The information the Dodgeville school board hopes the public receives and considers before the November referendum continues to be made available.
The district is hosting a public information meeting at 5 pm in the school auditorium for a forum setting to provide information and hear from the community. A mailing will be going out with the details.
District Administrator Ryan Bohnsack went over a recent survey of families who are open enrolling in other districts. He said 31 families representing 51 students responded and that all families with students open enrolling out were contacted.
Bohnsack said there is no dominating reason for leaving with several indicating they chose to because they work in another district while others have moved into the district but their children chose to stay in the district where they were living before the move. He said there is some concern about staff, culture, bullying and overall school climate that will continue to be addressed.
“We want people to come here because it is a safe district where students feel welcomed, challenged and connected along with feeling safe,” Bohnsack said.
He added he appreciates those who took part in the survey.
The board heard a report on child care needs in the district and discussed transportation needs that would go with it, including possibility of a late bus. Costs were discussed also.
Next steps include determining actual enrollment demand, analyzing enrollment scenarios, researching district run child care programs, evaluating current facilities and engaging existing childcare providers and community partners.
The board met and heard from their two student representatives, senior Felix Wieczorek and junior Ella Wieczorek who will serve this year with Ella returning next year. The plan is to have a junior and senior each year with the junior moving up for a second term. Included in their report was information on the cell phone ban which is in effect. Students are frustrated they cannot use their phones during lunch but are accepting the rules. They also updated the board on athletics and activities.
The board acknowledged a Rowe family scholarship, gift baskets for new staff prepared by Donna Peterson and a shout out to Dodgeville Police and Iowa County Sheriffs departments for their assistance and professionalism.
Five former students have provided information for “Start Here … Go Anywhere.” They were Annette Anderson, Rachel (Veinberg) Lux, Shaun Weier, Lauren Zwick and Darly Knoedler. Their information is on the district web page.
The board committees gave their reports from their previous meetings.
The board approved hiring Kelly Van Epps in the maintenance department and Heather Langreck as head track and field coach.
In other business the board:
-approved a long list of co and extra curricular contracts for the activities provided by the district.
-approved updates to the hourly and salaried employee handbooks which will provide calarity
-heard and approved the district administrator goals for 2026-27.
-approved the annual seclusion and restraint report, noting that there were two incidents at the elementary school and one at the alternate school.