[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6089492,"mediaKeyId","2873831-68ca0a088f01c9c8b9859c5d0693fc52","parentId",2873831,"title","Board roundup: trips, college-credit approvals and a scholarship donation; votes at a glance","audioSeconds",2992,"startMs",2833000,"endMs",5825000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2873831-68ca0a088f01c9c8b9859c5d0693fc52&start=2833&end=5825","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2873831-68ca0a088f01c9c8b9859c5d0693fc52/thumbnail_2833000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6089492/Wisconsin/Board-roundup-trips-college-credit-approvals-and-a-scholarship-donation-votes-at-a-glance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089492-6a32debe62032e7353636cf035b46169/orig.mp4?Expires=1770896514&Signature=C4ocFxT6UkZ97yua0-vicjKYop~We1q7HU--9GTzZd19sh18YDQD3b9oPSBGWiqb9gHEjCcOl9wclOI9HoG~WPiKj7gm4lFuCIoqp6c5zonPXQxcFHwu06lPlzX04i0FQWEu9832bi0yy9FUuF5Uk~IbyjtYm75KGyUwsr0NFx0TcoVi8n7GmeOea1q8W1KPQQVqsaTjgWXliQ1LrwcrNCwdZx-TwwlGSTxqduMg5Ox6LKMuzbIyoHkIhzhefORGIOTEbhKUOJGn0iiRDntc1iwDvbdrkp0U9er2FdKteHL99TvheTF4ur8PGqjzESoFrGDQnjvCEWrRVT27CJQqxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-04T13:17:36.387Z","article","The Franklin Board of Education approved several routine and program items on March 19. The board took votes on international and summer field trips, early-college credit and Start CollegeNow course requests, and accepted a $5,000 private donation for scholarships.

Votes at a glance
- Spring-break world language trip (spring 2026) and summer 2026 science trip (Costa Rica): Motion to approve passed (moved by Dr. Beier; seconded by Mrs. Yang). Board discussion covered past trip experiences, accessibility, fundraising options and estimated group sizes; presenters said a private charter bus to Chicago would save about $400 per student and that Explorica’s private‑trip fee could be waived if 25 students enroll. Outcome: approved.

- Early College Credit and Start CollegeNow (summer/fall 2025): The board approved the district’s Early College Credit and Start CollegeNow course submissions. Mr. Volo noted Start CollegeNow has no summer option per state statute and that student demand often exceeds seats; staff said denials follow criteria where a comparable high-school course exists. Motion carried (moved by Mrs. Larson; seconded by Dr. Beier). Outcome: approved.

- Emil Ewell Family Foundation donation: The board unanimously accepted a $5,000 donation earmarked for five $1,000 scholarships (three for CTE-related awards and two for students attending college/university). Motion to accept passed (moved by Dr. Beier; seconded by Mrs. Cypherski). Outcome: approved.

- Consent agenda and procedural motions: The agenda and consent agenda were approved earlier in the meeting by voice vote.

Context and next steps
Presenters described fundraising options and student eligibility requirements for trips; staff said fundraising will likely be parent-led and that travel providers offer individual fundraising webpages. For college-credit requests, staff noted students request many more courses than they can take and district criteria focus on avoiding duplication with comparable high-school offerings. The communications office, which also reported to the board, will return with recommendations on newsletter frequency and platform options.

Ending
Board members asked staff to follow up on logistics and fundraising for trips, and to provide the board with updated lists of approved college-credit courses as schedules finalize.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 19, 2025 FPS School Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","At the March 19 meeting the board approved multiple routine items including world-language and science trips, early college credit/Start CollegeNow requests, and a $5,000 scholarship donation. The consent agenda and other procedural items also passed.","taxTitle","Franklin Public School District, School Districts, Wisconsin","taxId",74728,"location","Wisconsin","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6089499,"Communications director reports larger audience reach, awards and survey results; board discusses newsletter frequency and platforms",1930,3041000,4971000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2873831-68ca0a088f01c9c8b9859c5d0693fc52&start=3041&end=4971","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2873831-68ca0a088f01c9c8b9859c5d0693fc52/thumbnail_3041000.jpg","/articles/6089499/Wisconsin/Communications-director-reports-larger-audience-reach-awards-and-survey-results-board-discusses-newsletter-frequency-and-platforms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089499-68a3e467c65bfc31f53dc9d09ca279a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770896515&Signature=VGhUOpIGzdHZ0NnRtz1~hllwpZTt1PJQ05zRQ~Jhm115UuJOjJqWU40I0a5ab7Il1ud36EbpeDFUuTza7JSPxi8fIL1Dq9~FIp97yfumHImuYHVrjz-zZEOaJD~mIsaK5k~-Jls8N7FqU173DgQeoVhiDBODQNXCxW7H5kvnd04LHEV0VZCjd--3K5kQ4UXGyIr309IJPcgIwH7yPCTUJrpOMldCsFwG9MA9A5coQ~abdNmC6gh1sAbbF6pm6O~vzohSKBQrYqwM4XCBGeivCmrHqfmafuJSfxxs7WKj7pL4fVIntzFKu1uMzWBi8k9BIArVZShCu761gTBMqZysgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The district communications director presented an annual update to the board on March 19 covering outreach channels, a recent parent survey, social media metrics and plans for the coming year.

Highlights and survey findings
Chad Kafka told the board the communications team received three WISPRA awards of excellence this year and outlined the channels the district uses: building bulletins, a biweekly district newsletter, a staff newsletter, the Franklin Focal Point mailer (moving from two–three editions to four per year) and the opening-doors one‑pager in the city newsletter. He said the communications strategy is tied to the district’s coherence plan.

Kafka said the department ran a parent communications survey that drew about 298 responses and included questions about frequency and formats. Most respondents said smartphone is the primary device for reading district communications. When asked about electronic-newsletter frequency, responses clustered around the district’s current cadence (six digital messages per month) and slightly lower frequencies, suggesting the board should consider whether and how to adjust distribution. Parents also reported the building bulletin and school-messenger notifications as primary sources of timely information.

Social-media and platform discussion
Kafka reviewed social metrics (top posts included construction updates, homecoming and elementary grad walks) and said Instagram and Facebook reach different audiences — students skew Instagram, parents skew Facebook. He said the district started posting on LinkedIn this year and is exploring communications platforms with features such as live translation and teacher-parent two-way tools.

Board questions and next steps
Board members asked about duplication between printed pieces (Focal Point and opening doors), mailing lists for the Franklin Neighbors magazine and greater use of video and classroom-level platforms. Kafka said staff will scan or archive community magazine features on the district site, discuss calendar consistency with building secretaries, and explore one unified parent communication app. He also flagged that the contract with the current website vendor will be reviewed next year.

Ending
The board thanked Kafka for the update. Members said communications have improved and asked staff to return with recommendations on newsletter frequency and options for a centralized district communication platform.","Communications director Chad Kafka reported on channels, survey results and social-media metrics. The district earned three WISPRA awards of excellence, ran a survey with about 298 parent responses, and will consider changes to newsletter frequency and digital tools.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6089503,"Eighth grader tells Franklin board she was called ‘illegal alien,’ urges stronger protections against racism and bullying",138,1376000,1514000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2873831-68ca0a088f01c9c8b9859c5d0693fc52&start=1376&end=1514","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2873831-68ca0a088f01c9c8b9859c5d0693fc52/thumbnail_1376000.jpg","/articles/6089503/Wisconsin/Eighth-grader-tells-Franklin-board-she-was-called-illegal-alien-urges-stronger-protections-against-racism-and-bullying","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089503-ac37776ef747c925ca6558cd588c3ba9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770896515&Signature=nKs8Q-t6~lJpEQDQtjr2uyW1oAu170f6x3LNZ5hMLyijCIwkkDNqvSyiMMorTDoWmJK~maBWDfidCzfEYdQX8Wen-W3KwImgjqMlTXkrv4PCl7-mgE1sMCw73s18oNd2MGqHZWYqldRxNWsCGGDkQv~9CaDFioUvE8UjEYZai9U-Ijgulyt8lxBOzcrQXfe9loe1Fmz1An24GQnMGCC-aFyPbxGSR0oKmNq9zmVqhPwKScgp~DPEriJSJUXif3A2xpB2du9Zx5vkKhCbfNnkn9eGyUntX0j32~~snrnbC7KLHHdz87jjE0MCOL9wSriGGm-NlYh0Lay5K-aC-zEuZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","An eighth grader told the Franklin School Board on March 19 that she was called an “illegal alien” by a peer and urged the district to strengthen protections against racism and bullying.

Natalia Christiansen, a Forest Park Middle School student, said the incident occurred in a Tech Ed class last week. She described subsequent treatment by a teacher that she characterized as isolating, and she said a school counselor advised her to keep quiet about the comment. Natalia said the experience left her feeling unwelcome and urged the board to adopt policies that explicitly protect groups who are not a majority.

Board response and follow-up
Board members thanked Christiansen for speaking and said they would follow up. A board member told her staff would continue the conversation the next day and offered support; district staff later noted they would meet with her and follow up.

Why it matters: The remarks raise questions about student safety, staff responses to bullying allegations and the district’s processes for handling complaints about harassment or discrimination. The student asked that the district not treat ethnicity like a dress-code issue and called for no leniency for racist or bullying comments.

Ending
District leaders offered to follow up with the student and the family and said they would review the matter. The board recognized the courage it takes for a middle-school student to speak at a public meeting.","A Forest Park Middle School student described being called an ‘illegal alien’ by a peer and said school staff punished her after she reported it. She told the board she felt isolated by a teacher’s response and urged rules to protect minority students.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6089507,"Franklin High students describe how new pathways build skills for college, careers and community",1172,63000,1235000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2873831-68ca0a088f01c9c8b9859c5d0693fc52&start=63&end=1235","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2873831-68ca0a088f01c9c8b9859c5d0693fc52/thumbnail_63000.jpg","/articles/6089507/Wisconsin/Franklin-High-students-describe-how-new-pathways-build-skills-for-college-careers-and-community","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089507-800b6ee61882c94a44675d80471a8abd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770896515&Signature=KXbE2wqi~LGcqDr5T8bjVLMyPyX0IU-7DwvY0DNclsF~LaKC7K3~OEg3sbrBxC98ZvDxoJgNwYBbqlm0T6L5tIcZb5DdjUygMSNlgaSU-WcP4nsqFFB7Ja0soCjF1GIFOD3z1hbsAKtgV2acpS1~f63B9IevJFEJ1~qQmBEKMNQeCj5uJxUddTfap-ElyQslsE8pCc0UKpYRlvigD0wnUXeHQd0syqQ13Tf-OI-5PeQRODeA~V5-9icIZoIfAtS7I4ltkLJAEumzLwx8RbBHR~2RbANQohFz2LXdTBXyKM53uRWD5fyHMKLcStzTpuws2NA5KJ7oUWvqOmLtXnrNaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Franklin High School staff and students described new and expanded pathways to the school board on March 19, telling the board how courses in education, computer science and officiating have changed students’ classroom experiences and post‑graduation plans.

The presentation and student voices
Mrs. Larson introduced Principal Mike Volo and a group of students who spoke about three pathways: foundations of education (an educator pathway), the computer science/programming sequence and an officiating/refereeing course. Associate leaders and teachers framed the pathways as part of the district’s coherence plan and “profile of a graduate” work; students gave specific examples of what they learned and how the courses influenced their plans.

Students described concrete outcomes. Jack and McKenna (education pathway) said the college-level Foundations of Education course (offered through UW-Parkside) helped them understand classroom dynamics and confirm plans to enter teaching. Computer science students described collaborative work, student-led hackathons and competition wins; senior Anant said programming classes helped him and peers form sustained collaboration and start a coding club and competitions team. Alvira noted peer collaboration, internships and robotics team work. AJ spoke about the officiating course’s focus on rules, positioning and confidence, and described giving back to community youth sports by staffing games.

Board response and context
Board members praised the students and teachers, with several members noting the programs build confidence and real-world skills. District leaders said the courses were added or expanded following board approvals in the past two years and indicated they will return with further updates in the fall to show how the pathways tie to “life readiness” and the systemwide graduate profile.

Ending
District staff said they will continue to report progress and will bring examples of additional pathways — such as theater or engineering — to future meetings as course development continues.","Students and school leaders presented results from expanded course pathways at Franklin High School, focusing on education, computer science and officiating programs. Board members praised the classes for student engagement and life-readiness.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6089512,"Franklin Board approves $145 million school facility bond sale after strong ratings and low interest bids",761,4990000,5751000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2873831-68ca0a088f01c9c8b9859c5d0693fc52&start=4990&end=5751","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2873831-68ca0a088f01c9c8b9859c5d0693fc52/thumbnail_4990000.jpg","/articles/6089512/Wisconsin/Franklin-Board-approves-145-million-school-facility-bond-sale-after-strong-ratings-and-low-interest-bids","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089512-a9b614e03b6ac9d7d3ce9aed8d991c85/orig.mp4?Expires=1770896515&Signature=fwhmVWwU8REZ2GdItdsNxuANB-hDUOedaJPSDimNun9VO5jMxe5GSBwpJHpFcjOh3b9ePRA61-~Hnu6c8~pGaSgKoltDkq16X0TV~Le~yGH83LU3UFKC8axcF8OsotlevcXNYVq0QxEa7QIcf7wv1hDuA44WoWTInifFj64Fhquxcwhp-KyQ-uGoEay3fYxr892nRtyVhxuzw7tbiongA040PJqIHqah3~gXSq3NdramLvK7OcJryQH~sszBNPiYW1Oy3Ki0gL2Vy-SJz-K-7EQ-olZiei7kQRM4WVX5TtXlVy7GPzk49EqFiO6Vtp~Nmzz6K4ezpbQsOI6r5oK1zQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Franklin Board of Education on March 19 approved the sale of $145,000,000 in general-obligation school facility improvement bonds, series 2025A, following a day-of-sale report showing improved bond ratings, competitive bids and a larger-than-expected premium.

Board action came after district staff and municipal advisors described bond-market results that reduced the district’s projected borrowing cost. According to the report presented by Mr. Crombie and Jeff Seeley of Ehlers, the district’s rating was raised from Aa2 to Aa1 and the true interest rate for the issue came in near 4.1 percent, lower than earlier estimates. The advisors said those factors, together with a higher premium from bidders, translate into roughly $18 million in lower interest costs to taxpayers over the life of the bonds compared with the original estimate.

Why it matters: The bond proceeds fund the district’s voter-approved facility improvement program. A stronger credit rating and lower borrowing costs reduce the district’s long-term levy impact and increase the funds available for construction and renovation.

The presentation and board discussion
District staff provided a summary of the day’s sale report. Mr. Crombie explained the Moody’s rating action and cited stable fund balances and debt management as key factors behind the upgrade to Aa1. Jeff Seeley, the district’s municipal advisor, noted the strong competition at the sale, the favorable interest-rate result and a premium that exceeded expectations by roughly $3 million, further lowering net borrowing costs.

Board members asked technical questions about call dates, the possibility of splitting the borrowing into multiple issues and arbitrage implications. Advisors said the first permitted call date is April 1, 2033, and explained why a single combined issue produced better net financial results than splitting the authorization into separate issues. Advisors also summarized the district’s arbitrage exposure given construction timing and federal tax rules.

Formal action and vote
The board voted by voice to adopt the resolution awarding the sale of the $145,000,000 general-obligation bond issue. The roll-call style voice vote as recorded in the minutes registered ayes from Mr. Sprague, Mrs. Witkowski, Mrs. Yank, Mrs. Zipperzke, Dr. Khan, Dr. Beier and the presiding official; the motion passed.

Implementation notes
Staff said closing will follow standard post-sale procedures and that project spending will follow the construction schedule; advisors and district staff will monitor investment income and arbitrage rebate obligations as the projects enter active construction.

Ending
The board directed staff to continue coordinating with the district’s owners’ representative, architects and the city on permitting and timelines for individual construction projects funded by the bond sale.","The Franklin School Board unanimously approved the sale of $145 million in general-obligation bonds for school facility improvements. The district’s credit rating rose to AA1 and lower-than-expected interest rates and a large premium reduced long-term tax levy costs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board roundup: trips, college-credit approvals and a scholarship donation; votes at a glance

Communications director reports larger audience reach, awards and survey results; board discusses newsletter frequency and platforms

Eighth grader tells Franklin board she was called ‘illegal alien,’ urges stronger protections against racism and bullying

Franklin High students describe how new pathways build skills for college, careers and community

Franklin Board approves $145 million school facility bond sale after strong ratings and low interest bids