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New roof for New London school

The first project using the funds from the recently approved referendum was approved at the New London School Board meeting, Monday, Jan. 12.

Since the passing of the non-recurring referendum for the purposes of roof and facilities maintenance, ensuring safe and secure buildings, and maximizing student achievement, the district and planning committees have been working to create the necessary stages of preparation in replacing the Middle School roof.

Director of Business Services Joseph Marquardt discussed with board members the contractor bids the district received for the roofing project.

“We reviewed the replacements needed and the design of it to ensure we’re choosing a bid that will best utilize the taxpayers’ money,” Marquardt said.

After discussing the costs and components of the bid, board members approved 7-0 the bid contract from Walsdorf Company.

“The district is familiar with Walsdorf as they have worked with us in the past,” Marquardt said. “They have done most of the work within the district and we didn’t have any issues with them.”

With the approval of the bid, the district will move forward in more detailed planning and scheduling for roofing replacements starting this summer.

New London High School will host Rise Together for a series of presentations on Thursday, Jan. 22 for students, staff, and the community.

Rise Together educates, mentors, and guides families, schools, and state agencies on the issues of substance abuse in relation to mental health issues. The group strives to help adolescents to develop the problem-solving and self-management skills necessary to be successful without relying on abusive behavior.

Since its creation in September 2013, Rise Together has been asked to present more than 100 times, and has been in front of nearly 20,000 people; 15,000 of them being students, according to Laurie Schmidt, director of Pupil Services.

There will be two scheduled presentations for high school students during the day and an evening session in the high school auditorium for community members. The presentation is free to all attendees.

The community presentation will be held from 6-8 p.m. The district has also organized a resource fair beginning at 5:30 p.m., so area families and community members have connections to the support and information they may need.

These presentations were made possibly by community commitment from the New London Police Department, Waupaca County Health and Human Services, Thedacare, and the School District of New London.

“Rise Together has been able to bring awareness to substance abuse issues throughout the state like no other and push the recovery movement forward,” Schmidt said. “It really is a great opportunity to better understand the issues and movement for support in our community.”

For more information on Rise Together and their efforts, visit their website at www.weallrisetogether.org.

New London School Board candidate Chris Martinson introduced himself to board members and fellow candidates prior to the start of Monday’s school board meeting.

A native from northern Michigan, Martinson has lived in New London for 12.5 years with his wife and two sons. Being a part of the community and the district, Martinson has been outspoken on many issues. His more recent issues relate to the roofing project referendum and to the common core standards for student education.

Martinson did not further discuss these issues. He did say he looks forward to the election, but more importantly he wants his issues to be addressed by the board, whether he wins or not.

“I’d rather see the three of you win and take up my issues like the common core values and the referendum that are close to my heart,” Martinson told members.

School Board members up for re-election are Jeremy Gorges, Connie Neely, and Bill Schmidt. The election will take place April 7 and elected board members will take office on April 27.

Hillshire Brands donated $10,000 to the district in support of three important programs; Junior Achievement, Racing for Education, and Bulldogs of Character.

Hillshire has provided a contribution to the district since 2006 to offset the cost of these programs.

“We sincerely thank Hillshire Brands for this funding,” Marquardt said. “This partnership is very important to keep these programs available to students in the district.”

School Police Liaison Officer Dave Klinzing will be retiring at the end of January.

“He has served as an integral team member, and we thank him for his contributions to students, families, staff and the community,” District Administrator Kathy Gwidt said.

Klinzing has been the liaison officer for the past five years. He is working with officer Josh Wilson who will take over the role of Police Liaison Officer in February.

“It’s been a pleasure working for the district,” Klinzing said. “It’s been a unique opportunity to work with students and I’m going to miss it, but I look forward to what the future will bring.”

Klinzing will stay connected to the district by serving on the Next Generation charter school governance board as he transitions into retirement.

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