textbook, in which all students in the classroom read the same story, have the same spelling words, and do the same worksheets. Many lower level readers spend so much time decoding words that their comprehension suffers, said Hoffman. With guided reading, students read books they can comprehend and will spend more time reading.
"Less worksheets, more reading, better comprehension," said Hoffman.
Hoffman said after reviewing the committee's information and experience and some soul searching, she decided not to order a new basal reading series and instead pursue Balanced Literacy throughout the district. She has developed a budget to purchase more guided reading books for the library and for classroom libraries. She figures it will take five years to implement the program for K-12. The first year will be devoted to staff development, benchmark assessments and purchase of books.
"Our goal is to have a large mixture of different leveled books to get kids to read," Hoffman said.
"Already, 18 teachers have voluntarily taken a two-credit course on comprehension improvement through guided reading," said Hoffman. "There is a lot of support from staff, even though change can be hard."
District bookkeeper Pam Rose presented the tentative budget for the 2008-09 school year. She stressed the point that the numbers are preliminary and show a 9.53% increase in the levy.
"That's a worst case scenario," she said.
"We are conservative on our preliminary budget figures because of what we don't know," Rose said. "We don't know our per pupil aid, our equalized aid, or our equalized valuation figures yet."
Final numbers will be available in October she said.
Greenfield Elementary Principal Gary Hoffman reported over 400 students are enrolled in summer school. He also said the new playground equipment is being installed this week. Viking Middle School Principal Hank Dupuis reported the good news that with all the rain we've been experiencing, there have been no leaks since the flashing and blocks were repaired.
Transportation Director Wade Labecki reported he recently attended a accident planning workshop. He informed participants that B-W already has an accident plan and shared it with them.
At the end of the meeting, district IT (Information Technician) Bryan Jones delivered laptop computers to each board member and gave a brief lesson in operating the machines.
"You will now receive all district correspondence electronically," said Supt. Helland. "We will use them at meetings as well," he said.
Superintendent Rusty Helland said the need for more space is still here and he doesn't see it going away. "We need to step back and think about where we go from here," he said.
Board member Deb Rasmussen started the discussion, complimenting the advisory committee on its work, suggesting that next time, progress reports from the committee every now and then might make the public more aware of the situation before a vote is taken.
"The committee did a great job," commented board member Tom Schumacher. "When we formed the committee we asked for volunteers, and maybe that inhibited a mix of all constituencies," he said. Schumacher said we need to have representation from the whole community. "Get the nay sayers on board and deal with those opinions.
"I wish people would take a longer view of things," Schumacher continued. "I'm willing to bet two steak dinners that when this thing does pass, we will get a lot less for more money."
"Just like the auditorium," commented board member Mike Bondarenko, referring to the substantial cost increase after a referendum including the auditorium passed on a second try.
"What I heard from people was, 'What's wrong with 30 kids in a classroom? We survived.'and 'What if lots of people move back to the cities?'" said board member Todd Graf.
Schumacher asked other board members if there was any interest in temporary classrooms.
"We should find out all the costs involved," said board president Jeff Campbell, "including electrical, plumbing, etc. to show people what it would cost."
"I think they (temporary classrooms) are a money pit," said Graf.
Supt. Helland said he would not recommend temporary classrooms to the board, since they are paid for up front and are worthless in the end. "But we can get the figures."
Helland said that until something is done, class sizes will continue to rise.
Bondarenko suggested the board schedule a special meeting, possibly with the advisory committee, devoted to the district's long range facility needs. The board agreed to wait until after the school year begins in September to have such a meeting.
Title I teacher Randi Hoffman gave the board a presentation on Balanced Literacy. She explained that this past year a committee was formed to study Balanced Literacy, before new textbooks were adopted. Seventeen staff members visited other schools' reading programs including guided reading programs.
Balanced Literacy has eight components, including modeled reading and writing in which the teacher reads and writes in front of the class; shared reading and writing in which teacher and students read aloud together and the teacher records students' ideas; independent reading and
writing; and guided reading and writing in which the teacher works with small groups of similar abilities.
"Research has shown that higher level readers read three times the minutes during the school day compared to lower level readers," Hoffman said. The guided reading approach allows for teachers to differentiate students' abilities and provide appropriate materials so all level readers
will read more she said.
Currently, each grade level has a basal reader, or textbook, in which all students in the classroom read the same story, have the same spelling words, and do the same worksheets. Many lower level readers spend so much time decoding words that their comprehension suffers, said Hoffman. With guided reading, students read books they can comprehend and will spend more time reading.
"Less worksheets, more reading, better comprehension," said Hoffman.
Hoffman said after reviewing the committee's information and experience and some soul searching, she decided not to order a new basal reading series and instead pursue Balanced Literacy throughout the district. She has developed a budget to purchase more guided reading books for the library and for classroom libraries. She figures it will take five years to implement the program for K-12. The first year will be devoted to staff development, benchmark assessments and purchase of books.
"Our goal is to have a large mixture of different leveled books to get kids to read," Hoffman said.
"Already, 18 teachers have voluntarily taken a two-credit course on comprehension improvement through guided reading," said Hoffman. "There is a lot of support from staff, even though change can be hard."
District bookkeeper Pam Rose presented the tentative budget for the 2008-09 school year. She stressed the point that the numbers are preliminary and show a 9.53% increase in the levy.
"That's a worst case scenario," she said.
"We are conservative on our preliminary budget figures because of what we don't know," Rose said. "We don't know our per pupil aid, our equalized aid, or our equalized valuation figures yet."
Final numbers will be available in October she said.
Greenfield Elementary Principal Gary Hoffman reported over 400 students are enrolled in summer school. He also said the new playground equipment is being installed this week. Viking Middle School Principal Hank Dupuis reported the good news that with all the rain we've been experiencing, there have been no leaks since the flashing and blocks were repaired.
Transportation Director Wade Labecki reported he recently attended a accident planning workshop. He informed participants that B-W already has an accident plan and shared it with them.
At the end of the meeting, district IT (Information Technician) Bryan Jones delivered laptop computers to each board member and gave a brief lesson in operating the machines.
"You will now receive all district correspondence electronically," said Supt. Helland. "We will use them at meetings as well," he said.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Referendum Questions Soundly Defeated
Two referendum questions put to voters by the Baldwin-Woodville Board of Education were both soundly defeated in balloting last Tuesday, June 3.
The questions, whether B-W should borrow to build a new intermediate school on school property in Baldwin at a cost not to exceed $16,775,000; and whether B-W should borrow to build a new indoor swimming pool at a cost not to exceed $3,500,000 were defeated by margins of 1,348 to 445 and 1,163 to 631, respectively.
The reporting on the economy combined with housing news and the price of gas, everyone seems to agree, were reasons for the large defeats of both measures.
The turnout for the vote, 1,793 for the new intermediate school, and 1,794 for the indoor pool, was not low, based on previous school referendum history. B-W Superintendent of Schools Rusty Helland pointed out that for a referendum in December of 2000, although there were fewer voters in the district at that time, voter turnout was 1,451.
Neither of the measures passed in any of the municipalities that make up the B-W District. The best vote for the measures was in the Town of Erin Prairie, which includes but a very small portion of the District, where the swimming pool measure tied 5-5.
Supt. Helland said that the next step for the district will be a discussion at the B-W Board of Education meeting on Monday, June 16. "We'll discuss it at the Board meeting Monday night and see what's next. We need to take a step back and see where we go from here."
Helland noted that when the process of studying the future needs of the district was started in 2006, gas wasn't $4 a gallon and groceries hadn't increased in price. "It takes a while to move through the process," he said. "Unfortunately the timing wasn't good and even in November of 2007" the present economic news wasn't known.
"So we have to revisit it," said Helland. "I don't think the need's going to go away."
The questions, whether B-W should borrow to build a new intermediate school on school property in Baldwin at a cost not to exceed $16,775,000; and whether B-W should borrow to build a new indoor swimming pool at a cost not to exceed $3,500,000 were defeated by margins of 1,348 to 445 and 1,163 to 631, respectively.
The reporting on the economy combined with housing news and the price of gas, everyone seems to agree, were reasons for the large defeats of both measures.
The turnout for the vote, 1,793 for the new intermediate school, and 1,794 for the indoor pool, was not low, based on previous school referendum history. B-W Superintendent of Schools Rusty Helland pointed out that for a referendum in December of 2000, although there were fewer voters in the district at that time, voter turnout was 1,451.
Neither of the measures passed in any of the municipalities that make up the B-W District. The best vote for the measures was in the Town of Erin Prairie, which includes but a very small portion of the District, where the swimming pool measure tied 5-5.
Supt. Helland said that the next step for the district will be a discussion at the B-W Board of Education meeting on Monday, June 16. "We'll discuss it at the Board meeting Monday night and see what's next. We need to take a step back and see where we go from here."
Helland noted that when the process of studying the future needs of the district was started in 2006, gas wasn't $4 a gallon and groceries hadn't increased in price. "It takes a while to move through the process," he said. "Unfortunately the timing wasn't good and even in November of 2007" the present economic news wasn't known.
"So we have to revisit it," said Helland. "I don't think the need's going to go away."
Viking Middle School students donate $5,840
The top ten Syttende Mai Fun Run fundraisers present the check to United Way. In the back row from left to right are Principal Henry Dupuis, top fundraiser Wilson Gheen (with check), United Way's John Coughlin and students Mercedes Johnson, Trent Lokker, Brandon Serier, Maddie Bishop, and Kayla Iverson. In the front row are Lucas Biniek, Payge Clark, Collin Loftus and Kayla Rettner.
This was the 23rd year that Viking Middle School students have participated in the Syttende Mai Fun Run. The Fun Run kicks off the annual May celebration. The students use the run to raise money to support local charities and many, many thousands of dollars have been given to worthy causes through the years.
The 474 Viking students raised almost $13,000 this year.
"It was an incredible effort by our students during a time when many people have less to share due to high gas, energy and food prices," said Henry Dupuis, Principal.
One of the designated recipients was the United Way led Success By 6 Initiative. The students donated $5,840.48 for programs in the Baldwin/Woodville area. The vision for the local Success By 6 (SB6) Initiative is: All children with the strong support of family and community will, by age six, have the necessary physical, mental, emotional and social development to successfully grow and learn.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Sandee Blakeley retires after 34 years
When Sandee Blakeley first began her teaching career at Baldwin-Woodville in 1977, she was hired as a half-time reading teacher at Greenfield Elementary. She had four years of teaching experience in southern Wisconsin after earning her degree from University of Wisconsin - Whitewater in 1972. Sandee eventually taught kindergarten, third grade and will end her career at fourth grade this spring."I guess I really enjoy the fourth graders the most," Blakeley said, "you can talk to them more like an adult, and they're much more independent than the younger ones."
Blakeley was married in 1976 to the business director for the River Falls School District, so when a position became available in Baldwin in 1977, she took it.
"One of my favorite memories in teaching is the April Fool's joke we played on the fourth graders," Blakeley said. "We told them they all needed to have spring fever shots." The school nurse was in on the prank, so when the students were lined up for their "shots" the nurse presented the biggest syringe she could find.
"I don't think my mom wants me to have this shot," said several of the wide-eyed students. But the teachers assured them that the proper papers were signed and they all needed the shots.
"April Fool's!" said the teachers, much the relief of the students.
Blakeley has a lifelong interest in the arts, which she plans to actively pursue in retirement, she said. "I plan to be involved in the River Falls Theater group and I would like to take painting lessons." She is interested in pursuing work doing voice-overs for film or radio and also recording books-on-tape.
"I think I'll volunteer at the library for story-times, too," she said.
Blakeley also said she is considering working as a medical transcriptionist. "I received some training in the medical field before I got my teaching degree, so the interest has always been there."
"Of course, my husband and I will try to travel more, maybe even spending part of the year in Mexico," Blakeley said. Her husband retired six years ago from 3M.
The Blakeleys have two daughters, one of whom is being married this October and is a nurse at Children's Hospital. Their other daughter is pursuing a career as a school counselor.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
School referendum update - First public informational meeting set for May 5
An update concerning the June 3, 2008 school building referendum was presented at the school board meeting Monday night.
Superintendent Rusty Helland displayed the informational flyer that has been distributed throughout the district. He said a direct mail packet is ready to go and will be mailed next week to all district residents. The information from the packet will also be posted on the district web site, he said.
Monday, May 5 is the first of four scheduled public informational meetings regarding the referendum.
"Our goal is to have informed voters," Helland said.
The district web site's referendum page has been receiving a high volume of visits, according to Athletic Director/Transportation Supervisor Wade Labecki, who developed the site. "There is now a new video on the site," he added.
Since March 24, the first day the referendum page was available, there were 600 visits to the page during the last week of that month. Labecki said the traffic continues to be high during April, averaging 300 visits a day during the week and 200 visits per day on the weekend.
"The facilities study group power point is particularly popular," commented Labecki.
During the open forum, district resident LeAnn Rice identified herself as a representative of Citizens for Responsible Government, a fiscally conservative political action committee based in Milwaukee. She said there are 30 affiliates across the state, one being in St. Croix County. The group has reviewed the Baldwin-Woodville referendum information she said. Rice submitted a document of questions for board members regarding the referendum, requesting answers within a week.
"I certainly appreciate the hard work of the board," Rice said.
Eric Becker, Viking Middle School band director, delivered a presentation of music department happenings in the district. The entire music department was present: Becker, Adam Bassak, high school band director; Chandra Lamb, elementary music; Janet Hanson, high school choral
director; and Jane Thompson, Viking general music and choir director.
Students start playing instruments, singing, reading music, and composing at the elementary level, Becker said. At middle school each grade level has a choir and band he added.
At the high school level the various choirs and bands not only perform, they compete throughout the season, Becker said, and have been very successful.
Presently, three of the music department staff are over-scheduled due tolarge numbers of participants Becker concluded.
High School teacher Jason Sell informed the board of a pilot program for block classes next year. He said block classes (longer class periods, usually two periods) will be offered for sophomores in geometry, English, speech and physics. The block classes will be completed in a semester instead of running the entire year. Regular classes will also be offered, and the results of the two will be compared and evaluated at the end of the year, Sell said.
Advantages of block classes for certain disciplines include more cooperative learning, research opportunities, collaboration, and more teacher time with students. "Block classes make sense for some areas," said Principal Eric Russell, "but areas like foreign language or band, for instance, need to run the entire year."
Sell also informed the board that next year there will be two days of final exams scheduled at the high school. "We want to prepare each grade level for what comes next," he said. Sophomores need to be ready to take the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam, and seniors attending college need to have experience taking final exams, for example, said Sell.
A motion to approve year-end expenditures totaling $517,335 was approved by the board. Included in the expenditures are water proofing at Viking, $192,000, and high school, $149,000.
The board approved a ten cent increase in lunch prices, including adult lunches.
The board approved a $50.00 increase in the Drivers Education fee, which will be $200.00.
The board approved support staff 2008-2010 compensation/contracts.
The board approved the resolution authorizing adoption of 403(b) plan. The plan fulfills IRS requirements regarding tax sheltered annuities.
Board member Mike Bondarenko was appointed the board's representative to the 2008 CESA #11 Annual Convention.
Superintendent Rusty Helland displayed the informational flyer that has been distributed throughout the district. He said a direct mail packet is ready to go and will be mailed next week to all district residents. The information from the packet will also be posted on the district web site, he said.
Monday, May 5 is the first of four scheduled public informational meetings regarding the referendum.
"Our goal is to have informed voters," Helland said.
The district web site's referendum page has been receiving a high volume of visits, according to Athletic Director/Transportation Supervisor Wade Labecki, who developed the site. "There is now a new video on the site," he added.
Since March 24, the first day the referendum page was available, there were 600 visits to the page during the last week of that month. Labecki said the traffic continues to be high during April, averaging 300 visits a day during the week and 200 visits per day on the weekend.
"The facilities study group power point is particularly popular," commented Labecki.
During the open forum, district resident LeAnn Rice identified herself as a representative of Citizens for Responsible Government, a fiscally conservative political action committee based in Milwaukee. She said there are 30 affiliates across the state, one being in St. Croix County. The group has reviewed the Baldwin-Woodville referendum information she said. Rice submitted a document of questions for board members regarding the referendum, requesting answers within a week.
"I certainly appreciate the hard work of the board," Rice said.
Eric Becker, Viking Middle School band director, delivered a presentation of music department happenings in the district. The entire music department was present: Becker, Adam Bassak, high school band director; Chandra Lamb, elementary music; Janet Hanson, high school choral
director; and Jane Thompson, Viking general music and choir director.
Students start playing instruments, singing, reading music, and composing at the elementary level, Becker said. At middle school each grade level has a choir and band he added.
At the high school level the various choirs and bands not only perform, they compete throughout the season, Becker said, and have been very successful.
Presently, three of the music department staff are over-scheduled due tolarge numbers of participants Becker concluded.
High School teacher Jason Sell informed the board of a pilot program for block classes next year. He said block classes (longer class periods, usually two periods) will be offered for sophomores in geometry, English, speech and physics. The block classes will be completed in a semester instead of running the entire year. Regular classes will also be offered, and the results of the two will be compared and evaluated at the end of the year, Sell said.
Advantages of block classes for certain disciplines include more cooperative learning, research opportunities, collaboration, and more teacher time with students. "Block classes make sense for some areas," said Principal Eric Russell, "but areas like foreign language or band, for instance, need to run the entire year."
Sell also informed the board that next year there will be two days of final exams scheduled at the high school. "We want to prepare each grade level for what comes next," he said. Sophomores need to be ready to take the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam, and seniors attending college need to have experience taking final exams, for example, said Sell.
A motion to approve year-end expenditures totaling $517,335 was approved by the board. Included in the expenditures are water proofing at Viking, $192,000, and high school, $149,000.
The board approved a ten cent increase in lunch prices, including adult lunches.
The board approved a $50.00 increase in the Drivers Education fee, which will be $200.00.
The board approved support staff 2008-2010 compensation/contracts.
The board approved the resolution authorizing adoption of 403(b) plan. The plan fulfills IRS requirements regarding tax sheltered annuities.
Board member Mike Bondarenko was appointed the board's representative to the 2008 CESA #11 Annual Convention.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Web site provides Baldwin-Woodville Referendum Information
Pages have been added to the Baldwin-Woodville School District web site that provide information about the building referendum scheduled for Tuesday, June 3.
The pages were created by B-W Athletic Director and Transportation Supervisor Wade Labecki.
To access the web pages, start at the Baldwin-Woodville home page (www.bwsd.k12.wi.us). Near the top is information about the referendum and to the right is "Click here for more information."
The referendum election will have two questions. The first is whether a new 90,000 square foot intermediate school for grades three, four and five should be built on district owned property, and should Greenfield Elementary School be renovated. The total cost of the two is pegged at
$16,775,000.
The second question is whether an indoor swimming pool should be constructed and equipped for a cost not to exceed $3,500,000.
The web side provides the complete texts of the two resolutions. The members of the committee who studied the district's space needs are provided so individuals who have questions may ask any of them. Their meeting minutes are also provided as a further source of information.
The web site lists and dates and times of the four informational meetings that have been scheduled in May to provide information on the referendum projects.
The web site provides B-W enrollment history and future enrollment projections.
The pages were created by B-W Athletic Director and Transportation Supervisor Wade Labecki.
To access the web pages, start at the Baldwin-Woodville home page (www.bwsd.k12.wi.us). Near the top is information about the referendum and to the right is "Click here for more information."
The referendum election will have two questions. The first is whether a new 90,000 square foot intermediate school for grades three, four and five should be built on district owned property, and should Greenfield Elementary School be renovated. The total cost of the two is pegged at
$16,775,000.
The second question is whether an indoor swimming pool should be constructed and equipped for a cost not to exceed $3,500,000.
The web side provides the complete texts of the two resolutions. The members of the committee who studied the district's space needs are provided so individuals who have questions may ask any of them. Their meeting minutes are also provided as a further source of information.
The web site lists and dates and times of the four informational meetings that have been scheduled in May to provide information on the referendum projects.
The web site provides B-W enrollment history and future enrollment projections.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Spring election features few races
The spring election on Tuesday, April 1 will feature few local contests.
In the Village of Baldwin there is only one contest where incumbent Municipal Judge Howard Ott is being challenged by Tammi Hovde. The three incumbent Village Trustees are running for re-election unchallenged. They are: Claire Stein, Greg Larson and Willard Zevenbergen.
In the Village of Hammond three individuals are running for three trustee positions: Christopher Buckel, Wally Graf and Steven Peterson. Sandra Nelson is running unopposed for Municipal Judge. In the Village of Woodville only two candidates are running for three Village Trustee positions. They are Barry Ketchum and Steve Gossel. Linda Duval is running unopposed for Municipal Judge.
For the Baldwin Woodville School District incumbents Dustin Klanderman and Todd Graf are running unchallenged.
Likewise for St. Croix Central School District where incumbents John Hueg and David Olsen are running unchallenged.
At the county level, Mark Gherty and Howard Cameron are facing off for the new Branch 4 judgeship in St. Croix County. Statewide, Mike Gableman and Louis Butler are vying for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
For additional details on voting procedures, voting locations and candidates, see the insert in this week's issue.
In the Village of Baldwin there is only one contest where incumbent Municipal Judge Howard Ott is being challenged by Tammi Hovde. The three incumbent Village Trustees are running for re-election unchallenged. They are: Claire Stein, Greg Larson and Willard Zevenbergen.
In the Village of Hammond three individuals are running for three trustee positions: Christopher Buckel, Wally Graf and Steven Peterson. Sandra Nelson is running unopposed for Municipal Judge. In the Village of Woodville only two candidates are running for three Village Trustee positions. They are Barry Ketchum and Steve Gossel. Linda Duval is running unopposed for Municipal Judge.
For the Baldwin Woodville School District incumbents Dustin Klanderman and Todd Graf are running unchallenged.
Likewise for St. Croix Central School District where incumbents John Hueg and David Olsen are running unchallenged.
At the county level, Mark Gherty and Howard Cameron are facing off for the new Branch 4 judgeship in St. Croix County. Statewide, Mike Gableman and Louis Butler are vying for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
For additional details on voting procedures, voting locations and candidates, see the insert in this week's issue.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Referendum information sessions set
When the referendum asking Baldwin-Woodville School District electors is held on Tuesday, June 3, members of the B-W Board of Education, a newly formed School Public Relations Committee and Superintendent Rusty Helland want voters to have as much information about the two questions as possible-the why, where, how and how much it will cost.
Toward that end, the newly formed committee-made up largely of members of the committee who studied school facilities needs and recommended that a new "intermediate" school be built on existing school property in Baldwin-are making themselves available to answer questions from the public and have planned a public information campaign.
As part of the public information campaign four public information meetings have been scheduled for different days of the week in order to accommodate as large an audience as possible. The dates and places of the meetings are:
-Monday, May 5 at the Viking Middle School gym in Woodville;
-Tuesday, May 13 at the Greenfield Elementary School gym in Baldwin;
-Wednesday, May 21 at the Viking Middle School gym in Woodville; and
-Thursday, May 29 at the Baldwin-Woodville High School Performing Arts Center.
All of the public information meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m.
In addition to holding informational meetings, members of the committee have divided into sub-committees. The "hard copy" committee will be producing flyers or brochures that will be available to district residents; the "electronic" committee plans to produce a web site and use
the B-W TV station, channel 18 on Baldwin Telecom cable, to present information about the referendum.
Also, said Superintendent Helland, all members of the "New School Public Relations Committee," including himself, have agreed to make themselves available to voters who have questions regarding the referendum questions.
Helland emphasized that the process that led to the referendum questions has been in the works for more than two years. Starting in 2006 a population study of the district was done by a company hired for that purpose and the B-W Board's long-range committee had discussed facility needs. A committee of district residents was formed to study facility needs, they met several times over a period of months, and their recommendations were presented last November.
Those recommendations, which were forwarded to the B-W Board which is expected to submit them to referendum on Monday night, March 17, calls for a new 90,000 square foot "intermediate" school to be built somewhere near present Greenfield (perhaps north or west of Greenfield) and some remodeling of Greenfield Elementary. It would house grades three through five. The cost of the new school is estimated at $16,494,500. The cost of Greenfield remodeling is estimated at $324,600. A separate question on the referendum is whether a new indoor swimming pool at a cost of approximately $3,500,000 should be built. If the pool and an intermediate school are approved, the pool would likely be attached to the intermediate school
since building a pool as part of a building project would be cheaper than adding it to an existing building, said Helland.
In upcoming informational pieces, district enrollment trends and projections will be presented and the effect of the referendum and bond issuance wo uld have on property taxes will be detailed.
Members of the committee who have agreed to be available to the public to answer questions regarding the referendum questions are: Jackie Benson, Jane Erickson, Beth Meyers, Denise Monicken, Dennis Paquette, Ken Peterson, Ken Rundhaug, Amy Wicker, Todd Graf, Dustin Klanderman, Tom Schumacher, Mike Timm, John Huenink - Construction manager with Kraus-Anderson, Brad Simonson - Architect with HSR Associates, Steve Apfelbacher - of Ehlers and Associates, the district's financial advisor, and Helland.
Toward that end, the newly formed committee-made up largely of members of the committee who studied school facilities needs and recommended that a new "intermediate" school be built on existing school property in Baldwin-are making themselves available to answer questions from the public and have planned a public information campaign.
As part of the public information campaign four public information meetings have been scheduled for different days of the week in order to accommodate as large an audience as possible. The dates and places of the meetings are:
-Monday, May 5 at the Viking Middle School gym in Woodville;
-Tuesday, May 13 at the Greenfield Elementary School gym in Baldwin;
-Wednesday, May 21 at the Viking Middle School gym in Woodville; and
-Thursday, May 29 at the Baldwin-Woodville High School Performing Arts Center.
All of the public information meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m.
In addition to holding informational meetings, members of the committee have divided into sub-committees. The "hard copy" committee will be producing flyers or brochures that will be available to district residents; the "electronic" committee plans to produce a web site and use
the B-W TV station, channel 18 on Baldwin Telecom cable, to present information about the referendum.
Also, said Superintendent Helland, all members of the "New School Public Relations Committee," including himself, have agreed to make themselves available to voters who have questions regarding the referendum questions.
Helland emphasized that the process that led to the referendum questions has been in the works for more than two years. Starting in 2006 a population study of the district was done by a company hired for that purpose and the B-W Board's long-range committee had discussed facility needs. A committee of district residents was formed to study facility needs, they met several times over a period of months, and their recommendations were presented last November.
Those recommendations, which were forwarded to the B-W Board which is expected to submit them to referendum on Monday night, March 17, calls for a new 90,000 square foot "intermediate" school to be built somewhere near present Greenfield (perhaps north or west of Greenfield) and some remodeling of Greenfield Elementary. It would house grades three through five. The cost of the new school is estimated at $16,494,500. The cost of Greenfield remodeling is estimated at $324,600. A separate question on the referendum is whether a new indoor swimming pool at a cost of approximately $3,500,000 should be built. If the pool and an intermediate school are approved, the pool would likely be attached to the intermediate school
since building a pool as part of a building project would be cheaper than adding it to an existing building, said Helland.
In upcoming informational pieces, district enrollment trends and projections will be presented and the effect of the referendum and bond issuance wo uld have on property taxes will be detailed.
Members of the committee who have agreed to be available to the public to answer questions regarding the referendum questions are: Jackie Benson, Jane Erickson, Beth Meyers, Denise Monicken, Dennis Paquette, Ken Peterson, Ken Rundhaug, Amy Wicker, Todd Graf, Dustin Klanderman, Tom Schumacher, Mike Timm, John Huenink - Construction manager with Kraus-Anderson, Brad Simonson - Architect with HSR Associates, Steve Apfelbacher - of Ehlers and Associates, the district's financial advisor, and Helland.
Referendum motions approved by school board
The Baldwin-Woodville Board of Education took the first formal steps in the building referendum process at the regular meeting Monday night. At last month's meeting, the board agreed upon June 3, 2008 for the date of the referendum; now two initial resolutions authorizing general obligation bonds and a resolution approving the form of notices and the official referendum ballot have been approved as required by law.
The two bond resolutions, one for a new intermediate school not to exceed $16,775,000, and another for an indoor swimming pool not to exceed $3,500,000 carried on a six to one vote. Voting yes were board members Mike Bondarenko, Todd Graf, Dustin Klanderman, Deb Rasmussen, Tom Schumacher and Jeff Campbell. Voting no was John Hinz.
The resolution approving the form of referendum notices and official referendum ballot was approved unanimously.
In discussion prior to the vote, Hinz asked if the increased borrowing affects the percentage of the school district's state aid, which is currently 68 percent. District financial advisor Steve Apfelbacher of Ehlers and Associates explained that there are no guarantees of state aid percentages from year to year regardless of debt. Each year the state figures state aid based upon all districts in the state. For the purposes of this project, Apfelbacher said he figured 63 percent state aid.
"What if the district's valuation goes down?" asked district resident Ken Rundhaug. "How does that affect our state aid?"
Apfelbacher said that's one of numerous variables that can affect a district's state aid percentage, either up or down. He said Ehlers and Associates bases their estimates on past and present information and past experience.
Rundhaug also suggested that school districts could re-align to spread students out to prevent over-crowding.
Superintendent Rusty Helland informed the board the new School Public Relations Committee met last week and the turnout was good. He said the group divided into two subcommittees: the hard copy committee and the electronic committee. Both will work to get referendum information out to the public. Helland said that four public informational meetings have also been scheduled. (Please see related story on this page.)
Sixth grade teaching team members Jarod Dachel, DeAnn Ashlin and Scott Benoy delivered a presentation to the board regarding gender specific classes. According to the team, having gender specific classes allows teachers to structure classes differently for boys and girls. Research has shown improved achievement at this age level in gender specific classes, Dachel said.
Benoy visited gender specific classes in Somerset, and met with teachers and students there. Although it's too early to measure the results with hard data, the staff and students were pleased with the situation there, he said.
The district's WCKE test results have shown statistically significant gender differences in academic achievement at the middle school and the team hopes to improve this through gender specific classes.
"We all know that boys and girls are different," said Benoy. "With these classes, the curriculum content stays the same, the way it is presented is different," he said.
The team said that research shows that grades four, five and six are the optimal time for gender specific classes.
Enrollment in gender specific classes will be voluntary, and the number of sections will depend upon how many students sign up this spring, according to the team.
A motion to approve open enrollment applications for the 2008-09 school year with one exception passed with a six to one vote. Voting yes were Bondarenko, Graf, Klanderman, Rasmussen, Schumacher and Campbell. Voting no was Hinz.
"Why are we accepting open enrollment students when we are crowded already?" asked Hinz.
"I look at it as a positive thing if students want to go to school here," responded Helland. "We would rather have increasing enrollment than declining and have to be cutting programs, like many districts around the state," he added.
The net number of open enrollment students is 20, according to Helland.
Following a closed session, the board approved re-admitting a student who had been expelled. The student has fulfilled the board's requirements for re-admittance. The student will be re-admitted April 1, the first day of the fourth quarter, said Helland.
The two bond resolutions, one for a new intermediate school not to exceed $16,775,000, and another for an indoor swimming pool not to exceed $3,500,000 carried on a six to one vote. Voting yes were board members Mike Bondarenko, Todd Graf, Dustin Klanderman, Deb Rasmussen, Tom Schumacher and Jeff Campbell. Voting no was John Hinz.
The resolution approving the form of referendum notices and official referendum ballot was approved unanimously.
In discussion prior to the vote, Hinz asked if the increased borrowing affects the percentage of the school district's state aid, which is currently 68 percent. District financial advisor Steve Apfelbacher of Ehlers and Associates explained that there are no guarantees of state aid percentages from year to year regardless of debt. Each year the state figures state aid based upon all districts in the state. For the purposes of this project, Apfelbacher said he figured 63 percent state aid.
"What if the district's valuation goes down?" asked district resident Ken Rundhaug. "How does that affect our state aid?"
Apfelbacher said that's one of numerous variables that can affect a district's state aid percentage, either up or down. He said Ehlers and Associates bases their estimates on past and present information and past experience.
Rundhaug also suggested that school districts could re-align to spread students out to prevent over-crowding.
Superintendent Rusty Helland informed the board the new School Public Relations Committee met last week and the turnout was good. He said the group divided into two subcommittees: the hard copy committee and the electronic committee. Both will work to get referendum information out to the public. Helland said that four public informational meetings have also been scheduled. (Please see related story on this page.)
Sixth grade teaching team members Jarod Dachel, DeAnn Ashlin and Scott Benoy delivered a presentation to the board regarding gender specific classes. According to the team, having gender specific classes allows teachers to structure classes differently for boys and girls. Research has shown improved achievement at this age level in gender specific classes, Dachel said.
Benoy visited gender specific classes in Somerset, and met with teachers and students there. Although it's too early to measure the results with hard data, the staff and students were pleased with the situation there, he said.
The district's WCKE test results have shown statistically significant gender differences in academic achievement at the middle school and the team hopes to improve this through gender specific classes.
"We all know that boys and girls are different," said Benoy. "With these classes, the curriculum content stays the same, the way it is presented is different," he said.
The team said that research shows that grades four, five and six are the optimal time for gender specific classes.
Enrollment in gender specific classes will be voluntary, and the number of sections will depend upon how many students sign up this spring, according to the team.
A motion to approve open enrollment applications for the 2008-09 school year with one exception passed with a six to one vote. Voting yes were Bondarenko, Graf, Klanderman, Rasmussen, Schumacher and Campbell. Voting no was Hinz.
"Why are we accepting open enrollment students when we are crowded already?" asked Hinz.
"I look at it as a positive thing if students want to go to school here," responded Helland. "We would rather have increasing enrollment than declining and have to be cutting programs, like many districts around the state," he added.
The net number of open enrollment students is 20, according to Helland.
Following a closed session, the board approved re-admitting a student who had been expelled. The student has fulfilled the board's requirements for re-admittance. The student will be re-admitted April 1, the first day of the fourth quarter, said Helland.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
BTI and B-W partner to launch school channel
Baldwin Telecom presented a donation last Friday to Baldwin-Woodville Schools to help with programming costs for the new school channel. Pictured from left to right are Wade Labecki, athletic director, Eric Russell, B-W High School Principal, Pat Beierman, B-W High School teacher, Larry Knegendorf, BTI general manager, and Matt Sparks, BTI operations manager.Local telephone and cable company, Baldwin Telecom, has partnered with the Baldwin-Woodville School District to produce a school television channel on the local cable system. The programming can be found on Channel 18 on the BTI cable system. It will include schedules, announcements, menus, drama and music production and high school sports.
"Our company is very proud to be a part of working with Pat Beierman of the B-W schools to bring access to a school channel," said BTI manager Larry Knegendorf. "I would like to thank our team of employees at BTI for making this happen and the B-W school staff."
Baldwin Telecom presented a donation for $2000 on Friday to the school to help with costs associated with programming for the school channel.
"The school channel has been on the air for about three months and continues to get better and better," Knegendorf noted. "The school is responsible for the programming on the channel and many students are involved with making that happen."
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
School board sets referendum date Swimming pool question to be posed
The Baldwin-Woodville Board of Education voted to schedule a building referendum for June 3, 2008 at the regular monthly meeting Monday evening. The referendum will have two questions, one for building a new intermediate school costing approximately $16.5 million, and the other for building an indoor swimming pool costing approximately $3.5 million.
The timing of the referendum was the subject of much discussion during the meeting. Board member John Hinz favored waiting until the general election in November for high voter turnout, but others expressed concern that waiting until that time would delay the project another construction season, causing inflation to increase the cost of the projects.
John Huenink of Kraus-Anderson Construction Company said construction costs increase an average of five percent a year, depending upon fuel costs, wage increases and materials. "Once a referendum is passed, the design team needs at least ten months to do the drawings," Huenink said. The bidding follows the design stage and Huenink said winter bidding is typically the most favorable time. "If the referendum is in June the bidding could be next February which is a good time," he said. Then construction could start during warmer weather, which saves on fuel
for heating, he added.
"Given the current space needs of the district, I think we need to have the referendum in June before school lets out," commented board member Deb Rasmussen.
Board member Tom Schumacher expressed concern that if the vote is scheduled for November and passes, construction wouldn't get started until 2010.
"If we do our job and get the information out to the public, people will get out and vote," added board member Todd Graf.
Superintendent Rusty Helland said the district needs facilities right now for present students. "It will be important to get the information out so the public would understand how inflation would affect the project," he said.
Hinz asked the district's financial advisor Steve Apfelbacher how the state's financial condition would affect B-W. Apfelbacher said the district is independent from the state as a far as acquiring debt.
Baldwin-Woodville has an excellent bond rating, Apfelbacher said, which is beneficial when negotiating interest rates.
"In terms of interest rates, rates are very competitive right now," Apfelbacher added.
Supt. Helland informed the board that the last special election held in December, 2000 cost $11,000. A regular election costs between $2,000 and $3,000 he said.
The board voted five to one to set the referendum date for June 3, 2008. Voting yes: Graf, Klanderman, Rasmussen, Schumacher, and Campbell. Voting no: Hinz. Board member Mike Bondarenko was absent.
A committee was established to get the information out to voters. Board members Graf, Rasmussen and Dustin Klanderman volunteered to serve on the committee. Supt. Helland said he has the names of several other volunteers from the public. The first meeting of the committee is scheduled for March 10 at 7:00 p.m.
During the open forum, district resident Larry Spoo asked the board if the purpose of the committee is to promote the referendum or to look at the pros and cons of the project.
"I think the purpose is to promote the project by getting the information out," answered board president Jeff Campbell.
"What is the plan if the enrollment goes down?" asked Spoo. "The committee needs to look at both sides," he said.
"Our job is to gather the information as it exists," said Schumacher, "and present it to the public for them to decide."
"The people's questions will be answered," added Campbell.
A motion to rescind a letter of intent to retire from Sandee Blakeley failed on a tie vote. Prior to the motion, Graf asked if her position had been advertised yet. Supt. Helland said no, the deadline for retirement notices is the end of February and the positions are then posted
in March.
After the motion there was no discussion. Voting yes: Graf, Rasmussen, and Campbell. Voting no: Hinz, Klanderman, and Schumacher. Absent: Bondarenko.
During the administrative reports, Supt. Helland thanked Baldwin Telecom for their assistance in setting up the B-W television station, channel 18. Baldwin Telecom Manager Larry Knegendorf will be presenting the district with another donation for the station this Friday at the High School, said Helland.
Director of Pupil Services Patti Phillipps commended Elementary School Counselor Carol Lebo for her work with the Department of Public Instruction on the Wisconsin Comprehensive School Counseling Model. The publication is a new resource and planning guide for school counselors.
Supt. Helland thanked Phillipps and district special education staff for their work completing exit surveys of all graduating students with IEPs (Individual Educational Plans). The surveys found that 100 percent of the students were involved in post-secondary education and/or employment one year out of school.
Viking Middle School Principal Hank Dupuis informed the board the First Bank of Baldwin recently donated $1,000 for the middle school after school study hall program.
Helland reported the second Friday enrollment figures from January 11, 2008 total 1515 students, up 26 over last year's figure of 1489.
The timing of the referendum was the subject of much discussion during the meeting. Board member John Hinz favored waiting until the general election in November for high voter turnout, but others expressed concern that waiting until that time would delay the project another construction season, causing inflation to increase the cost of the projects.
John Huenink of Kraus-Anderson Construction Company said construction costs increase an average of five percent a year, depending upon fuel costs, wage increases and materials. "Once a referendum is passed, the design team needs at least ten months to do the drawings," Huenink said. The bidding follows the design stage and Huenink said winter bidding is typically the most favorable time. "If the referendum is in June the bidding could be next February which is a good time," he said. Then construction could start during warmer weather, which saves on fuel
for heating, he added.
"Given the current space needs of the district, I think we need to have the referendum in June before school lets out," commented board member Deb Rasmussen.
Board member Tom Schumacher expressed concern that if the vote is scheduled for November and passes, construction wouldn't get started until 2010.
"If we do our job and get the information out to the public, people will get out and vote," added board member Todd Graf.
Superintendent Rusty Helland said the district needs facilities right now for present students. "It will be important to get the information out so the public would understand how inflation would affect the project," he said.
Hinz asked the district's financial advisor Steve Apfelbacher how the state's financial condition would affect B-W. Apfelbacher said the district is independent from the state as a far as acquiring debt.
Baldwin-Woodville has an excellent bond rating, Apfelbacher said, which is beneficial when negotiating interest rates.
"In terms of interest rates, rates are very competitive right now," Apfelbacher added.
Supt. Helland informed the board that the last special election held in December, 2000 cost $11,000. A regular election costs between $2,000 and $3,000 he said.
The board voted five to one to set the referendum date for June 3, 2008. Voting yes: Graf, Klanderman, Rasmussen, Schumacher, and Campbell. Voting no: Hinz. Board member Mike Bondarenko was absent.
A committee was established to get the information out to voters. Board members Graf, Rasmussen and Dustin Klanderman volunteered to serve on the committee. Supt. Helland said he has the names of several other volunteers from the public. The first meeting of the committee is scheduled for March 10 at 7:00 p.m.
During the open forum, district resident Larry Spoo asked the board if the purpose of the committee is to promote the referendum or to look at the pros and cons of the project.
"I think the purpose is to promote the project by getting the information out," answered board president Jeff Campbell.
"What is the plan if the enrollment goes down?" asked Spoo. "The committee needs to look at both sides," he said.
"Our job is to gather the information as it exists," said Schumacher, "and present it to the public for them to decide."
"The people's questions will be answered," added Campbell.
A motion to rescind a letter of intent to retire from Sandee Blakeley failed on a tie vote. Prior to the motion, Graf asked if her position had been advertised yet. Supt. Helland said no, the deadline for retirement notices is the end of February and the positions are then posted
in March.
After the motion there was no discussion. Voting yes: Graf, Rasmussen, and Campbell. Voting no: Hinz, Klanderman, and Schumacher. Absent: Bondarenko.
During the administrative reports, Supt. Helland thanked Baldwin Telecom for their assistance in setting up the B-W television station, channel 18. Baldwin Telecom Manager Larry Knegendorf will be presenting the district with another donation for the station this Friday at the High School, said Helland.
Director of Pupil Services Patti Phillipps commended Elementary School Counselor Carol Lebo for her work with the Department of Public Instruction on the Wisconsin Comprehensive School Counseling Model. The publication is a new resource and planning guide for school counselors.
Supt. Helland thanked Phillipps and district special education staff for their work completing exit surveys of all graduating students with IEPs (Individual Educational Plans). The surveys found that 100 percent of the students were involved in post-secondary education and/or employment one year out of school.
Viking Middle School Principal Hank Dupuis informed the board the First Bank of Baldwin recently donated $1,000 for the middle school after school study hall program.
Helland reported the second Friday enrollment figures from January 11, 2008 total 1515 students, up 26 over last year's figure of 1489.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Badger Visits Greenfield
Cody Rose, the son of Barry and Tammy Rose, and a red-shirt freshman member of the Wisconsin Badgers, visited Jeremy Nygaard's third grade class at Greenfield last week to tell the children about his experience as a member of the team and the experience of traveling to the Outback Bowl in Florida. Cody also amazed the students with several card tricks while visiting with the class.
SMART Boards Allow Interactive Computer Screen Display
Greenfield Elementary second grade teacher Dana Ducklow is one of the teachers who has had an interactive SMART Board installed in her classroom.As technology marches on, schools strive to keep up. At Baldwin-Woodville Schools some new technology has just been installed at all three schools.
SMART Boards, computer interactive whiteboards, have been installed in all three educational buildings in the B-W district.
According to Lisa Magnuson, B-W's Technology-Curriculum Director/Technician, 13 of the SMART Boards have been installed in classrooms at the High School, Viking Middle School and Greenfield Elementary.
"It's very exciting because the world now becomes our classroom," said Magnuson. She said a class studying the art in the Louve Museum can go to the Louve web site and take a guided tour. Geometry can be taught in 3-D and manipulated on screen. "I think it's going to become an indispensable teaching tool.
The SMART Boards not only communicate with the teacher's computer and displays the computer screen, but also allows touch operation of the computer from the board. All that takes place on the board can be saved on the computer for review. For instance, said Magnuson, a lesson could be posted to a teacher's web site and someone who was absent could see what was covered in class. The computer screen is projected to the whiteboard by a projector installed in the ceiling.
There have been five SMART Boards installed at Greenfield, one for each grade level; four at Viking; and four at the High School, one of which is a mobile unit.
At Greenfield Elementary second grade teacher Dana Ducklow has a SMART Board installed in her classrooms and students have already been learning from them. She said her students have been actively learning from the SMART Board and enjoy it and she and the students are learning from each other.
Each of the SMART Boards cost between $4,000 and $5,000, including installation. They were purchased from and installed by a company called Computer Integrated Technology of Woodbury, Minn.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Virtual School Opportunities Through Baldwin-Woodville Schools
The Baldwin-Woodville School District is currently offering virtual schooling opportunities for students in grades five through 12, according to Superintendent Rusty Helland.
"This year we have three middle school students and one high school student participating in virtual school," said Helland. "We use the resources of CESA (Cooperative Educational Service Agencies) 9 to provide classes for our students," he added.
This is one of several different options for students to receive their education, said Helland. According to High School Principal Eric Russell B-W also offers online components to classes directly from local high school teachers in English, history and others.
Enrolling students in virtual school at Baldwin-Woodville is a win-win situation for families and the district, said Helland. The students are included in the district's enrollment, which determines state aid, and the district pays for the students classes.
For information about educational opportunities at Baldwin-Woodville, contact Supt. Helland at the district office, 684-3411.
"This year we have three middle school students and one high school student participating in virtual school," said Helland. "We use the resources of CESA (Cooperative Educational Service Agencies) 9 to provide classes for our students," he added.
This is one of several different options for students to receive their education, said Helland. According to High School Principal Eric Russell B-W also offers online components to classes directly from local high school teachers in English, history and others.
Enrolling students in virtual school at Baldwin-Woodville is a win-win situation for families and the district, said Helland. The students are included in the district's enrollment, which determines state aid, and the district pays for the students classes.
For information about educational opportunities at Baldwin-Woodville, contact Supt. Helland at the district office, 684-3411.
School Board Proposes June 3 Referendum - Volunteers Needed for Public Information Campaign
The Baldwin-Woodville Board of Education continued its discussion regarding the recommendation of the Community Facility Needs Exploratory Committee to build a new intermediate school, which was presented at last month's meeting.
Board President Jeff Campbell gave a brief overview of the situation, explaining the committee was formed after space concerns were identified at district buildings. The committee was comprised of citizens, teachers, Campbell and Supt. Rusty Helland. Professional advice was obtained from HSR Architecture Engineering and Kraus-Anderson Construction Company. The committee started its work last April and recommends a new intermediate school for grades three through five be constructed on property owned by the district.
Steve Apfelbacher of Ehlers & Associated Financial Services advised the board that refundable bonds originally issued in 1991 and mature in 2010, can be changed to be due in 2011. This would reduce the tax spike of an other bond issue caused by delayed state aid payments to the district.
"Have bond rates changed?" asked board member John Hinz.
Apfelbacher said they have come down a bit since last month. "They are headed in the right direction," he said.
"If the board wants to build a new school, we need to set a timetable," prompted Supt. Helland.
A lengthy discussion followed concerning the timing of a referendum.
Board members Campbell and Todd Graf agreed that an April 1 referendum to coincide with the spring election doesn't give the board enough time to inform the public.
Apfelbacher said that state law requires the school board to pass the initial resolution more than 45 days before the election and publish formal notices before the election.
Once the resolution is passed, Brad Simonson of HSR said that in his experience it takes four weeks to present the information to the public.
"I think we should wait until the November general election so we can see what our new enrollment figures are and have spent a summer with $3.00 gas," commented Hinz. "We would get good voter turn out for the general election."
"It will probably take two years to build the school," said board member Mike Bondarenko. "Waiting until November seems too long."
Besides, Bondarenko said, "We have already had a really good committee do the research and we need to act, but April seems too soon."
Helland noted the committee used the past ten years of enrollment data in making its recommendation.
John Huenink of Kraus-Anderson agreed that voter turnout could be good at the November election, but said that if the district waits that long inflation starts to increase the cost of construction.
Board member Deb Rasmussen asked fellow board members if a separate question about financing the swimming pool should be included in the referendum. It appeared the rest of the board agreed that the question needs to be asked.
In the end, the board agreed to set June 3, 2008 for the referendum. No formal motion was listed on the agenda, so none was made.
Supt. Helland recommended setting up two committees: Public Relations and Public Presentation, which would include the professional team. Volunteers are needed for the committees and Helland indicated that people have already shown interest. Helland can be contacted at the district office, 684-3411 for information about volunteering for the committees.
During the open forum, district resident Ken Rundhaug questioned the district's choice of architect and engineering firms. "It seems like there were a lot of problems with the past project," he said.
"We looked at a few firms," said Campbell. "We haven't hired anyone yet." HSR and Kraus-Anderson wouldn't be hired until after a referendum is passed.
Helland agreed that there were problems with the past building project and assured Rundhaug that the district is consulting with two different companies than were used at that time.
The board approved continuing to work with HSR, Kraus-Anderson, and Ehlers.
Tom Kortas of LarsonAllen LLP presented the annual district audit report. The total cost of services for 2007 was $16,462,000 according to his report. Of that, 52.7% was for instruction, 7.7% for pupil and instructional services, 10.5% for operations and maintenance, and 6.0% for administration and business.
General state aid accounts for 51.1% of district revenues and 34.7% comes from property taxes. The balance is from fees and grants.
Kortas noted that the fund balance is $1,782.214, up $218,281 from last year. At 16 percent of the total budget, the figure falls in the recommended range of 15 to 20 percent, he said.
Supt. Helland commented that the district needed to short-term borrow just one time last year for a few days until state aid monies were received. The fund balance helps reduce the need to short-term borrow, he said.
Transportation/Athletic Director Wade Labecki informed the board that the district's new television station is on the air as of last Thursday. "It's message oriented right now," he said.
Included on the station right now are menus, schedules, etc. "Film takes a lot more space," Labecki said. "Baldwin Telecom is already expanding our broadband," to accommodate film he said.
Following a closed session a high school student was expelled through the end of the year for a bomb threat, which occurred before the Christmas break, according to Supt. Helland.
Board President Jeff Campbell gave a brief overview of the situation, explaining the committee was formed after space concerns were identified at district buildings. The committee was comprised of citizens, teachers, Campbell and Supt. Rusty Helland. Professional advice was obtained from HSR Architecture Engineering and Kraus-Anderson Construction Company. The committee started its work last April and recommends a new intermediate school for grades three through five be constructed on property owned by the district.
Steve Apfelbacher of Ehlers & Associated Financial Services advised the board that refundable bonds originally issued in 1991 and mature in 2010, can be changed to be due in 2011. This would reduce the tax spike of an other bond issue caused by delayed state aid payments to the district.
"Have bond rates changed?" asked board member John Hinz.
Apfelbacher said they have come down a bit since last month. "They are headed in the right direction," he said.
"If the board wants to build a new school, we need to set a timetable," prompted Supt. Helland.
A lengthy discussion followed concerning the timing of a referendum.
Board members Campbell and Todd Graf agreed that an April 1 referendum to coincide with the spring election doesn't give the board enough time to inform the public.
Apfelbacher said that state law requires the school board to pass the initial resolution more than 45 days before the election and publish formal notices before the election.
Once the resolution is passed, Brad Simonson of HSR said that in his experience it takes four weeks to present the information to the public.
"I think we should wait until the November general election so we can see what our new enrollment figures are and have spent a summer with $3.00 gas," commented Hinz. "We would get good voter turn out for the general election."
"It will probably take two years to build the school," said board member Mike Bondarenko. "Waiting until November seems too long."
Besides, Bondarenko said, "We have already had a really good committee do the research and we need to act, but April seems too soon."
Helland noted the committee used the past ten years of enrollment data in making its recommendation.
John Huenink of Kraus-Anderson agreed that voter turnout could be good at the November election, but said that if the district waits that long inflation starts to increase the cost of construction.
Board member Deb Rasmussen asked fellow board members if a separate question about financing the swimming pool should be included in the referendum. It appeared the rest of the board agreed that the question needs to be asked.
In the end, the board agreed to set June 3, 2008 for the referendum. No formal motion was listed on the agenda, so none was made.
Supt. Helland recommended setting up two committees: Public Relations and Public Presentation, which would include the professional team. Volunteers are needed for the committees and Helland indicated that people have already shown interest. Helland can be contacted at the district office, 684-3411 for information about volunteering for the committees.
During the open forum, district resident Ken Rundhaug questioned the district's choice of architect and engineering firms. "It seems like there were a lot of problems with the past project," he said.
"We looked at a few firms," said Campbell. "We haven't hired anyone yet." HSR and Kraus-Anderson wouldn't be hired until after a referendum is passed.
Helland agreed that there were problems with the past building project and assured Rundhaug that the district is consulting with two different companies than were used at that time.
The board approved continuing to work with HSR, Kraus-Anderson, and Ehlers.
Tom Kortas of LarsonAllen LLP presented the annual district audit report. The total cost of services for 2007 was $16,462,000 according to his report. Of that, 52.7% was for instruction, 7.7% for pupil and instructional services, 10.5% for operations and maintenance, and 6.0% for administration and business.
General state aid accounts for 51.1% of district revenues and 34.7% comes from property taxes. The balance is from fees and grants.
Kortas noted that the fund balance is $1,782.214, up $218,281 from last year. At 16 percent of the total budget, the figure falls in the recommended range of 15 to 20 percent, he said.
Supt. Helland commented that the district needed to short-term borrow just one time last year for a few days until state aid monies were received. The fund balance helps reduce the need to short-term borrow, he said.
Transportation/Athletic Director Wade Labecki informed the board that the district's new television station is on the air as of last Thursday. "It's message oriented right now," he said.
Included on the station right now are menus, schedules, etc. "Film takes a lot more space," Labecki said. "Baldwin Telecom is already expanding our broadband," to accommodate film he said.
Following a closed session a high school student was expelled through the end of the year for a bomb threat, which occurred before the Christmas break, according to Supt. Helland.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
BW-School Board Reviews Building Recommendation
The Baldwin-Woodville School Board spent the lion's share of Monday night's meeting discussing last month's recommendation from the Community Facility Needs Exploratory Committee. In November the committee presented the recommendation that an intermediate school for grades three through five be built to alleviate crowding at the elementary and middle schools.
The committee was formed by the board last April with community members who responded to advertising for volunteers. Also serving on the committee are Superintendent Rusty Helland, school board member Jeff Campbell and school employees. John Huenink, construction manager from Kraus-Anderson, and architect Brad Simonson of HSR provided technical assistance to the committee.
Committee member Jane Erickson commented that the group represents a wide range of ages and occupations.
Over the past eight months, the committee met ten times to research, analyze data and brainstorm. In the end, their recommendation is that an intermediate school for grades three through five with six sections at each level should be built. The recommended location for the 90,000 square foot building is north of Greenfield Elementary, just west of the parking lot that currently serves the High School. Estimated price tagis $16,494,000 according to preliminary cost figures provided by Kraus-Anderson.
Steve Apfelbacher of Ehlers and Associates explained the financial impact of the project using the preliminary figure of $16.495 million construction cost, with that debt issued over 20 years. The financing assumptions include bonds being issued in June of 2008 following an April referendum.
Apfelbacher said the district's present debt is $22,061,837. State Aid to the district for debt service is at 69.65 percent annually. As the district's debt increases, the State Aid formula changes and Apfelbacher estimated the new debt would be reimbursed at 63.8 percent.
Current debt capacity of the district is $45,524,792, which is the difference between the $67,586,629 debt limit less the $22,061,837 outstanding, according to Apfelbacher. Board members Tom Schumacher and John Hinz both cautioned against borrowing to the upper debt limit.
The projected interest rate for the project is 4.25 percent said Apfelbacher. That translates into $121.76 yearly tax increase on a $200,000 home, $182.64 for a $300,000 home and $243.51 for a $400,000 home.
"This last year, our growth didn't increase that much," commented Hinz, "What happens if it stays flat?"
If there is no growth in property values the mill rate would go up, said Apfelbacher. He explained that in doing the cost analysis for the district he used a conservative growth estimate of 75 percent of the average of the last five year's growth.
Apfelbacher said the two most important factors for the district to consider from a financial standpoint are how fast is the equalized valuation of the district growing and how much will the state contribute. Both of these can only be estimated.
John Huenink of Kraus-Anderson Construction Company explained the construction manager at risk services, which Kraus-Anderson could provide for the district. Construction manager at risk services assume all responsibility for pre-construction and construction phases of the project.
The district assumes no risk, any problems are the responsibility of the CM, he said.
In addition, the CM at risk charges a fixed fee which is negotiated up front based on estimated cost of the work. There is no mark up for change orders, said Huenink. Checks and balances between the architect and construction manager are built into the process and any savings revert 100 percent to the district, he said.
Architect Brad Simonson explained that the proposed building would add one classroom per grade level. The district has been increasing by an average of 24 students per year according to enrollment figures.
"We're not growing like we were, who knows how far out we can predict," said Hinz. "You can over-build."
"The committee talked about projected enrollment a lot," said Simonson. "At first the recommendation was for seven sections for each grade level, but they didn't want to over-build."
A few board members said the community had been misled in the last building project which assured that Viking Middle School could be added onto in the future.
Simonson said classrooms could be added on at Viking to the various wings and the core areas could handle the added students, but an additional entire grade level wouldn't fit. And that doesn't alleviate the problems at Greenfield Elementary. Classrooms could be added at Viking and the proposed new school in the future as needed Simonson said.
"What happens to the classrooms at Greenfield (that would be vacated by the move of third and fourth grades)," asked board member Dustin Klanderman.
Many programs that have been crowded would now have adequate space including special ed, library and computers, said Simonson. There would also be classrooms for additional grade level
sections.
Board member Todd Graf asked what would happen to the new garage next to Greenfield. Simonson said there are several options of where to move the building. He explained that the proposed building is planned for that spot due to the location of the bus loop and main entrance of Greenfield.
Board member Deb Rasmussen noted that the committee was very concerned with the leaking roofs in the district and thought these should be fixed before any new building begins.
Huenink said it's actually the exterior walls that are leaking in places where the flashing was improperly installed. According to Maintenance Supervisor Mike Timm, the district plans to test two sealant products in the spring to see which work or not.
"We're looking at $50,000 at the low end to $350,000 at the high end to replace the flashing," said Supt. Rusty Helland. "We all agree this needs to be fixed as soon as possible."
Rasmussen also asked if the committee addressed the swimming pool issue.
Simonson and Huenink said they estimated $4 million for an indoor pool and $10,000 to $12,000 annual operating costs. They said the committee decided that if the board wants to include the pool on the referendum, it should be a separate question from the proposed school building question.
District resident Ken Rundhaug asked what new administrative staff would be needed for a new building and if operating costs were included or would another referendum question be needed for that.
Simonson said the committee noted there would be additional maintenance staff, serving kitchen staff, as well as teachers. He said there would be a savings on busing costs. Operating costs are not figured into the preliminary building cost estimates, he said.
"These are all good questions," commented Huenink. "Your committee discussed them at length over a period of months and we'll review them with the board if you like."
"I don't think we need to re-invent the wheel," commented board member Mike Bondarenko as he made a motion to pursue the recommendation with further discussion at the next regular board meeting scheduled for Jan. 14.
Motion carried.
The committee was formed by the board last April with community members who responded to advertising for volunteers. Also serving on the committee are Superintendent Rusty Helland, school board member Jeff Campbell and school employees. John Huenink, construction manager from Kraus-Anderson, and architect Brad Simonson of HSR provided technical assistance to the committee.
Committee member Jane Erickson commented that the group represents a wide range of ages and occupations.
Over the past eight months, the committee met ten times to research, analyze data and brainstorm. In the end, their recommendation is that an intermediate school for grades three through five with six sections at each level should be built. The recommended location for the 90,000 square foot building is north of Greenfield Elementary, just west of the parking lot that currently serves the High School. Estimated price tagis $16,494,000 according to preliminary cost figures provided by Kraus-Anderson.
Steve Apfelbacher of Ehlers and Associates explained the financial impact of the project using the preliminary figure of $16.495 million construction cost, with that debt issued over 20 years. The financing assumptions include bonds being issued in June of 2008 following an April referendum.
Apfelbacher said the district's present debt is $22,061,837. State Aid to the district for debt service is at 69.65 percent annually. As the district's debt increases, the State Aid formula changes and Apfelbacher estimated the new debt would be reimbursed at 63.8 percent.
Current debt capacity of the district is $45,524,792, which is the difference between the $67,586,629 debt limit less the $22,061,837 outstanding, according to Apfelbacher. Board members Tom Schumacher and John Hinz both cautioned against borrowing to the upper debt limit.
The projected interest rate for the project is 4.25 percent said Apfelbacher. That translates into $121.76 yearly tax increase on a $200,000 home, $182.64 for a $300,000 home and $243.51 for a $400,000 home.
"This last year, our growth didn't increase that much," commented Hinz, "What happens if it stays flat?"
If there is no growth in property values the mill rate would go up, said Apfelbacher. He explained that in doing the cost analysis for the district he used a conservative growth estimate of 75 percent of the average of the last five year's growth.
Apfelbacher said the two most important factors for the district to consider from a financial standpoint are how fast is the equalized valuation of the district growing and how much will the state contribute. Both of these can only be estimated.
John Huenink of Kraus-Anderson Construction Company explained the construction manager at risk services, which Kraus-Anderson could provide for the district. Construction manager at risk services assume all responsibility for pre-construction and construction phases of the project.
The district assumes no risk, any problems are the responsibility of the CM, he said.
In addition, the CM at risk charges a fixed fee which is negotiated up front based on estimated cost of the work. There is no mark up for change orders, said Huenink. Checks and balances between the architect and construction manager are built into the process and any savings revert 100 percent to the district, he said.
Architect Brad Simonson explained that the proposed building would add one classroom per grade level. The district has been increasing by an average of 24 students per year according to enrollment figures.
"We're not growing like we were, who knows how far out we can predict," said Hinz. "You can over-build."
"The committee talked about projected enrollment a lot," said Simonson. "At first the recommendation was for seven sections for each grade level, but they didn't want to over-build."
A few board members said the community had been misled in the last building project which assured that Viking Middle School could be added onto in the future.
Simonson said classrooms could be added on at Viking to the various wings and the core areas could handle the added students, but an additional entire grade level wouldn't fit. And that doesn't alleviate the problems at Greenfield Elementary. Classrooms could be added at Viking and the proposed new school in the future as needed Simonson said.
"What happens to the classrooms at Greenfield (that would be vacated by the move of third and fourth grades)," asked board member Dustin Klanderman.
Many programs that have been crowded would now have adequate space including special ed, library and computers, said Simonson. There would also be classrooms for additional grade level
sections.
Board member Todd Graf asked what would happen to the new garage next to Greenfield. Simonson said there are several options of where to move the building. He explained that the proposed building is planned for that spot due to the location of the bus loop and main entrance of Greenfield.
Board member Deb Rasmussen noted that the committee was very concerned with the leaking roofs in the district and thought these should be fixed before any new building begins.
Huenink said it's actually the exterior walls that are leaking in places where the flashing was improperly installed. According to Maintenance Supervisor Mike Timm, the district plans to test two sealant products in the spring to see which work or not.
"We're looking at $50,000 at the low end to $350,000 at the high end to replace the flashing," said Supt. Rusty Helland. "We all agree this needs to be fixed as soon as possible."
Rasmussen also asked if the committee addressed the swimming pool issue.
Simonson and Huenink said they estimated $4 million for an indoor pool and $10,000 to $12,000 annual operating costs. They said the committee decided that if the board wants to include the pool on the referendum, it should be a separate question from the proposed school building question.
District resident Ken Rundhaug asked what new administrative staff would be needed for a new building and if operating costs were included or would another referendum question be needed for that.
Simonson said the committee noted there would be additional maintenance staff, serving kitchen staff, as well as teachers. He said there would be a savings on busing costs. Operating costs are not figured into the preliminary building cost estimates, he said.
"These are all good questions," commented Huenink. "Your committee discussed them at length over a period of months and we'll review them with the board if you like."
"I don't think we need to re-invent the wheel," commented board member Mike Bondarenko as he made a motion to pursue the recommendation with further discussion at the next regular board meeting scheduled for Jan. 14.
Motion carried.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Facility Needs Committee Recommends New School
Brad Simonson, left, an architect with HSR Associates, points out some improvements that could be made at Greenfield Elementary School if two grades were moved out of the building. At left is construction manager (and Baldwin native) John Huenink of Kraus-Anderson Construction Company. Both have been working with a committee of Baldwin-Woodville residents on plans to relieve overcrowding especially at Greenfield and Viking Middle School.A conceptional site plan of the intermediate school was provided by the committee.
A new school building for Baldwin-Woodville? That's the recommendation from the Community Facility Needs Exploratory Committee to the school board at Monday night's regular monthly
B-W Board of Education meeting.
The committee was formed by the board last April with community members who responded to advertising for volunteers.Also serving on the committee are school employees, Superintendent Rusty Helland, and school board member Jeff Campbell. John Huenink, construction manager from Kraus-Anderson, and architect Brad Simonson of HSR provided technical assistance to the committee.
Over the past eight months, the committee met ten times to research, analyze data and brainstorm. In the end, their recommendation is that an intermediate school for grades three through five with six sections at each level should be built. The recommended location for the 90,000 square foot building is north of Greenfield Elementary, just west of the parking lot that currently serves the High School. Estimated price tag is $16,494,000 according to preliminary cost figures provided by Kraus-Anderson.
Beth Meyers, chairman of the committee, presented a power point outlining the groups' activities to this point. "We toured all the buildings, including old Viking," she said. "Old" Viking is presently owned by Albrightson Excavating. In addition, committee members interviewed people involved in the past building project.
"Lessons learned from the past project include the need to plan further out than five years," Meyers said. The committee's goal is to plan for the next 20 years she added.
Another lesson learned was the need to hire a construction management firm that is independent of the architectural firm, said Meyers. That provides a system of checks and balances, she said.
Currently the High School has 455 students and can handle 600, so that building is in the best shape numbers-wise said Meyers.
Viking Middle School is at capacity with 472 students, using what was intended as a meeting/community room by dividing it into two classrooms, according to Principal Hank Dupuis. While classrooms were planned to be added at Viking according to the original plan, the core areas such as cafeteria and library are not large enough to handle the increased capacity said Simonson. Currently, grades five through eight are at Viking.
Greenfield Elementary Principal Gary Hoffman reported that 587 students are presently at that school and conditions are crowded. Lack of classroom space, inadequate computer labs and small library, cafeteria, art and music rooms are the main problems at Greenfield. Grades kindergarten through fourth are presently at Greenfield.
After doing the research, the committee narrowed their options to two: buying back "old" Viking and remodeling, or building a new intermediate school for grades three through five. The efficiencies of a new building prevailed.
Meyers said the committee thinks it is essential that the district fix the leaks at Viking and the High School before putting a referendum before the public in April, 2008.
The school board will devote the December meeting to further discussion of the plan.
Members of the committee are Bob Basques, Scott Benoy, Jackie Bensen, Warren Benson, Jeff Campbell, Jane Erickson, Nan Jordahl, Mark Lebo, Beth Meyers, Dennis Paquette, Ken Peterson, Larry Spoo, Jerry Strobush, Greg Wevers, Amy Wicker, Mike Timm, and Rusty Helland.
In other business at Monday's meeting, the board approved up to $9,457.50 toward new playground equipment at Greenfield Elementary. Principal Hoffman explained he is applying for a 50 percent grant from Gametime, a playground equipment company, to fund the remainder of the cost. Board President Jeff Campbell suggested that Hoffman contact the Village of Baldwin for a contribution from the parks fund.
Following a closed session, the board expelled two High School students for possession of drugs on school grounds. The buyer of the drugs was expelled until the end of the 2007-08 school year, but may be readmitted second semester if certain criteria set by the school board are met. The seller was expelled until the end of the 2008-09 school year, but may be readmitted in September of 2008 if certain criteria set by the school board are met.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)