Hamilton High School students presented
Three members of the Class of 2025 addressed board members to share some of their favorite memories of their time at Hamilton High School. The students also shared information about their future plans, telling board members where they will attend college and what they plan to study.
Board Officers elected
School Board members elected Brian Schneider as their president, Rachel Ziemer as vice president, Dawn Van Aacken as clerk and John Castillo as treasurer.
Professional Development Plan approved
School Board members approved the 2025-26 Professional Development Forecast from Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Catherine Drago. Professional learning opportunities allow teachers to continue developing their teaching skills and subject knowledge.
Modification of 2025-26 School Calendar approved
School Board members approved a slight modification to the 2025-26 School Calendar to accommodate a staggered start for kindergartners. This modification only affects 5K students. A staggered start will be implemented at the beginning of the school year to enhance the experience of students and families transitioning into all-day 5K. On September 4, 2025 half of the 5K class will attend school for a full day. On September 5, 2025 the other half of the 5K class attends for the full day. On September 8, 2025 all 5K students attend school together.
Partnership with Care Solace approved
Assistant Superintendent of Special Services John Peterson presented the School Board with information regarding Care Solace, a mental health resources provider. The partnership helps expedite mental health services to our students and staff. Participants saw their wait time for appointments drop from several months to a few weeks.
Character Strong Program approved
Character Strong provides lessons in self-management, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. The program has been renewed for grades 5-8 for the 2025-26 school year.
Chapter 220 down to 3 students
A total of 3 students will continue to participate in the Chapter 220 Voluntary Integration Program in the 2025-26 school year. The state began phasing out the program approximately 10 years ago, only funding students who were already in the program. Chapter 220 is a state-funded voluntary integration program that brings Milwaukee Public Schools students to suburban districts. Before legislators phased out the program, as many as 110 Milwaukee students attended the District.
Reports and documents approved
Several reports and documents were reviewed and approved including:
- Additional Administrator FTE at Willow Springs Learning Center for 2025-26
- Renew Contract for Substitute Staffing Service for 2025-26 and 2026-27
- New Curriculum Documents for Humanities, grade 6
- Curriculum Resource Purchase for AP Comparative Government
- Reviewed and Revised Board Policies
Personnel matters
Board members approved the appointments of:
- Nicole Siem, Grade 2 Teacher at Lannon Elementary School, effective August 25
- Miranda Gammon, Grade 3 Humanities Teacher at Marcy Elementary School, effective August 25
- Riley Hasler, Applied Engineering and Technology Teacher at Hamilton High School, effective August 25
- Meredith Huber, Art Teacher at Hamilton High School, effective August 25
- Nicole Schmitt, Special Education Teacher at Marcy Elementary School, effective August 25
- Sania Ness, Special Education Teacher at Marcy Elementary School, effective August 25
- Kaitlyn Kurtzweil, Special Education Teacher at Silver Spring Intermediate School, effective August 25
- Bryn Hermanson, School Psychologist at Hamilton High School, effective August 25
Board members approved the resignations of:
- Miranda Rampson, Special Education Teacher at Marcy Elementary School, effective end of school year
- Bianca Santamaria, World Language – Spanish Teacher at Hamilton High School, effective end of the school year
- Omar Rodriguez, Custodian I, PM, PT at Templeton Middle School, effective May 28