Willow Springs Learning Center in spotlight
Willow Springs Learning Center Principal Dr. Renae MacCudden presented a video highlighting Willow Town’s new Science & Discovery Zone. The area is designed for small group instruction and allows students to form explanations through trial and error, observation and exploration.
Hamilton High School students presented
Hamilton High School students addressed board members to provide an overview of school activities including the successful Student Council Blood Drive, recent DECA accomplishments and Key Club Seniors for Seniors event. Synergy Show Choir earned title of Grand Champion for the first time in the program’s history. Meanwhile, the Drama Department is preparing for “SpongeBob the Musical” in May.
Capital projects status report approved
A list of projects totaling $3,386,000.00 was approved. Each school building has projects on the list. Items include security camera replacement, sewer work and roof replacement.
Early payment of debt saves taxpayers
Board members took action to pay down district debt early through a process known as defeasance. The District will place money from its debt service fund into an escrow account to defease $6.2 million of debt from the 2018 referendum for construction of Silver Spring Intermediate School and Hamilton High School additions. The move will save taxpayers $2.3 million in interest costs over the course of the bonds and will result in a more steady mill rate. The School Board approved the additional levy in October.
Early College Credit Program report approved
Eighteen high school students requested admission to the Early College Credit Program (ECCP) for the first semester of the 2024-25 school year. 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 75 percent funded by Hamilton High School and 25 percent from the state. If the student fails, withdraws or drops a class, the family pays 100 percent of the cost.
Start College Now report approved
Thirty-one high school students requested admission into the Start College Now (SCN) program for the first semester of the 2024-25 school year. The program allows juniors and seniors with good academic standing and no disciplinary programs to take courses at Waukesha County Technical College. The money to fund the program is budgeted through the high school. If a student fails the course or withdraws/drops, the family pays 100 percent. Transportation is the students’ responsibility.
Reports and documents approved
Several reports and documents were approved including:
- Technology Initiatives Status Report
- Five-Year School Pupil Nondiscrimination Self-Evaluation Summary Report
In personnel matters
The School Board approved the appointment of:
- Ann Wodarczak, Executive Assistant to Superintendent/Assistant Board Clerk, effective May 13.
The School Board approved the retirement of:
- Kathy Lemley, Administrative-Assistant at Templeton Middle School, effective May 3.
The School Board approved the resignations of:
- Angela Kolesari, Paraprofessional- Special Services at Templeton Middle School, effective end of school year; and
- Donovan Kehoe, Custodian 1, PM at Hamilton High School, effective April 2.