Facilities committee to review options for growth
A committee to study growth and facility needs in the district for the next five years will be formed. The Hamilton School Board approved a charge for the 2017 Facilities Advisory Committee to study issues and develop recommendations that ultimately could lead to a referendum within the next year.
School Board members agreed that the committee will:
- review subdivision and enrollment growth through 2022;
- review elementary attendance boundaries in light of enrollment projections;
- analyze facility space use and physical conditions and identify needs;
- review grade level configurations and research on educational implications to adjust;
- review implications of financial impact on school district in addressing facility needs;
- identify options and implications to address identified facility needs;
- analyze and illustrate potential public support for recommendations to School Board; and
- present a report and recommendations to the School Board no later than March 20, 2017.
Representatives of various communities, senior citizens, parents, staff, administration and the School Board will comprise the committee.
The committee will meet weekly beginning Jan. 26 through March with a two-week break to allow for a survey to determine community sentiment on potential recommendations. The committee is expected to present its recommendations to the School Board at the end of March.
Hamilton students pilot INSPIRE Southeast Wisconsin
Hamilton High School is piloting a program designed to connect students with local companies that could provide learning experiences in the workplace. Hamilton High School Associate Principal Mark Otto described INSPIRE Southeast Wisconsin which is available through the Career Cruising technology designed to meet the state’s Academic and Career Planning mandate.
The program allows students to complete various surveys and questionnaires to identify potential careers that match their interests and skills. Students will then see which companies are willing to provide opportunities to connect with professionals in their identified fields. Businesses choose the type of experiences they want to offer which can range from career coaching, job shadows, internships, summer employment and more.
The program was started through a campaign developed through Milwaukee 7, a regional, cooperative economic development platform for the seven counties of southeastern Wisconsin. Its mission is to attract, retain and grow diverse businesses and talent.
If the pilot, which is offered to nine advisement groups of about 20-25 students each, goes as planned, the program will be rolled out to all Hamilton students next year. Sussex Area Chamber of Commerce board members provided an enthusiastic reception after Otto presented the concept to them last week. He will present for all members at the Chamber’s Open House on Feb. 15.
Templeton Bell Choir performs
Members of the Templeton Middle School Bell Choir, under the direction Jaye Mier, performed for School Board members with a piece from their holiday concert.
Board takes personnel action
In personnel matters the School Board:
- approved the retirement request of Maple Avenue cook Debra Deerr, effective June 9;
- accepted the resignations of Hamilton health room paraprofessional Sabrina Black, Hamilton cook Brittney Diedrick, Templeton supervision paraprofessional Jenny Galbavy, Willow Springs Principal Erin Steiner and Woodside special services paraprofessional Aimee Shaw;
- appointed Karen Figarino and Linda DiMiceli as part-time Woodside associate kitchen employees, Kathleen Houle as Hamilton special services paraprofessional and Jenny Galbavy as Hamilton health room paraprofessional.