COVID-19 procedures updated and approved
The Hamilton School District will maintain multi-layered mitigation efforts following recommendations from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Health and Services. The district will continue to respond to new information and changing conditions regarding COVID-19.
Highlights of the 2022-23 plan include:
- students and staff should monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and stay home if not feeling well;
- masks may be used based on individual preference;
- emphasis on frequent hand hygiene, increased air exchange/filtration and enhanced cleaning/disinfection protocols;
- positive COVID-19 cases should be reported to school so district nurses can consult with Waukesha County Health Department as needed; and
- students and staff with confirmed case of COVID-19 should follow CDC recommendations to determine return date.
Citizens approve tax levy at Annual Meeting
Citizens approved the Hamilton School District tax levy at the Annual Meeting held before the School Board’s regular Aug. 15 meeting. The tax levy, the portion of the budget paid through local property taxes, totaled $28.1 million, up from $27.8 million the year before. The total budget was $70.6 million, up approximately $1.9 million from 2021-22 due to increasing enrollment and the cost of inflation.
In addition to the levy approval, citizens kept School Board member salaries at $5,335 and approved lease agreements of district owned land for farming purposes.
Mental health partnership pilot approved
The School Board approved a pilot program in partnership with CareSolace for the 2022-23 school year. CareSolace matches families and students to mental health and substance abuse resources by securing appointments in a timely manner. This supports school staff by ensuring families are quickly able to access services, especially for students in crisis.
New teacher program updated and approved
New educators in the district will continue to be supported through the New Teacher Induction and Coaching Program. New teachers typically need more positive support and guidance as they become part of the Hamilton School District community. Internal mentors, administrators and instructional coaches collaborate to provide ongoing support.
Reports and documents approved
Reports and documents were approved including:
- Employee Absence Report for 2021-22 school year
- Grades 7 and 8 English Language Arts (Communication Arts) Curriculum
In personnel matters
The School Board approved the resignations of:
- Michelle Seligman, school psychologist at Hamilton High School, effective July 22;
- John Damato, fitness education teacher at Hamilton High School, effective July 28;
- Julie Odefey, literacy interventionist at Maple Avenue Elementary School, effective July 28;
- James Edmond Jr., Ph.D., principal at Woodside Elementary School, effective Aug. 12;
- Monica Tetting, associate kitchen employee at Hamilton High School, effective Aug. 1;
- Zackary Buschke, custodian I, p.m. at Silver Spring Intermediate School, effective Aug. 16;
- John Washbush, communication arts teacher at Hamilton High School, effective Aug. 3;
- Laura Watson, paraprofessional – special services at Silver Spring Intermediate School, effective Aug. 4;
- Stephanie Cochran, science teacher at Hamilton High School, effective Aug. 10; and
- Carol Hamilton, associate kitchen employee at Lannon Elementary School, effective Aug. 12.
The School Board approved the appointments of:
- Bryn Macari‐Hove, kindergarten 5 teacher at Lannon Elementary School, effective Aug. 22;
- Jill Sarnow, school counselor at Lannon Elementary School & Willow Springs Learning Center, effective Aug. 22;
- Jackie Giacalone, literacy interventionist at Marcy Elementary School, effective Aug. 24;
- Nicole Baumann, administrative assistant, payroll for the Hamilton School District, effective Aug. 22;
- Andrea Stabelfeldt, paraprofessional – instructional and supervision at Willow Springs Learning Center, effective Sept. 1;
- Julien Conner, paraprofessional – special services at Maple Avenue Elementary School, effective Sept. 1;
- Chaz Kochevar, grade 8 science teacher at Templeton Middle School, effective Aug. 22;
- Julie Odefey, grade 7 social studies & ELA teacher at Templeton Middle School, effective Aug. 22;
- Sarah Geiger, paraprofessional – instructional and supervision at Hamilton High School, effective Sept. 1;
- Katie Gritzmacher, paraprofessional – special services at Woodside Elementary School, effective Sept. 1;
- Justin Kontny, fitness education teacher at Hamilton High School and Templeton Middle School, effective Aug. 22;
- Laura Nemetz, world language Spanish teacher at Templeton Middle School, effective Aug. 22;
- Melissa Horn, interim principal at Woodside Elementary School, effective Aug, 17;
- Jenni Pluster, associate kitchen employee at Hamilton High School, effective Sept. 1;
- Brittany Krause, paraprofessional – special services at Marcy Elementary School, effective Sept. 1; and
- Mindy Steighner, literacy interventionist at Willow Springs Learning Center, effective Aug. 24.