Board of Education Meeting Minutes - November 10th & December 8th

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November 10th

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE MENOMONIE AREA

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE CENTER

215 PINE AVENUE E, MENOMONIE, WI

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2025, 5:45 P.M.

OPENING ITEMS
1. Call to Order – President Rachel Henderson called the meeting of the School District of the Menomonie Area Board of Education to order at 5:45 p.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025. The meeting was held in the boardroom of the Administrative Service Center, located at 215 Pine Avenue E., Menomonie, Wisconsin.
2. Roll Call and Quorum – Roll call confirmed the presence of eight board members: Amy Riddle-Swanson, Angela Wolf, Abe Smith, Emily Hines, Rachel Henderson, Michelle Dupree, Amber Kersting, and Dale Dahlke. Dominique Stewart was absent. President Henderson declared a quorum and noted that the meeting had been duly noticed. Administrators in attendance included Joe Zydowsky, Samantha Hoyt, Brian Seguin, Eric Nelson, Katie Krueger, Stacy Lee, Keila Drout, and Casey Drake. Also present were recording Secretary Jenny Mikesell and videographer Steve Hanson. Electors and other registered attendees included Joyce Uhlir.
3. Pledge of Allegiance and Reading of Mission Statement – President Henderson led the Pledge of Allegiance and read the district’s mission statement.
4. Agenda Order and Approval/Revision – The agenda was approved as presented, with no revisions.
5. Recommendations & Commendations – There were no recommendations or commendations.
6. Highlight on Youth – Director of Academic Services Stacy Lee shared the November Highlight on Youth slide presentation.
7. Student Representative Communications – The Board received an update on recent and upcoming activities at Menomonie High School.
8. Community Communications - There was no community communications.
9. Revenue and Expenditure Reports for the Month Ended October 2025- The board reviewed the monthly Revenue and Expenditure Reports for October 2025.
10. Monthly Employment Report (October 2025)- The board reviewed the monthly non-certified staff employment report for October 2025.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Action to Approve Consent Agenda- Smith made a motion, seconded by Hines to approve the following consent agenda items as presented: 1) Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of October 13, 2025, and Special Board Meeting of October 27, 2025; 2) Financial Reports for October 2025; and 3) Donations Exceeding $1,000 for October 2025. The motion passed 9-0 by electronic vote.
PERSONNEL CONSENT AGENDA
1. Action to Approve Personnel Consent Agenda – Smith made a motion, seconded by Kersting, to approve the Resignation of Andrea Gores, Business and Marketing Teacher at Menomonie High School, effective June 6, 2025. The motion passed unanimously.
ACTION AGENDA
1. Action to Approve Resolution of Support for the City of Menomonie TAP Safety Grant- Smith made a motion, seconded by Dupree, to approve Resolution of Support for the City of Menomonie TAP Safety Grant as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION ITEMS/POLICY REVIEW
Virtual Education Report – Director of Academic Services Stacy Lee presented the Virtual Education Report, which included current student enrollment and course completion data. For Fall 2025, 80 students are enrolled in the virtual education program. Lee highlighted several program strengths, including strong collaboration with students and families and the flexibility to offer classes outside the traditional learning platform. This flexibility helps accommodate students with scheduling conflicts and varied learning needs.
Annual Free & Reduced Meals for Eligibility Report – Director of Business Services Eric Nelson presented the Annual Free and Reduced Meals Eligibility Report. For the current school year, 39.24% of SDMA students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, representing a 2.3% decrease from last year’s eligibility rate of 41.54%.
Review/Discuss New Course Proposals for 2026-27– Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Brian Seguin presented the New Course Proposal Report for the 2026–2027 school year. The High School Art Department is proposing a new semester-long, 0.5 credit Dual Credit course titled Graphic Design. Seguin noted that this proposal will be brought back for Board consideration at the December 8 meeting. Additionally, several course name changes were recommended to provide greater clarity during the registration process. These changes are informational and do not require Board approval.
Discuss Renewal of School Safety Plans – The Board reviewed the district’s current school safety plans, which require Board approval at least once every three years. Building principals have completed safety assessments and are collaborating with law enforcement to review and update existing plans. Revised school safety plans will be presented to the Board for consideration and approval in December.
Discuss Renewal of Boys and Girls Club Partnership – The Board reviewed the Boys and Girls Club Partnership renewal. It was recommended that the district renew the agreement with the Boys and Girls Club for an additional five years. The agreement will be brought back for Board consideration at the December 8 meeting.
Discuss 2026-27 Calendar- The Board reviewed the most up-to-date version of the draft district calendar for 2026–2027. Drafts have been reviewed by the administrative team, which will be shared with staff on November 11, and discussed with the QIC group on December 1. A final draft is expected to be considered for approval at the December 8 meeting.
Discuss 2026-27 Budget Plan & Timeline – The Board reviewed the budget plan and estimated timeline.
Announce Date for Mid-Year Budget Hearing - The Board agreed to proceed with the Board self-evaluation, which is scheduled to be reviewed and discussed at the Board Retreat on Monday, December 8, at 4:45 p.m.
Items Related to Next Meeting Dates, Board Committees, and Reports- The Special Board Meeting on November 24, 2025, is canceled. Thanksgiving Break- No school for staff and students November 24-28, 2025. Quality Improvement Committee Meeting on December 1, 2025, 3:50 pm, ASC. Regular Board Meeting on December 8, 2025, 5:45 pm, ASC. No school for staff and students December 22-31, 2025.
ADJOURNMENT-
Action to Adjourn – At 6:49, Dahlke made a motion, seconded by Kersting to adjourn the meeting.

/s/Dominique Stewart

Dominique Stewart, Clerk

Minutes Approved: December 8, 2025

December 8th - Board Retreat

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE MENOMONIE AREA

MINUTES OF A BOARD RETREAT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE CENTER

215 PINE AVENUE E, MENOMONIE, WI

MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2025, 4:45 P.M.

OPENING ITEMS
1. Call to Order: President Rachel Henderson called the School District of the Menomonie Area Board of Education Board Retreat to order at 4:45 p.m. on December 8, 2025, in the Administrative Service Center training lab at 215 Pine Avenue E., Menomonie, Wisconsin.
2. Roll Call and Quorum: All nine board members—Amy Riddle-Swanson, Angela Wolf, Abe Smith, Emily Hines, Rachel Henderson, Michelle Dupree, Amber Kersting, Dale Dahlke, and Dominique Stewart—were present. Administrators attending included Joe Zydowsky. Electors and registered attendees included Joyce Uhlir, Josie Pillman, Sara Cardwell, and Allen Crowe.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Review and Discuss Results from WASB Board Development Survey: The Board discussed the correlation between last year's results and this year's results. The data showed high scores in communication among board members and also showed concern in making sure that we have clear communication with our community. The Board discussed reengaging in listening sessions with the community and being proactive with community engagement on specific topics. The Board talked about finding ways to better understand how they are engaging with the community. The Board would like to be more present as a Board in the community. The Board would like to have an agenda item to discuss Community Communication and Engagement at an upcoming Board meeting. The Board discussed reviewing Policies 166 and 165. The Board discussed the areas that the Board agrees are strengths and noted that the Board is functioning well and working collaboratively. The Board discussed how to codify processes that would help the Board continue to function well in the future and how to update the new Board member orientation. The Board discussed legislative advocacy efforts and collaborating with other Districts in these efforts. The Board discussed its role in civics education within the community.
Discuss Board Goals: Agenda item for Board Norms and Operating Procedures and Governance Procedures. (February); Agenda item and subcommittee for community engagements and communications. (February); Return Legislative Advocacy as a standing agenda item; and Agenda item for New Board Member Orientation. (March)
ADJOURNMENT-
Action to Adjourn – At 5:41 pm, Kersting made a motion, seconded by Riddle-Swanson to adjourn the meeting.

/s/Dominique Stewart

Dominique Stewart, Clerk

Transcribed by Jenny Mikesell on December 9, 2025

Minutes Approved: January 12, 2026

December 8th

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE MENOMONIE AREA

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE CENTER

215 PINE AVENUE E, MENOMONIE, WI

MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2025, 5:45 P.M.

OPENING ITEMS
1. Call to Order: President Rachel Henderson called the School District of the Menomonie Area Board of Education meeting to order at 5:47 p.m. on December 8, 2025, in the Administrative Service Center boardroom at 215 Pine Avenue E., Menomonie, Wisconsin.
2. Roll Call and Quorum: All nine board members—Amy Riddle-Swanson, Angela Wolf, Abe Smith, Emily Hines, Rachel Henderson, Michelle Dupree, Amber Kersting, Dale Dahlke, and Dominique Stewart—were present. President Henderson declared a quorum and confirmed that the meeting was duly noticed. Administrators attending included Joe Zydowsky, Samantha Hoyt, Brian Seguin, Eric Nelson, Tonia Kowieski, Keila Drout, Bart Boettcher, and Casey Drake. Recording Secretary Jenny Mikesell was also present, along with electors and registered attendees Craig Olson, Lauren McCalla, Jeff McCalla, Karen McCalla, Dave Hatfield, Kaitlyn Oberle, Dylan Watkins, Danica Holcomb, Ellie Isenberger, Amelia Weber, Mariah Curtis, Josie Pillman, Sara Cardwell, and Allen Crowe.
3. Pledge of Allegiance and Reading of Mission Statement: President Henderson led the Pledge of Allegiance and read the district’s mission statement.
4. Agenda Order and Approval/Revision: The agenda was approved as presented, with no revisions.
5. Recommendations & Commendations: Senior Lauren McCalla was recognized with a Board Commendation for her exceptional running career at MHS. Coach Olson and several cross-country teammates were also acknowledged.
6. Highlight on Youth: MHS Principal Casey Drake presented the December Highlight on Youth slide presentation.
7. Student Representative Communications: The Board received an update on recent and upcoming activities at Menomonie High School.
8. Community Communications: Josie Pillman addressed the Board during community communications, using her allotted three minutes to share her topic of concern.
9. Revenue and Expenditure Reports for the Month Ended November 2025: The board reviewed the monthly Revenue and Expenditure Reports for November 2025.
10. Monthly Employment Report (November 2025): The board reviewed the monthly non-certified staff employment report for November 2025.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Action to Approve Consent Agenda: Smith made a motion, seconded by Dupree to approve the following Consent Agenda items, as presented: 1) Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of November 10, 2025; 2) Financial Reports for November 2025; 3) Donations Exceeding $1,000 for November 2025; 4) Renewal of School Safety Plans; and 5) Renewal of Boys and Girls Club Partnership. The motion carried unanimously, 9-0.
PERSONNEL CONSENT AGENDA
1. Action to Approve Personnel Consent Agenda: Riddle-Swanson moved, seconded by Dahlke, to approve the resignation of Ingrid Lyberg, School Counselor at Menomonie High School, effective November 17, 2025, and the employment of Brendan Uetz as Assistant Director of Buildings and Grounds, effective January 5, 2025. The motion passed unanimously.
ACTION AGENDA
1. Action to Approve Adaptive Sports Club at MHS: Dupree moved, seconded by Hines, to approve the Adaptive Sports Club at MHS as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
2. Action to Approve New Course Proposals for 2026-2027: Smith moved, seconded by Dupree, to approve the new course proposals for the 2026-2027 school year. The motion passed unanimously.
3. Action to Approve 2026-2027 Calendar: Riddle-Swanson moved, seconded by Kersting, to approve the 2026-2027 school calendar as presented. The motion carried unanimously, 9-0.
DISCUSSION ITEMS/POLICY REVIEW
State Accountability Report Cards: Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Brian Seguin presented the Wisconsin School Report Cards. All SDMA schools received a rating of “Meets Expectations” or “Exceeds Expectations.” State report cards for each school and the district are available on the SDMA website.
SDMA Accountability Report Card 2.0: The Board reviewed the 2024-2025 SDMA Accountability Report Card 2.0, which highlights factors not captured in the State Report Card. Updates to this year’s format reflect the total percentage of students in each reported category, rather than the total number of students participating, based on feedback. The report card is available on the SDMA website.
Discuss Technology Survey: Dr. Zydowsky shared results from the Technology Survey. The district received 152 responses, with most visiting the website weekly or monthly. Feedback highlighted mobile functionality issues and difficulty locating key resources. Work will begin soon on redesigning the SDMA website for the 2026-27 school year.
Discuss SDMA Health Insurance Plan Wellness Incentives: The Board discussed a new one-time wellness incentive program for the 2026 health insurance plan. The program, supported by the district’s health insurance committee, will be considered for approval on January 12.
Review Number of Regular and Special Education Spaces Available for Open Enrollment: Director of Student Services Tonia Kowieski presented the annual Open Enrollment Spaces Available Report for the 2026-27 school year and reported that no spaces are available.
Review Information for 2026 School Board Election: Menomonie Area School District Board Election: April 7, 2026. Candidate info and election updates are on the district website.
Discuss Opportunity for Voucher Presentation by WPEN: Ms. Hambuch-Boyle's group has been working on voucher transparency measures to help communities better understand the impact of private school vouchers on the local tax levy. The board has agreed to have Ms. Hambuch-Boyle present to the Board on January 12.
Review and Discuss 2026 WASB Resolutions for Delegate Vote: Dominique Stewart will represent the school district at the 2026 State Education Convention in Milwaukee during the WASB Delegate Assembly. The board reviewed the proposed resolutions for the assembly and provided input to guide Dominique’s participation.
Items Related to Next Meeting Dates, Board Committees, and Reports: No school for staff and students December 22-31, 2025. No school for staff and students January 1-2, 2026. Mid-year Budget Hearing on January 12, 2026, 5:00 pm, ASC. Regular School Board Meeting January 12, 2026, 5:45 pm, ASC. Professional Development Day for Staff and No School for Students January 19, 2026. State Education Convention in Milwaukee January 21-23, 2026. Health and Medical Committee Meeting on January 22, 2025, 3:50 pm, ASC. Special School Board Meeting, on January 26, 2026, 5:45 PM, ASC.
ADJOURNMENT-
Action to Adjourn – At 7:49, Henderson made a motion, seconded by Smith to adjourn the meeting.

/s/Dominique Stewart

Dominique Stewart, Clerk

Minutes Approved: January 12, 2026