Templeton Middle School students present
Templeton Middle School students told board members they are currently collecting cereal box donations for their annual TMS Cereal Bowl. This fundraiser uses a bracket system to track boxes collected by each classroom. Last year almost 2500 boxes were collected. TMS students are hopeful they will collect even more cereal boxes this year. Students also provided updates about the basketball team, wrestling team, robotics team and ski club.
Woodside Elementary School in spotlight
Woodside Elementary School Principal Melissa Horn and several staff members presented information about Timberwolf Time. They shared how they use small group instruction to meet their goal of making it possible for all students to get the support they need to learn at high levels.
Summer Opportunities 2025 recommendations approved
Summer Opportunities 2025 will take place from June 23 through July 18 with no classes on July 4. Registration will open March 10. Three buildings will be utilized for classes. Students in grades 4K-1 will attend classes at Marcy Elementary School. Students in grades 2-4 will attend classes at Silver Spring Intermediate School. Students in grades 5-12 will attend classes at Hamilton High School. Summer Opportunities 2025 will be offered to district families at no cost. There will be no bussing offered this year due to ongoing construction and safety concerns the construction sites present. Utilizing three school sites will allow for better traffic flow, more physical space and scheduling flexibility.
District gets favorable rate on referendum bonds
Because of the district’s strong Moody’s rating, interest rates to finance the referendum projects were better than expected. School Board members authorized the sale of $12.5 million in building and improvement bonds to TD Securities at an interest rate of 3.85 percent. The total aggregate interest rate from both bond sales is 3.99 percent. School officials conservatively projected the rate would be 5.25 percent. The lower rate will reduce the overall financial impact on taxpayers.
Additional special education staff approved
Due to increased student needs, additional special education staff is recommended at Woodside Elementary School for the remainder of the 2024-25 school year.
Contracted CESA services will continue
The Hamilton School District has utilized services provided by Cooperative Education Services Agency (CESA #1) to assist students who are at-risk, students who are not succeeding in the traditional school environment and/or students with specialized needs regarding educational services. CESA offers a variety of programs in Special Education and credit attainment. Board members approved continuing these services for the 2025-26 school year.
Personnel matters
School Board members approved the appointments of:
- Rachel Litz, Grade 5 Math and Science at Silver Spring Intermediate School, effective August 25
- Darien Moran, Educational Support – Special Services at Hamilton High School, effective March 10
- Hannah Ramsey, Music Choral Teacher – Replacement at Hamilton High School and Templeton Middle School, effective March 10
School Board members approved the resignations of:
- John Briggs, Educational Support Staff – Special Services at Hamilton High School, effective March 14