By John Dalton
At its rescheduled meeting on February 24, which was moved from February 11, the Barneveld School Board heard from many community members during Public Participation. Some attendees spoke in person and others submitted emails, all expressing concerns about the need for before-and after-school care for school-age children, as well as local daycare options. The main reason cited was that both parents in many families are working. Everyone present agreed that parents are urgently seeking childcare services and are willing to pay for it in Barneveld, rather than relocating to a district that already offers such services.
The main issues include childcare on early release days, stay and play care opposite 4k 88% classes, and before/after school care. No action can be taken in Public Participation, but the daycare topic will be added to the March 11 agenda for discussion.
In Reports, Annabelle Paulson and Addison Knight represented the student body and shared they raised $1600 to support a local child’s wishes in a Make-a-Wish fundraiser. The drama of ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ was a success, nearly selling out their Saturday performance. They said Forensics is in full swing and the school will be hosting competitions on March 17. They reported 16 students earned placements in SkillsUSA, nine students participated in Honors Choir at Monticello, and that ACT prep happens every Tuesday to prepare for the ACT test on April 7th.
In her Building Report, Principal Heather Schmitz announced that 88% of high school students and 77% of middle school students achieved Honor Roll status by the end of the first semester. She expressed appreciation to both staff and students for their commitment to academic achievement and student success. Planning for next fall’s class schedule has started, and the new master schedule will be available for staff to review on March 17. Principal Schmitz also extended heartfelt thanks to the district’s many volunteers-including parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles-and noted that the volunteer schedule is completely filled for the remainder of the school year.
Dean of Students Melanie Norton was pleased to share the news that the school received the Advanced Placement Level 3 Pacesetter Award for 10% or more students participating in at least one AP exam and 60% or more of those students earning a 3 or above on the exam.
Superintendent Robyn Oberfoell reported she attended the State Convention with some insights regarding updates in human services, recommendations for district professional development, goals for district financing and striving to keep up with CPI for staff increases. She reminded all staff to be cautious of staff/student interactions and communications including conversations, text messaging, emails and social media messaging.
Lastly, she read a social media post from the WIAA from February 2 highlighting Jim Myers. “For 50 years, the Girls Basketball State Tournament has been shaped by unforgettable moments and iconic leaders. Jim Myers of Barneveld has made his mark as the winningest coach in WIAA Girls Basketball history! With a remarkable career record of 732-153 and counting, Coach Myers has led his teams to six State Titles, and three runner-up finishes over 40 years. What an accomplishment from Coach Myers.”
Oberfoell said the board will recognize long time scorekeeper Rita Zander’s highlight from a WIAA social media post at its March meeting.
The Board Approved $6,389.98 in Donations with Gratitude to include the following.
A. Donation: Infinity Volleyball Crew – $1000 to Volleyball Student Activity Account
B. Donation: The Wallace Family – $250 to Eagles’ Nest & Helping Families Fund
C. Donations: Anonymous – $500 to Eagles’ Nest & Helping Families Fund
D. Donation: Can’t Qit Basketball – $500 to the Boys Basketball Team E. Donations: Can’t Qit Basketball – $500 to the Girls Basketball Team F. Donation: Anonymous – $1500 to Eagles’ Nest & Helping Families Fund
G. Donation: Barneveld Advancement Association – $700 to help pay for inflatables for phy ed
H. Donation: Barneveld PTO – $119.98 for coloring supplies for the Music Department
I. Donation: Barneveld Music Boosters Club – Donation of $129 for Speaker for Music Department
J. Donation: Barneveld Congregational Benefit Fund – $200 to Eagles Nest – Helping Families
K. Donation: Barneveld Basketball
Alumni Tournament – $60 from donations to the Boys Basketball Team L. Donation: Barneveld Basketball Alumni Tournament – $60 from donations to the Girls Basketball Team M. Donation: $1000 from the Myers Family in gratitude for facilities
The school district received a card and photo from the Barneveld Basketball Teams, Coaches & The More Than a Game Committee thanking the school and community for raising more than $6000 for cancer research and local families affected by cancer.
No action was needed for the upcoming Spring Election for two Town of Brigham School Board Seats. Current board members Nick Meyer and David Moyer are on the ballot.
Approved was the Iowa County School District Mutual Aid Agreement. In the event of an emergency, six local school districts have agreed to share administration and safety personnel to support the other Iowa County school districts of Barneveld, Dodgeville, Highland, Iowa-Grant, Mineral Point, and Pecatonica.
No action was necessary as the board welcomed Meghan Durst as the new Community Recreation Director. This position is the result of a continued partnership with the School District, Town of Brigham and Village of Barneveld.
In Operations, two motions passed. The first approving changing the inservice dates to August 18-20 and approving the 2026-27 salary scale. Approved was the first reading of Policy 7510 – Use of District Facilities. Additional language will be added that funerals will not be held on school grounds unless approved by the district administrator or designee. If granted, it would be held outside of the school day or on a non-school day. Policy 7510 will be on the March 11 agenda.
Lastly, Oberfoell said the Barneveld School District has joined Iowa County School Districts with a Unified Funding Statement urging the governor and lawmakers to increase school funding before ending the current legislative session. She said they have already received responses from Governor Evers, Howard Marklein, and Todd Novak. She said they are listening and are probably closer than ever for having some type of bi-partisan effort to do something for tax relief.
Prior to the meeting, the Board approved the Consent Agenda to include the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting on January 14, 2026, and Approval of the January 2026 Receipts and Expenditures.
The next meeting scheduled is set for March 11, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m.