Although absent from the Barneveld School Board’s regular meeting on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Superintendent Robyn Oberfoell reported that the district had successfully completed its first term. She wrote that while other area districts are struggling, Barneveld maintains a healthy fund balance of nearly 15%, compared with 3%, and credited the school’s exceptional staff and students for working together to make Great Things Happen at Barneveld every day.
Oberfoell also reported that the school was awaiting funding data and state aid allocations before finalizing figures for the School Board to certify the tax levy at a special meeting on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The application period for a new superintendent closed October 16, and applications will now be reviewed. The interview process is scheduled to begin by November 9.
In her Principal Report, Heather Schmitz gave highlights of fall assessment results, with interventions and Personalized Reading Plans established for students needing additional support, while middle and high school teams are using data to strengthen instruction and improve student achievement. She also noted the annual evacuation drill was successful, professional development focused on curriculum and instructional improvement, and the implementation of Bound for athletic scheduling and electronic ticketing is being experimented with.
In her Dean of Students Report, Melanie Norton said one student will be taking the PSAT test and 13 students will be taking the ACT test soon, and the SAEBRS mental health screener was given to 6th through 12th grade students noting the Student Services Team met and looked at the ratings of students who flagged at high risk and will now meet with those students individually and contact parents.
In her Special Education and Pupil Services Report, Jen Tarrell said the special education department continues completing its procedural compliance self-assessment. The intervention team meets regularly with grade-level teams from 4K through middle school to identify student needs, implement early interventions in literacy and math, and monitor student progress.
In the Student Representative’s Report, the Drama class is preparing “Law and Order: Fairy Tale Unit” for performances to be held at the end of the month and that Red Ribbon Week is happening the week of October 19th. A new high school a cappella choral group will perform this week at the band and choir concert and students are planning and looking forward to this year’s Winter Formal.
Donations totaling $26,375.21 were approved with gratitude, including:
$555 from 5 Horizons Designs and Consulting, LLC; $250 from Edward and Katy Anderson for the yearbook; $100 from the Kirch Family, $500 from Sheltered Wings, Inc./Vortex, $553 from an anonymous donor, $1,000 from Peoples Community Bank, and $4,000 from the Barneveld Advancement Association for track facility upgrades; and $367.21 from the Barneveld Athletic Booster Club for volleyball supplies.
Donations for Hudl livestreaming and outdoor facilities included:
$450 from Walton & Associates, Inc .; and $700 each from Peoples Community Bank, Upland Hills Health, Kittleson Landscape, Ope Haus, Ritchie Implement, Hi-Point Steakhouse, Barneveld Schools Education Foundation, Quantum Devices, and Hinrichs Roofing.
$1,000 each from Compeer Financial, Sheltered Wings/Vortex, Mark It, Wisconsin Surplus, Whitetail Concrete, Wright’s Feed Service, and Weed Free Lawn Solutions; and $1,200 each from Surplus Suds Laundromat and Pet Wash, A+ Plumbing, Cheryl Mortvedt with First Weber, and PWA Insurance.
High School math teacher Chelsie Golackson proposed a 2028 summer trip to Europe, which the Board approved. The Board also approved an overnight trip on November 1-2 for the SkillsUSA Fall Leadership Summit. A motion to approve Early College Credit Program and Start College Now courses passed unanimously.
The Board approved revisions to the 2026-27 staff handbook addressing the pay scale and bereavement. No action was required on the first readings of special updates to the nondiscrimination and artificial intelligence policies. The Board also took no action on updated vehicle quotes for transportation.
A Special Board meeting on the budget and levy will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Community members are welcome to attend. The next Regular Board meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.