The Board of Education meeting commenced with the Board President, Sheila Hibner, extending her gratitude and recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week (Mon, May 6, 2024 – Fri, May 10, 2024) on behalf of the entire board. She thanked the teachers for their dedication to supporting students and families.
In a compassionate expression of solidarity, Board member Bob Green paused to thoughtfully acknowledge the events that have recently impacted Mount Horeb, letting them know that we are thinking about them during this difficult time.
In the Superintendent's Report, Dr. Dana Monogue extends her warmest congratulations to the student musicians and music educators from our middle and high schools on their exceptional performances during last week's spring concerts.
Additionally, she is eagerly anticipating the upcoming annual retirement celebration, set to occur on Thursday, May 16, 2024.
Youth Center Report - City of Middleton
Gabrielle Hinahara and John Hunter from the City of Middleton provided a Year in Review for 2023 and outlined plans for the upcoming year, highlighting the achievements and future goals of the Youth Center. Their leadership throughout the year was key to the success of the programs which benefited many young students in Middleton.
The after-school program at Kromrey Middle School was a highlight, offering a range of activities that mixed academic support with sports, arts, and creative workshops. These activities, including monthly sessions held by guest artists from the Middleton Arts Committee, broadened the students' learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom setting.
In the spring and fall, the Youth Center introduced various new courses tailored to the interests of the students including cooking, art, and social justice themes. The Annual Cultural Showcase was a standout event, celebrating the diverse cultures within the community through performances and displays. Additionally, the entrepreneurship project undertaken by the Girls Inc. group exemplified the practical application of their learning by giving back to the community.
Summer at the Youth Center was packed with activities, including refreshing trips to the local pool and volunteering opportunities that were not only enjoyable but also educational, helping the youth to grow in social responsibility.
The numbers reflect the success of these initiatives, with substantial academic support provided, noticeable improvements in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) scores, and a focus on including a diverse group of students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.
For 2024, Hinahara and Hunter have started preparing for the transition of leadership to continue the good work at the Youth Center. They are also looking at expanding the program offerings and have begun seeking additional funding sources to support their plans.
Update on Literacy/Biliteracy Curriculum Decision
The District has completed a year-long comprehensive process to select new core curriculum materials for teaching literacy and biliteracy (English and Spanish) in grades K-8. After reviewing various options, the District has chosen to adopt the Savvas myView curriculum for grades K-5 and the Savvas myPerspectives curriculum for grades 6-8, both of which are also available in Spanish.
These new curriculum materials will provide:
Instruction in reading foundational skills
Evidence-based reading and writing instruction
Engaging literature and texts representing diverse perspectives
Differentiated supports and assessments to meet student needs
Materials available in both English and Spanish
The total cost for materials and professional development over the next three years is estimated around $1.5 million. Funding will come from a combination of federal ESSER funds, the District's curriculum budget, and some reimbursement through the state's Bilingual-Bicultural Aid program for the Spanish materials.
The District extends its gratitude to the Literacy/Biliteracy Renewal Committee composed of educators across levels and roles for their time and commitment in this collaborative decision-making process.
The focus will now shift to implementing the new curricula and providing professional learning for teachers to effectively use these new materials to further literacy and biliteracy development for all students.
Enrollment Update
Deputy Superintendent Sherri Cyra shared the most recent enrollment statistics for the 2024-2025 academic year. The figures are looking optimistic as the District has experienced an uptick in enrollment, gaining nearly 38 students since the April 8th meeting.
This increase includes 18 students across kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) and 20 students at the 4K level. The trend is encouraging, with enrollments at the K-12 level surpassing earlier projections.
Another update will be provided during the June 10th meeting.
Compensation Review for 2024-2025
MCPASD is gearing up for a significant boost in employee compensation for the 2024-25 academic year. This report presented by Assistant Superintendent, Jerrud Rossing, and Director of Finance, Erin Wheeler outlined the proposed compensation plan, which aims to keep the District competitive and attract top talent.
With the Consumer Price Index (CPI) currently at 4.12%, the recommended increases for all employee groups are set at or above this level. The District recognizes the importance of adjusting wages due to rising costs of living.
The compensation plan has a strategic goal of aligning the District's salaries and wages with the 75th percentile in Dane County. By offering competitive compensation packages, the District hopes to not only retain its existing skilled workforce but also attract new, highly qualified candidates.
Market Adjustment for Support Staff
A key aspect of the plan is a market adjustment for the Professional Support Services Personnel (PSSP) group, which includes positions such as administrative assistants, registrars, specialists in various areas (personnel, benefits, finance, payroll, student and family engagement, communications), and helpdesk technicians. The recommended adjustment is an additional $1.50 per hour on top of the 6% increase, resulting in a total increase ranging from 9.5% to 13.4% for returning PSSP staff. This adjustment aims to bring PSSP salaries in line with market rates, ensuring fair compensation and aiding in retention efforts.
Prioritizing Employee Feedback
The compensation plan was developed with input from staff, as evidenced by the District's 2022-23 staff survey, which ranked salary as the top priority among total compensation areas. By considering employee feedback, the District demonstrates its commitment to addressing the concerns and needs of its workforce.
The report outlines the total budget dollars needed to implement the recommended increases, with the PSSP market adjustment alone costing $303,000. While the investment is significant, the District recognizes the importance of investing in its human capital to foster a positive work environment and maintain high-quality education for students.
The report also mentions future review cycles for different employee groups in subsequent school years, ensuring that compensation remains competitive and aligned with market trends.
As the District prepares for the 2024-25 school year, the proposed compensation plan represents a strategic effort to retain and attract top talent, address cost-of-living concerns, and prioritize employee feedback. By offering competitive compensation packages, the district aims to cultivate a skilled and dedicated workforce, ultimately benefiting the educational experience of students.
The administration seeks to obtain approval for this item from the Board during the meeting scheduled for June 10, 2024.
Items for Approval
The Board of Education approved the following four items for the 2024-2025 school year. Families, staff, and students should take note of these changes to ensure preparedness for the upcoming academic year.
1. 2024-2025 Facility Use Schedule for Schools and Performing Arts Center
While there weren't numerous adjustments, three updates were made, encompassing the rental of the grand piano, the orchestra pit, and the dance floor. You can review the detailed changes here.
Some changes were also made for the facility use schedule, which only included staff cost. You can view those updates here.
2. 2024-2025 Pool Fees and Membership Rates
The Board has approved the updated fees for the pool for the 2024-2025 school year.
3. School Nutrition Services Breakfast and Lunch Fees
Recognizing the need to adjust to the changing economic landscape, the Board has approved a $.10 increase in student meal prices. A $0.05 increase has also been applied to the price of milk. These price adjustments are essential to sustain the quality of the services provided. You can view the changes here.
4. Changes to Student Fees
The Board has reviewed student-associated fees and agreed upon the necessary adjustments:
Instrument Rental: Fees for band and orchestra instrument rental have seen a slight increase at all educational levels.
Graduation and Yearbook Fees: For high school students, the graduation fee has increased from $25 to $50, and the yearbook fee from $50 to $55.
You can view all updated fees here.
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