NL School Board approves big changes
New London School Board Members congratulated the New London Girl's Basketball team and coaching staff for their outstanding season and for bringing a second state championship title home to New London.
"This team was the perfect example of how our district values of Passion, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence were demonstrated in their fantastic season," Superintendent Bill Fitzpatrick said. "Throughout the whole season we saw their passion for the game, respect for their competition, the integrity of their actions as individuals and as a team, their dedication to the sport and in the classroom, and their excellence as champions have been a great source of pride for our district and community."
Head Coach Troy Krause also commended the team on their qualities as players and as individuals.
"This is a once in a lifetime team to coach," Krause said. "I'm just happy that I was here to coach them and I will never forget in this lifetime."
Employee Handbook Approval
Board members were presented the final draft of the Employee Handbook for approval. The conditions expressed in the handbook are a result of significant discussion and debate with administrators and employee groups.
"The terms of the handbook have budgetary implications," Fitzpatrick said. "However, major issues including health insurance benefits, compensation packages, and staffing and layoff decisions will be decided during the next several months."
Board members will have to finalize their decisions on these issues before the collective bargaining agreement ends on June 30.
Before voting to approve the handbook, members further discussed the topic of employing a felon for clarification purposes.
Board President Keith Steckbauer suggested the wording of the section be better clarified, especially what the district can and cannot discriminate on.
"As a district we want to treat people consistently," Steckbauer said.
With the proposed changes on the section of employing a felon, board members approved the handbook. The 2012-13 Employee Handbook will be implemented beginning July 1.
Online Charter School Grant
Discussion of a charter school in the district began in 2009 to address the needs of students.
"Students that have already explored virtual school options have expressed a desire to meet their educational goals in a different method of learning," Fitzpatrick said. "We continue to recognize the need to respond to changes in technology, and anytime, anywhere information delivery in order to position our district for the future."
Based on student dialogues, administrative planning sessions, and current research a charter school planning grant proposal was developed for approval of the school board.
Director of Teaching and Learning Kathy Gwidt put together the grant proposal for what the district has named the Next Generation Academy.
The proposed grant of $175,000 is meant to fund the research, design and training of staff to open a charter school in the fall of 2013.
"This will not be for all students, but based on expressed desires for alternative learning it is pretty evident that this will be for most students," Fitzpatrick said.
Board members approved the planning grant and will submit the proposal to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for grant approval.
"This is an exciting opportunity," Gwidt said. "I can't wait for this grant to be approved so we can get started with further planning."
2012-2013 Lunch Prices
Due to regulations from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Meal Requirements and National School Lunch Program reimbursements rates, the school district of New London will be required to increase lunch prices.
"There is no good time to increases prices," Director of Business Services Joseph Marquardt said. "But the last time the district increased meal prices was in 2008."
The estimated increase of cost for hot lunches is between 10-20 cents, according to Marquardt.
One reason for the increase in cost is due to serving sizes. It is required that the serving sizes changes to meet the nutritional standards of the national lunch program. As a result, the district will have to purchase more food which has an increase in costs.
"The district needs to comply with these regulations to receive federal and state support in our program," Marquardt said.
For more information on the increased meal patterns click on the "Food Service" link located on the district's home webpage.
School Board Election Results
The statement of the Board of Canvassers on the School Board Election was accepted during the meeting.
On Monday, April 23 Jeremy Gorges, Connie Neely and Jim Auer will begin their new term as board members.
Board members and administrators thanked current member John Michels for his time and dedication serving on the board.
"I thank you for the opportunity," Michels said. "This board does great work and you all are dedicated people."
"This team was the perfect example of how our district values of Passion, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence were demonstrated in their fantastic season," Superintendent Bill Fitzpatrick said. "Throughout the whole season we saw their passion for the game, respect for their competition, the integrity of their actions as individuals and as a team, their dedication to the sport and in the classroom, and their excellence as champions have been a great source of pride for our district and community."
Head Coach Troy Krause also commended the team on their qualities as players and as individuals.
"This is a once in a lifetime team to coach," Krause said. "I'm just happy that I was here to coach them and I will never forget in this lifetime."
Employee Handbook Approval
Board members were presented the final draft of the Employee Handbook for approval. The conditions expressed in the handbook are a result of significant discussion and debate with administrators and employee groups.
"The terms of the handbook have budgetary implications," Fitzpatrick said. "However, major issues including health insurance benefits, compensation packages, and staffing and layoff decisions will be decided during the next several months."
Board members will have to finalize their decisions on these issues before the collective bargaining agreement ends on June 30.
Before voting to approve the handbook, members further discussed the topic of employing a felon for clarification purposes.
Board President Keith Steckbauer suggested the wording of the section be better clarified, especially what the district can and cannot discriminate on.
"As a district we want to treat people consistently," Steckbauer said.
With the proposed changes on the section of employing a felon, board members approved the handbook. The 2012-13 Employee Handbook will be implemented beginning July 1.
Online Charter School Grant
Discussion of a charter school in the district began in 2009 to address the needs of students.
"Students that have already explored virtual school options have expressed a desire to meet their educational goals in a different method of learning," Fitzpatrick said. "We continue to recognize the need to respond to changes in technology, and anytime, anywhere information delivery in order to position our district for the future."
Based on student dialogues, administrative planning sessions, and current research a charter school planning grant proposal was developed for approval of the school board.
Director of Teaching and Learning Kathy Gwidt put together the grant proposal for what the district has named the Next Generation Academy.
The proposed grant of $175,000 is meant to fund the research, design and training of staff to open a charter school in the fall of 2013.
"This will not be for all students, but based on expressed desires for alternative learning it is pretty evident that this will be for most students," Fitzpatrick said.
Board members approved the planning grant and will submit the proposal to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for grant approval.
"This is an exciting opportunity," Gwidt said. "I can't wait for this grant to be approved so we can get started with further planning."
2012-2013 Lunch Prices
Due to regulations from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Meal Requirements and National School Lunch Program reimbursements rates, the school district of New London will be required to increase lunch prices.
"There is no good time to increases prices," Director of Business Services Joseph Marquardt said. "But the last time the district increased meal prices was in 2008."
The estimated increase of cost for hot lunches is between 10-20 cents, according to Marquardt.
One reason for the increase in cost is due to serving sizes. It is required that the serving sizes changes to meet the nutritional standards of the national lunch program. As a result, the district will have to purchase more food which has an increase in costs.
"The district needs to comply with these regulations to receive federal and state support in our program," Marquardt said.
For more information on the increased meal patterns click on the "Food Service" link located on the district's home webpage.
School Board Election Results
The statement of the Board of Canvassers on the School Board Election was accepted during the meeting.
On Monday, April 23 Jeremy Gorges, Connie Neely and Jim Auer will begin their new term as board members.
Board members and administrators thanked current member John Michels for his time and dedication serving on the board.
"I thank you for the opportunity," Michels said. "This board does great work and you all are dedicated people."
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