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 August 17 meeting. The tax levy, the portion of the budget paid through local property taxes, totaled $44.1 million, up from $42.4 million the year before. The total budget was $94.4 million, up 4.13% from 2025-26. The increase in expenses is primarily the result of salary increases tied to inflation (CPI) and a 15% increase in the cost of health insurance benefits.
In addition to the levy approval, citizens voted to keep School Board member salaries at $5,550 and approved lease agreements of district-owned land for farming purposes.
Additional educational support staff approved
Due to increased student needs, additional educational support staff is recommended at Maple Avenue Elementary School and additional special education staffing is recommended at Marcy Elementary School during the 2026-27 school year.
Hamilton School District Strategic Priorities approved
Hamilton School District’s 2026-29 Strategic Plan reflects the perspectives of students, families and staff who were all invited to be part of the planning process. The plan is built on a foundation of Safety and Operational Sustainability because managing resources with a focus on financial sustainability protects instructional quality, maintains safe environments and guides future capital investments. Engaged Learners and Connected Adults comprise the two main pillars of the plan in order to serve each child and support every staff member, providing every opportunity for success.
Reports and documents approved
Reports and documents were approved, including:
- New and Revised Position Descriptions
- Employee Absence Report for the 2025-26 school year
- Designation of 2025-26 Fund Balance
- Course Modification for Adaptive Physical Education
- New Curriculum Documents for Unified Fitness Education
- Course Additions, Deletions and Modifications for Grade 7-8 Allied Arts for 2027-28 school year
- Reviewed and Revised Board Policies
Personnel matters
The School Board approved the appointments of:
- Kristen Scheurman, Educational Support – Special Services at Woodside Elementary School, effective September 1
- Lucas Jensen, Associate Principal at Hamilton High School, effective August 10
- Amanda Hoff, Educational Support-Clerical at Marcy Elementary School, effective September 1
- Judith Flegner, Educational Support – Special Services at Lannon Elementary School, effective September 1
- Sydni Otto, Grade 1 Teacher at Woodside Elementary School, effective August 21
- Theresa Shivar, Educational Support – Instructional and Supervision at Willow Springs Learning Center, effective September 1
- Melissa Parmenter, Senior HR Generalist at District Office, effective August 24
- Wendy Garman, Educational Support – Special Services at Marcy Elementary School, effective September 1
The School Board approved the retirements of:
- Martha Burns, Senior Human Resources Generalist at District, effective August 21
- Colleen Condon, Custodian I, p.m. at Silver Spring Intermediate School, effective July 31
- Cathy House, Associate Kitchen Employee at Maple Avenue Elementary School, effective August 5
The School Board approved the resignations of:
- Kyle Sabruno, Educational Support – Instructional and Supervision at Hamilton High School, effective July 21
- Lakia Thomas, Custodian I, p.m. at Silver Spring Intermediate School, effective July 30
- Deena AL-Wathiqui, Special Education Teacher at Hamilton High School, effective July 21
- Elizabeth Weihmuller, Grade 1 Teacher at Woodside Elementary School, effective July 23
- Patricia Espinoza, Educational Support – Clerical at Marcy Elementary School, effective July 28
- Tyler Schoemann, Music General Teacher at Marcy Elementary School, effective August 10
- Jessica Nead, Educational Support – Special Services at Templeton Middle School, effective August 13