Hamilton High School students presented
Five members of the Hamilton High School (HHS) Peer Leaders group presented to the board and explained how their main goal is to bring awareness to mental health. The students are identified by staff and receive training. They spoke about the success of last week’s Build Hope Walk. The HHS Peer Helper students also travel to Silver Spring Intermediate School and Templeton Middle School to talk to younger students about mental health.
Hamilton School Board certifies 2025-26 tax levy
Hamilton School Board members adopted a budget and certified a tax levy during the meeting. The tax levy, the portion of the budget paid through local property taxes, totaled $42.4 million, up from $40.8 million the year before. The total budget was $84.8 million, up 4.34% from 2024-25. The mill rate will decrease from $7.04 to $6.68 per $1,000 of property value. There was a 9.4% increase in property values throughout the district.
Each October, the School Board must adopt the budget, certify the tax levy and establish the tax rate after the Department of Revenue determines property values in the district. Tax bills are sent to property owners in December.
Enrollment report approved
Board members approved the K-12 Enrollment Report for the 2025-26 school year. There are currently 5059 students enrolled in the Hamilton School District, according to the official third Friday count of students as of September 19, 2025. That is 59 fewer students than were counted in September 2024.
Hamilton High School Business Academy approved
Hamilton Business Academy represents a significant expansion of opportunities for students by providing a pathway to earn an Associate’s Degree in Business Management from WCTC while completing their high school diploma. It will strengthen both academic credentials and employability skills. This is Hamilton’s first formal academy and places our district in step with neighboring districts that offer similar advanced opportunities. The opportunity will be available to a limited number of students each school year.
Hamilton and Templeton Site Plans approved
Principals from Templeton Middle School and Hamilton High School presented school site plans. The site plan process provides a productive way for leadership teams to prioritize a school year focus while taking into account common goals and data from the previous year.
Start College Now report approved
Thirty high school students requested admission into the Start College Now (SCN) program next semester. The program allows juniors and seniors with good academic standing and no disciplinary problems to take courses at Waukesha County Technical College. The money to fund this program is budgeted through the high school. If a student fails the course or withdraws/drops, the family pays 100% of the cost. Transportation is the students’ responsibility.
Early College Credit Program report approved
Eleven high school students requested admission to the Early College Credit Program (ECCP) next semester. ECCP enrolls students into courses offered through a UW System institution, or an alternative private, non-profit institution of higher education (IHE), provided they are in good standing and have no record of discipline. The program is funded 75% by Hamilton High School and 25% by the state. If the student fails, withdraws or drops a class, the family pays 100% of the cost.
Additional Special Education Staff approved
Due to increased student needs, additional special education educational support staff is recommended at Woodside and Marcy Elementary Schools.
Reports reviewed and approved
- Reviewed and Revised Board Policies
Personnel matters
School board members approved the appointments of:
- Erica Donovan-Smith, Educational Support – Clerical/Health at Lannon Elementary School, effective October 22
- Jessica Nead, Educational Support – Special Services at Templeton Middle School, effective October 27
- Megan Pritchard, Associate Kitchen Employee at Hamilton High School, effective October 27
School board members approved the resignations of:
- Mackenzie Hauser, Fitness Education Teacher at Woodside Elementary School, effective December 19
- Joy Buntrock, Educational Support – Literacy Interventionist at Maple Avenue Elementary School, effective November 6