Barneveld school board will discuss referendum in October

The Barneveld School Board is continuing discussion for an operational referendum in 2024.

At their September meeting the board  decided 2023 is not an option and will look at the spring and fall election dates.  The board would like input from the community and will place the matter on the October agenda.

In a related matter the board received proposals from School Preceptions and the Donovan Group which are companies that help with referendums.

The board also received an update on Senate Bill 395 that deals with districts experiencing a failed operating referendum.

The board voted to approve $3500 for Jason Schulting and $1500 for Heather Schmitz for athletic director duties with Schulting assuming the position in November.

Also approved was a motion to approve Tim Sullivan as Transportation Coordinator.

It was noted that the Dodgeville School District will provide Spanish instruction for Barneveld students this school year.

The board approved boys and girls cross country co-op agreements with Wisconsin Heights.

It was noted that guidance counselor Angela Schulting will continue to involve students in the youth apprenticeship program of which 31 students took part in last year

It was also noted that benchmark testing is underway in the district.

Under a state requirement the board approved the seclusion and restraint report which showed two restraints last year.

The board approved a transfer of funds, escrow account and the defeasance of the General Obligation refunding Bonds dated March 1, 2018.

It was announced that eighth grade parents will be surveyed for a graduation date choice and senior awards will be presented a week earlier.

Superintendent Robyn Oberfoell told the board that the district has ended the year with a positive fund balance of $233,000.  While the district will be increasing spending due to longer short-term borrowing along with a lower credit rating it is still good news to end with a positive balance.

She also said the Iowa County Emergency Management, local officers and the other school districts in the area are working on plans to respond to crisis incidents.  A county wide plan is planned which will benefit emergency responders as well as substitute teachers in a district.  She added that local officer Jeremy Oyen has been instrumental in bringing the plan together.

A potential violation of the use of student athlete pictures will be reported to the WIAA to protect the eligibility of the district’s student-athletes. Pictures of athletes were used on the back of the community calendar.

DONATIONS

The district received:

-eighth grade suicide prevention t-shirts from Autumn Gollon and Gollon Real Estate

-$7700 from the Barneveld PTO for classroom library books

-$350 from the PTO for elementary math curriculum supplement

-$100 from the PTO for playground equipment

-$500 from Barneveld advancement, $625 from the PTO and $1000 from the Fair Committee for fireworks for homecoming decorations

The board also gave recognition to Jean Thousand for sharing her expertise and support of the school, to the Dodgeville School District for collaboration and to Denise Anderson for sharing skills and supporting Spanish instruction.

After a closed session the board approved a snow removal bid from Arneson Contracting.