School board members recognized
Winner of the April 7 School Board Election, Tom Seiler was officially sworn in. Ashlie Schaffner and Jay Jones will take the oath of office before April 27 when their term begins.
Marcy Elementary School in spotlight
Marcy Elementary School Principal Courtney DeArmond and Instructional Coach Amy Yellin presented a spotlight video about the inaugural Marcy Learning Fair. This student-centered event took place March 10, inviting third and fourth graders to engage in independent research at home and share their discoveries using informational display boards in a creative gallery-style fair setting.
Silver Spring Intermediate School students presented
Members of the Silver Spring Intermediate School Student Council gave board members an overview of the ways the SSI community comes together including events, fundraisers, spirit days, school assemblies, spirit days, clubs and activities.
Lunch prices to increase
Lunch prices will slightly increase for the 2026-27 school year. Schools that take part in the National School Lunch Program have to ensure they have enough money in their meal program budget to cover the cost of meals for students who do not qualify for free or reduced lunches. To do this, schools can raise meal prices, use money from other sources or use a mix of both. The District will also extend its contract with Kemps Dairy for the 2026-27 school year.
| Current 2025-26 Lunch Prices | Proposed 2026-27 Lunch Prices | |
| Elementary | $2.95 | $3.05 |
| Intermediate | $3.30 | $3.40 |
| Middle School | $3.30 | $3.40 |
| High School | $3.30 hot lunch $2.00 breakfast | $3.50 hot lunch $2.15 breakfast |
| Bistro Box | $2.95 | $3.05 |
| Adults | $4.20 | $4.50 |
| Milk | $0.50 | $0.50 |
Budget draft presented
Every year the Hamilton School Board reviews a first draft of the District’s budget in spring.
- The mill rate is expected to increase by $0.42 to $7.10.
- The $1.4 million surplus will be added to the fund balance for projected future spending.
- The budget is built based on year two of the governor’s biennial budget of a $325 increase per pupil and a 40% reimbursement rate for special education. The District budget is not finalized until October, when information from the state is available.
Board meeting calendar approved
School Board members approved their 2026-27 meeting schedule. Board meetings will be held on July 20, August 17, September 21, October 6, October 19, November 16, December 21, January 25, February 8, March 2, March 15, April 12, May 4, May 17, June 1, June 21 and July 19.
Salary compensation adjustments approved
The School Board approved compensation increases for employee groups. Most employees can expect to see an approximately 2.63% increase in 2026-27. However, total aggregate salary compensation per group varies because of adjustments for certain individuals and banding of positions to create a minimum and maximum salary within a job level.
Employees can expect a message from the Human Resources Office with more specific information regarding their employee group adjustments. The employee groups and their total aggregate compensation approved were:
- Educational support staff – 2.64%
- Nutritional services staff – 2.77%
- Custodial and maintenance staff – 3.01%
- Administrative assistants – 2.82%
- Confidential support staff – 2.63%
- Administrators – 2.63%
- Teachers -2.92%
Reports, documents approved
Several reports and documents were approved including:
- Proposed WIAA By-Laws Revisions and Instructions to Delegate Report
- Preliminary notice of Non-Renewals for the 2026-27 school year
- Additional Seasonal Clerical Support for District Operations for 2026-27 school year
- Renewal of Contract with Superintendent for 2026-28
- Draft agenda for August 17 Annual Meeting
Personnel matters
Board members approved the appointments of:
- Cheryl Dziadowicz, Associate Kitchen Employee at Lannon Elementary School, effective April 7
- Susan Miller, Educational Support – Special Services at Silver Spring Intermediate School, effective April 7
- Daniela Weber, Custodian I, p.m. PT at Maple Avenue Elementary School, effective April 15
- Christine Raasch, Associate Kitchen Employee at Hamilton High School, effective April 13
- Kristina Kender, Business Teacher at Hamilton High School, effective start of the 2026-27 school year
Board members approved the retirements of:
- Kelly Rouse, Administrative Assistant at Marcy Elementary School, effective end of the 2025-26 school year
- Jacqueline Gorski, Library Tech Literacy Coach-Media Specialist at Hamilton High School, effective end of the 2025-26 school year
Board members approved the resignations of:
- Dana Marklund, Communication Arts Teacher, Hamilton High School, effective end of the 2025-26 school year
- Nancy Szijarto, Associate Kitchen Employee at Hamilton High School, effective April 17
- Jayne Ruetz, Special Education Teacher at Silver Spring Intermediate School, effective end of the 2025-26 school year
- Mindy Steighner, Educational Support – Literacy Willow Springs Learning Center, effective end of the 2025-26 school year
- Erica Phillips, Library and Technology Literacy Coach at Maple Avenue Elementary School, effective end of the 2025-26 school year
- Aida Kozic, Educational Support – Media Center at Woodside Elementary School, effective May 1