An overview of the 2019-20 staffing report and budget framework were the primary items of discussion at the Neenah Joint School Board of Education meeting on March 5.
The staffing proposal includes a net 1.06 FTE increase. Additions include two cross categorical positions due to increased special education needs across the District. The proposal also adds a fifth grade teacher at both Lakeview and Coolidge to account for a third section of classes at that level at each school. A half-time sign interpreter is also proposed for an incoming 4K student. For decreases, an special education assistant is no longer needed for an incoming ninth grade student and the Transition Learning Center will be discontinued at Shattuck. There is also a decrease of a 1.44 FTE, primarily at Horace Mann due to the departure of a large sixth grade class, and 0.4 FTE in the grades 4-6 magnet program due to fewer students qualifying.
The Board expressed concern over increasing staff and entered discussions about class sizes, elementary boundary changes and the number of schools. Some Board members noted that the recent additions to District staffing is outpacing the number of students added in recent years.
In the budget framework discussion, administration assumed no additional state aid for the upcoming year. One of the primary changes would reduce this year’s other post-employment benefits contribution from $5.5 million to about $4 million, extending the District’s liability from about two years to three years. Another change would reduce the employee stipend pool of dollars from 1.5 percent to 1.0 percent. Dr. Pfeiffer noted those items would be the first reinstated if the state budget allocates more funding. Additional budget proposals will be presented as more information becomes available throughout the year.
The only action item approved a policy that defines volunteers, contractors and visitors.
The Board honored Alliance teachers Stephanie Markman and Virginia Peters along with five of their students on their successful written proclamation for the first Wisconsin Montessori Education Week. School counselors Katie Kessen-Checki from Hoover and Steph Levine-Rankin from Wilson were also recognized for their recent Wisconsin School Counseling Association Program of Promise awards. Andrew Thorson was honored for winning the Wisconsin New School Business Manager of the Year award from the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials. Communications manager Jim Strick provided an update on referendum communications efforts.
The next meeting is set for March 19.
|