[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6313808,"mediaKeyId","2386693-cdcd9f49d71476e869a99574f5229b3d","parentId",2386693,"title","District highlights donations, launches One District One Book and outlines oral‑language focus in school improvement plan","audioSeconds",1311,"startMs",213000,"endMs",1524000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2386693-cdcd9f49d71476e869a99574f5229b3d&start=213&end=1524","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2386693-cdcd9f49d71476e869a99574f5229b3d/thumbnail_213000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6313808/Wisconsin/District-highlights-donations-launches-One-District-One-Book-and-outlines-orallanguage-focus-in-school-improvement-plan","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6313808-b0e67e8e44c0d60c0a208aa7f694ea7e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775426156&Signature=YXJxUdRGKtkeh-BExv3Wva2cmq0~mG3jGrycVyEh8vDJL3hk7rTGBdg197nuYIV5AeJFS-pwXtnH0ayZTCn0WgwkuhpqwcTnNJQCviGJoemXYksU9M6UYPAsSHSi2CRLon9EdZmJNpTbfqrMckAXKmOkWqD4iO4IKe-yyTzDjp-bYNR~S9BZE88RbpBDojjeRyyG8OB3Va78UGdkIXKDK7F7vuXvaLLwQ5QYB0eUfn9rpOQNGCn4scuQ5km~uLOBh5Fm8TIwmHDoP1O2sYAvCQhX6mlEptfzKR4yLDEZcQzcsMrRGw3NH6uQAPCZkJprJcEKxwDdd491gcgjbDi6gw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Port Washington-Saukville School District","date","2025-02-25T02:37:56Z","article","During the Feb. 24 Port Washington‑Saukville School District board meeting administrators reported recent donations and described school programs and a reading‑focused continuous improvement plan.

Donations and recognition
Superintendent Michael McMahon thanked Milwaukee Tool Corporation for a $42,433 donation to the district’s technical education program to update instructional equipment. He also reported that Riot Games — contacted via a district alumnus — donated 10 gaming monitors (reported value $500 each) to support the district eSports program; administrators said teams were using the equipment in upcoming state competitions. The donations will be publicly acknowledged and thanked by the district.

Community programs and events
McMahon announced the district launch of “One District, One Book” starting the first Friday after the meeting: all elementary families will receive a copy of The World According to Humphrey and district staff and local partners will provide read‑alouds and activities during March. The district also reminded families about an on‑campus annual blood drive on March 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., open to students 16 and older, staff and the public.

School presentation: Storybook Theater
Staff from Sockfield Elementary — Kala Piantek (physical education), Becky Grover (art) and Katie Martinez (music) — presented highlights from Storybook Theater, a multi‑generational program at Sockfield since 1991. The program involves roughly 80 second‑through‑fourth‑grade students who rehearse multiple times per week; the school invited the public to performances of “We Are Monsters” on Friday, Feb. 28, at 1:15 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. in the high school PAC.

Continuous improvement: reading and oral language
Sockfield’s principal summarized the building’s school learning objective: 80 percent of students will show a year’s growth in reading from fall 2024 to spring 2025 as measured by the i‑Ready diagnostic. The school described a district‑supported focus on the science of reading (Act 20 implementation) and identified oral language (vocabulary, syntax, listening and speaking) as a foundational component for reading comprehension.

To support that objective the school has implemented instructional walkthroughs calibrated to two prioritized indicators: evidence of planning for oral‑language activities that promote deep reading, and teacher use and encouragement of complex syntax. The building leadership team (BLT) will perform rotating walkthroughs on a five‑week cycle through spring break and conduct a second cycle April 14–May 19; data from the walk‑through tool will guide targeted professional development and grade‑level coaching. Teachers completed a self‑assessment to identify areas for growth, and administrators described plans to share building‑level findings with staff after data analysis.

Why it matters: The donations support vocational and extracurricular pathways; the One District, One Book program is a community literacy initiative; and the school’s focus on oral language aligns with statewide reading legislation and the district’s stated reading growth target.

Sources: Superintendent’s donation report, Sockfield Elementary presentation and Q&A during the Feb. 24 board meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Port Washington-Saukville School District Regular Board Meeting February 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Administrators told the Port Washington‑Saukville board on Feb. 24 that Milwaukee Tool donated $42,433 for technical education and Riot Games provided 10 gaming monitors, the district will launch One District, One Book in March, and Sockfield Elementary outlined a reading improvement plan focused on oral language.","taxTitle","Port Washington-Saukville School District, School Districts, Wisconsin","taxId",49725,"location","Wisconsin","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6313814,"Board approves consent agenda, bills, German exchange and multiple Neola policies; roll‑call and voice votes recorded",6227,2422000,8649000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2386693-cdcd9f49d71476e869a99574f5229b3d&start=2422&end=8649","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2386693-cdcd9f49d71476e869a99574f5229b3d/thumbnail_2422000.jpg","/articles/6313814/Wisconsin/Board-approves-consent-agenda-bills-German-exchange-and-multiple-Neola-policies-rollcall-and-voice-votes-recorded","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6313814-a8990bcd7c6b6190e7174dfaee8449d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775426156&Signature=DCB-CWQvn-ZF6aP5K1qhaLidm0a~kzGfSyWu4~YceeksgxC20L45PB3Cq8kvRfvznfafbChDh0N8bQGL7wIlY3JR5EotsL6FVoVzvWJyPZkGMysPnTTWDp6eaXZzBWxu-CS4cWBQ5DfWmhxwXEiHHIKqgfWnTBELfi2SEOxKsn3mdK7VZK5oHvahgd8IAF2llu-YJyHl8YSxsLDuJ4PH1qzcSlvFdeq5TPuBTv-52wjux8HpuU95XSROj2YMqPweaCtduzG8wMb8AnbgjSX7AQmVLduNDXp8T-9-BZ6dZuR3FoAQi0NnA~2Z1ZDnBYZRPRuHpM8qetSARztdNiJSdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Port Washington‑Saukville School District Board of Education took a series of formal actions on Feb. 24, approving routine and policy items and authorizing a high‑school student exchange trip.

Consent agenda and bills
The board approved the consent agenda (which included the donations reported earlier and the human resources report) by roll call. Board members who voted “aye” on the consent agenda as recorded in the meeting transcript included Karen, Sarah, Kirsten, Stephanie, Brian, Yvonne, Elisa, Nicole and Justin; the chair announced the motion passed. The board then separately approved a motion to authorize the schedule of bills (item 1.2) by roll call; the transcript records an affirmative roll call with the same set of members recorded as voting yes.

German exchange trip
The board approved a proposed high‑school German exchange trip to Germany in summer 2026. The administration said the 2025 itinerary had been postponed because insufficient students signed up; the program is a long‑standing exchange (33 years with the partner school in Germany). The district uses an Experitas (formerly Intercultural Student Experiences) tour operator that provides trip insurance and 24/7 support. The motion to approve the summer 2026 trip passed on a voice vote; the board discussed minimum group size (teacher reported a minimum of 10 students preferred) and fundraising/early‑registration discounts.

Neola policy adoptions
The board approved several Neola‑recommended policy actions during the meeting:
- Policy 2266 (non‑discrimination / Title IX): the board adopted a replacement policy returning Title IX procedures to the 2020 regulations after legal developments; the vote was recorded by roll call and carried.
- Policy 6146 (post‑issuance tax‑exempt bond compliance): adopted by roll call to ensure district bonding compliance guidance is in place ahead of the district’s referendum planning.
- Policy 9700 (relations with non‑school‑affiliated groups): adopted by roll call; the new language includes referendum‑related guidance for outside groups.

First reading: policy overhaul
The board also approved the first reading of a wide package of policy rewrites (the 3000 personnel, 6000 finance and 9000 relations series) coming through Neola; the first reading passed on a committee motion and voice vote. Board members noted editorial edits and some policy committee suggestions that will be resolved before subsequent readings.

Votes at a glance
- Consent agenda: approved (roll call; ayes recorded).
- Schedule of bills (1.2): approved (roll call; ayes recorded).
- High‑school German trip to Germany (summer 2026): approved (voice vote).
- Neola policy 2266 (Title IX rollback to 2020 regs): approved (roll call).
- Neola policy 6146 (post‑issuance bond compliance): approved (roll call).
- Neola policy 9700 (relations with non‑school groups): approved (roll call).
- First reading of 3000/6000/9000 policy overhaul: approved (committee motion; voice vote).

Why it matters: The policy approvals update the district’s official handbook in advance of a planned referendum and align district procedures with the current federal court guidance on Title IX. The bills and consent approvals finalize routine district business for this meeting.

Source: Public board meeting transcript (Feb. 24).","At its Feb. 24 meeting the Port Washington‑Saukville School District board approved the consent agenda and schedule of bills, authorized a high‑school German exchange trip for summer 2026 and adopted multiple Neola policy updates, including a Title IX policy reverting to 2020 procedures.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6313819,"Port Washington-Saukville board adopts new compensation model aimed at retention amid funding pressures",4382,3260000,7642000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2386693-cdcd9f49d71476e869a99574f5229b3d&start=3260&end=7642","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2386693-cdcd9f49d71476e869a99574f5229b3d/thumbnail_3260000.jpg","/articles/6313819/Wisconsin/Port-Washington-Saukville-board-adopts-new-compensation-model-aimed-at-retention-amid-funding-pressures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6313819-13c0f1d7ceb4b3ffbadfd1280ca591a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775426156&Signature=b7P3uXLBCLWkkn3RgeMJdQQmxMNk2CXww4eyhCTNCdwbTqEidTd02THAjf5mcFq0eJOil4TjxEzPDW67aFmebOcW4mlZM-mA4~XaPykr0ZFx1cci3M-rBOiVRBSrozB78nqUtH4xYRs4ntKrEMkdaw11VBeiXmDgoBVDjbr7bgaa8m9idqAs2ZD7cRuW04dr-shcXx2nCceUUlEM5sQI2TYpYnyrdVYhROiqzBSHo~YMRP9MzJVeiLUGE-1MQdIMExON0XaZZv6YHsoDPn32F7uHSLshdvT4xZ23J5XNAKVtBkKt7TI67nK5aIzyYDcPYak12rbBqhrub9zj3zO8SA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Port Washington-Saukville School District Board of Education on Feb. 24 approved a new districtwide compensation model for contracted school‑year staff intended to improve retention and align pay with local professional learning.

The board approved the model by voice vote after multiple committee meetings and a district compensation committee process that included teachers, administrators and board members. The new structure moves toward increasing base wages through district-run learning‑based credits (LBCs), provides longevity steps focused around year 6, preserves a $6,000 one‑time master’s‑degree increase and adds a $4,000 one‑time payment for National Board Certification. The district said the model will also remove most out‑of‑pocket course costs for teachers by offering locally designed LBC options and that the changes are planned to take effect July 1, 2025.

Superintendent Michael McMahon and Director Mel Niedesheim described the model as a response to long‑standing funding constraints in Wisconsin and to local enrollment declines that reduce per‑pupil revenue. Mel Niedesheim told the board the district’s revenue limit has risen only modestly since the 1990s and that Port Washington‑Saukville is operating in an environment of lower relative state aid and a special‑education reimbursement rate the administration placed at about 32.4 percent. Those fiscal constraints, administrators said, contributed to committee work on compensation and the need to design a model that balances competitive pay with district affordability.

The compensation committee met repeatedly beginning last autumn and included 31 district stakeholders; administrators said roughly two‑thirds of committee respondents strongly agreed the recommendations were fair and aligned with priorities. Committee priorities identified in district materials were longevity and retention first, followed by retirement benefits and professional development. The district modeled its proposal in part on compensation structures used in nearby districts and said it would continue vetting post‑retirement benefit options with the compensation committee.

Under the new model described to the board: LBCs are locally designed professional learning days, many offered in the summer, that do not require teachers to pay for credits; longevity bumps are concentrated at and after year 6; the master’s bump remains $6,000 and is intended to be available later in a teacher’s career; and a $4,000 payment is provided for successful National Board Certification. Administrators said the model gives clearer multi‑year visibility for employee salary progression and that longevity increases for staff who already exceed the new schedule will be phased in during a transition period.

Board discussion stressed that the committee included teachers at various career stages and that the model is intended to be flexible and revisited by the compensation committee as financial conditions change. Board president Brian (last name not specified in the meeting record) noted the proposal is a starting point and said district leaders will return to the committee with details, including a proposed LBC calendar. The board approved the recommendation by voice vote; the motion was carried with no recorded roll‑call opposition.

Why it matters: Administrators said the change is aimed at keeping younger teachers through the critical six‑year retention point and incentivizing career‑long professional learning tied to district priorities. The board’s action also comes as the district prepares budget projections for 2026–27 and monitors a biennial state budget proposal that could alter aid and reimbursement levels.

What remains unresolved: Administrators said post‑retirement benefit details are still being finalized and will return to the compensation committee for further review. The district also said the exact distribution of CPI and step funds each year will continue to be negotiated and reported to the board.

Sources: Board discussion and presentations to the finance and compensation committees, district slide material and public board debate during the Feb. 24 meeting.","The Port Washington-Saukville School District Board of Education on Feb. 24 approved a redesigned compensation model for contracted school‑year staff that ties base pay to district‑run learning credits and longevity steps while preserving a $6,000 master’s bump and adding a $4,000 National Board Certification payment.","actionData","errors"]

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District highlights donations, launches One District One Book and outlines oral‑language focus in school improvement plan

Board approves consent agenda, bills, German exchange and multiple Neola policies; roll‑call and voice votes recorded

Port Washington-Saukville board adopts new compensation model aimed at retention amid funding pressures