In the Student Representative Report, Kaiya Meives reported forensics friends and family night was a success and the school will host on March 21 and 24 other schools’ forensics friends and family. Youth pitching and catching began before school started. Scheduling for high school went well. Book Buddies were held and was successful. Solo Ensemble is practicing and will visit nursing homes on March 21st. For Spring Break, the softball team will be heading to Alabama to play some games. She said Chili Day was a success with special thanks to the Music Boosters for their support in making it happen and Wisconsin Forward Testing and another blood drive is coming soon.
In her Building Report, Principal Heather Schmitz reiterated that the required Forward Testing began March 17 and goes through April 17 for grades 3-8. State required PreACT Secure will happen on April 7 for grades 9 and 10, and all Juniors will take the state-required ACT test on April 7. She said the goal is to raise their state report score card by at least 3 points and to be number one in the Six Rivers Conference.
She said she presented at the AWSA State Middle and High School Principal Conference to a large crowd; her presentation on See Them, Know Them, Teach Them: Reaching Students Where They Are. Her emphasis is when students know you believe in them, their achievement increases and their desire to come to school increases.
In her Superintendent’s Report, Robyn Oberfoell gave a shoutout to both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams for having successful seasons. Also, she thanked Russ Moyer for his time and dedication to the ED Foundation, and endowment fund which has now changed its name to the Barneveld School Education Foundation. Moyer was one of the founding members of the foundation.
She said the Wisconsin Legislature is expected to include $200 million to help schools cover special education costs. This move would move the state to its promise of reimbursing districts at 42%-45% of their special education expenses.
Regarding student cell phone use at school, there is a decision coming soon on ‘bell-to-bell’ which would ban cell phones in public schools throughout the school day. The forthcoming decision has increased interest and support at the legislative level.
Jen Tarrell, Director of Special Education and School Psychologist, shared updates from the special education department, including professional development initiatives, a parent engagement survey, DPI-mandated department self-assessment, and procedural compliance for IEPs and processes. There are currently 50 students receiving special education services, including speech and language, and 10 students with Section 504 plans. Our gifted and talented events have included 6th grade GEOBee, 7th/8th grade Quiz Bowl, 4th/5th grade Lit Wars, and high school students will compete in the Writer’s Showcase in April.
She praised her partners on the Intervention Team, including Carinne McGowan and. Jaimie Gordon, and grade-level teachers for monitoring and improving the school’s intervention process to serve students’ needs. The process has helped to better identify students’ needs and intervene early.
In Recognition, the WIAA celebrates Rita Zander: As part of our 50th Girls Basketball State Tournament celebration, we’re recognizing a behind-the-scenes contributor whose dedication has spanned decades. Rita Zander served as Barneveld High School’s Girls Basketball scorekeeper from 1984-2019 and has worked over 20 State Tournament games. Today, she remains a familiar presence, supporting the Golden Eagles from the front row at nearly every home game. Thank you, Rita, for your years of commitment to girls’ basketball!
There were several Donations made by the Barneveld Athletic Boosters to include:
- $400 to Girls Basketball from funds received from Alumni Tournament
- $400 to Boys Basketball from funds received from Alumni Tournament
- $243.77 to HS Softball to purchase helmets
- $83 to HS Baseball to replace a pad bracket -$975 to HS Softball to purchase a pitching machine
- $250 to HS Golf for their help working concessions
The Barneveld PTO donated $625 to help lower the cost per child for inflatables and $500 for the middle school service hours field trip in June. Compeer Financial donated $720 for Athletics for HUDL and baseball sign.
In Items for Action/Discussion, the Board Approved $4,196.77 for Donations with Gratitude. The thirdyear contract with Cooperative Insurance Agreement capped at 6% was Approved, as was a CESA 3 Contract for their 2026-27 services was Approved.
Driftless Landscape Design presented their construction proposal for a Multi-Event Track & Field Training Runway for $97,405.18. The group intends to use fundraising as a way of funding the project through the school. The Board approved 5-0 on the idea for the project, knowing more information is needed on how the school would handle the fundraising aspect, and other logistics.
Before and after daycare was again the topic of discussion with Schmitz giving a presentation to the Board looking at alternatives for this service. After discussion, it was the board’s decision to look further into KinderCare as an option. If enrollment met their minimum, Kinder-Care would come to the school district and provide staffing for before, after and wrap around care. Schmitz will continue to have discussions with KinderCare and present to the board at another meeting if they would be a viable option for the 2026-27 school year.
A new emergency freezer compressor was Approved for $7,466.12 as the old one failed. The board thanked Kwik Trip in Barneveld for allowing them to use some of their freezer space so their food wouldn’t spoil while the new one was ordered and installed.
The Board Approved an overnight class trip for seniors to attend Six Flags Amusement Park in Gurnee, Il. This fall, 28 students were Approved for Start College Now and Early College Credit Program courses, as was the 2026-27 and 27-28 track co-op renewal with Wisconsin Heights.
With respect to transportation for CO-OP’s, because of the cost of busing and only a few students and the logistics, there was no motion made to approve transportation for CO-OP athletics or activities.
In Facilities, the Board Approved Eggers’ Enterprises for lawn care services for 2026 for $185.00 per week, as was the second reading and approval of Policy 7510 for Use of Facilities.
The Board also Approved the First Reading of Policy Updates 35.1 and the First Reading of EDGAR Policy Updates.
At the beginning of the meeting, the board approved the Consent Agenda to include the Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting on February 24, 2026, and the February 2026 Receipts and Expenditures.
The next Barneveld Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 8, at 6:00 p.m. at the school library.