Menomonie School Board Meeting for June 10, 2024

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE MENOMONIE AREA 
NOTICE OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION 
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE CENTER 
215 PINE AVENUE E., WISCONSIN 
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2024, 5:45 P.M. 

This meeting will be live-streamed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCq2Z68-Z717wExwN1mChOQ/streams

 AGENDA 

I. OPENING ITEMS 

A. Call to Order 

B. Roll Call and Quorum 

C. Pledge of Allegiance and Reading of Mission Statement 

D. Agenda Order and Approval/Revision 

E. Recommendations & Commendations 

F. Highlight on Youth 

G. Community Communications 

H. Revenue and Expenditure Reports for the Month Ended May 2024 

I. Monthly Employment Report (May 2024) 

J. 2024-25 Reconsideration Committee Appointments 

 

In accordance with Policy 361, the SDMA Reconsideration Committee is a standing committee that shall be appointed by the district administrator during the month of May prior to its term, which will run from September 1 through May 31 of the following school year.

With Emily Hines resigning her position to serve on the the school board, the vacancy was publicly posted by the district on May 6.

After a review of nine applications by the district administrator, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and the district's reading specialist, Meghan Burkett was appointed to fill the vacancy on the reconsideration committee for the 2024-25 school year.

According to Meghan's letter of application, she is a life-long book lover who learned to read at a very young age. She is a technical writer and has published research articles in a few national and international journals. Meghan has a Masters Degree of Applied Psychology from UW-Stout, with a concentration in research evaluation, so she is trained in evaluating projects, concepts, or items in a neutral and comprehensive way. Meghan is on the board of the Menomonie Singers, and she has two children who are currently attending River Heights Elementary.

Meghan also noted, "The removal of books is something that should be considered very carefully, with the educational goals of our students in mind as the primary focus. I try to make choices that put my children’s education first, and that means protecting the entire school district. A strong district, a strong library, is better for every child. I believe that I would be a good addition to this committee as I would strive to evaluate any books up for reconsideration from a religiously and politically neutral perspective, using data wherever possible."

A complete listing of the 2024-25 reconsideration committee is attached.

II. CONSENT AGENDA 

A. Action to Approve Consent Agenda 

1. Minutes of a Regular Board Meeting of May 13, 2024 

2. Financial Reports for May 2024 

3. Donations Exceeding $1,000 for May 2024 

4. Approve Student/Parent Handbooks for 2024-2025 

5. WIAA Renewal 

III. PERSONNEL CONSENT AGENDA 

A. Action to Approve Personnel Consent Agenda 

1. Resignations/Retirements 

2. Requests to Hire 

All consent agenda items were approved unanimously.

IV. ACTION AGENDA 

A. Approve Preliminary Budget for 2024-2025 

B. Approve Changes to the Employee Handbook for 2024-2025 

There was a serious discussion about the Employee Handbook language on paid leave. The changes are intended to attempt to have teachers not be gone for extended periods of time and putting undue pressure on other teachers. This was largely approved by the QIC committee and the impetus for it came from school staff. 

The board voted  and passed It 6-1 with one abstention.

V. DISCUSSION ITEMS/POLICY REVIEW 

A. Report from the Boys and Girls Club 

B. Annual Energy Report 

The district has made strides in reducing energy consumption. 

C. School Nutrition Report 

Meal prices will need to increase by 5 cents per meal for paid students and 10 cents per adult meal due to increased costs. 

D. Mental Health Services, Support, and Initiatives 

E. 2023-24 SEL Report 

F. Relationship Mapping Results 

G. Update on Business Insurance Bids 

H. Update on the Selection of Benefits Broker Proposals 

I. Referendum Exploration and Community Engagement 

If the board plans to start another referendum they will need to file for it by August 23. 

J. Scheduling a Board Retreat 

K. Items Related to Next Meeting Dates, Board Committees, and Reports 

VI. ADJOURNMENT 

A. Action to Adjourn 

The agenda as noted above was posted more than twenty-four hours prior to the meeting date. The most up-to-date agenda information is available on the district website. This agenda is posted at the Menomonie Area School District Administrative Services Center, and on the district website at www.sdmanonline.com under the School Board link.