[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6082359,"mediaKeyId","2938641-b3a950820cf25d675c63be52f1ed8a5f","parentId",2938641,"title","Elmbrook board honors retirees, champions and memorializes longtime member Linda Boucher","audioSeconds",554,"startMs",350000,"endMs",904000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2938641-b3a950820cf25d675c63be52f1ed8a5f&start=350&end=904","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2938641-b3a950820cf25d675c63be52f1ed8a5f/thumbnail_350000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6082359/Wisconsin/Elmbrook-board-honors-retirees-champions-and-memorializes-longtime-member-Linda-Boucher","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082359-138aa8bd927f4f1c2b97689b58b47cbf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845783&Signature=gZPQk1jBMu0GeTdfgSMHuNgkUMWpDIZ047gZyu6EF9Rsd7kahFN6wjvTrht-sXloarNT-e6iirvh6JQjQJuWxZvg56ZPr4KUCE0Cc613R043gRmpEDl9oef1A5Qhs0f7TUe4E9vVZEX9aREaBUT1fQEbQIW16F4esXpXKy3ZLzpeEeWI2ETMneIJJ2rB8ncj4HKX2NdHcp0UW0WLifhRD10CdL6xmQbSej~I0trW86IKyZY9sDQGLhkKB1mPdkIK8Nf3V52R~EU45~xVdqX8zbXXYYwVIMW3l3gnpFwKrfzWANjvFOQP7xGyhoLRov-Z7YqGL~tJ5R6hCOiNd4XaiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Elmbrook School District, WI","date","2025-04-10T01:13:22.017Z","article","The Elmbrook School District Board opened its April 8 meeting with a celebration of excellence and spent substantial time recognizing current and former board members.

Mayor Stephen Ponto presented mayoral proclamations honoring two longtime district leaders: Linda Boucher (recognized posthumously for service from February [year unspecified] through her passing on Jan. 12, 2025) and Kathy Lim (service listed April 2022–April 2025). Kathy Lim accepted the proclamation on behalf of Boucher’s family and the board later held a memorial recognition for Linda Boucher during the meeting.

Ben Westfall and Brookfield East staff recognized the Brookfield East varsity cheer team for winning first place in their state competition on Feb. 22; coach Mikayla and the team spoke to the board about the year‑round commitment required for their state title.

Later in the agenda the board devoted time to recognizing outgoing board member Kathy Lim and to a posthumous recognition of Linda Boucher’s nine years of service. Board members and community speakers praised both for advocacy on behalf of students; Linda Boucher was repeatedly noted for her focus on special education and school involvement. The board also recognized interim service by Jen Roskoff and welcomed newly elected members Cheryl Mills and Wes Scylla in remarks.

Remarks were personal and ceremonial; no formal policy changes or votes resulted from the recognition items. The board presented plaques and a WASB certificate for board service; officials said those items will be delivered to families where appropriate.

Ending: The recognitions concluded with photographs and refreshments for attendees.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting: 4.8.25","oneSentenceSummary","The Elmbrook School District Board began its April 8 meeting with proclamations and a celebration of excellence, honoring Brookfield East cheerleaders, accepting a proclamation for Linda Boucher, and recognizing outgoing member Kathy Lim.","taxTitle","Elmbrook School District, School Districts, Wisconsin","taxId",38718,"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},6082372,"Student leaders tell Elmbrook board opinions split on shift from 7‑point to 10‑point grading scale",321,1376000,1697000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2938641-b3a950820cf25d675c63be52f1ed8a5f&start=1376&end=1697","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2938641-b3a950820cf25d675c63be52f1ed8a5f/thumbnail_1376000.jpg","/articles/6082372/Wisconsin/Student-leaders-tell-Elmbrook-board-opinions-split-on-shift-from-7point-to-10point-grading-scale","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082372-710518a100c8ce69ab90decdd302ea70/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845783&Signature=cZNSaxHch6x-i~iW2DW8Nbq2qbcsh3mkPoncdcLVVfny0hxT4WT~l4kksIBraIfm4pu2kVffhi-cezVMT1k9rikgEd6fSPo2berPF3URiIqT7Kg~RQ~3DYbFQ~3wXzXtqYCBsWdwmVIzlHGMEkYpUo-TYs5qNticMfc8D5LUGRmtqks4Ck~1I-4KJKqMUYNBW4S3nhgwfHVvbZJpYP9m00z2nNl0xV~B~KZur63KD6muG5pV67n3rtIuJ98GsvUGZy4UUJh4RItk4gMCOmZPKLh~q9L27A2CdscG~KGND9IyvRBIpbXcgxrgqqRmNK8V54EjsO48sbQYtol7pOISAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Student council representatives from both high schools told the Elmbrook School District Board on April 8 that a proposed shift from a 7‑point to a 10‑point grading scale drew mixed reactions from students.

Student council members at Brookfield East and Brookfield Central described a range of views when the board asked them to gather feedback from peers. Jake Zhang, Brookfield East student council representative, said students generally liked that a 10‑point scale could “take stress off a lot of students’ lives,” and that aligning Elmbrook’s scale with other top districts could make local seniors more comparable in college admissions.

At the same time, Brookfield Central’s representative said some students worried the change could encourage grade inflation or reduce incentives for students who aim only to pass. Students at both schools urged clearer communication around the transition and recommended stronger, consistent feedback on graded work so students understand where to improve.

Students offered several specific suggestions: keep regular progress checks (3‑, 6‑ and 9‑week reporting was affirmed by many), consider more frequent check‑ins at some schools (Brookfield East students proposed moving some 3‑week checks to 2‑week checks), and standardize the grading platform so grades appear in one place rather than split between Canvas and Google Classroom. Brookfield East students also suggested slight adjustments in how plus/minus GPA weights are handled to guard against inflation, for example treating an A‑ minus as a 3.67 on the GPA scale.

Board members thanked the student representatives and said their feedback will inform communication to families and teachers if the board moves forward. Board member Mary noted that student input helps “fine tune” implementation and messaging. The board did not take a formal vote on the grading scale at this meeting; the student reports were offered as input for future policy and implementation work.

The student representatives’ reports also highlighted other school activities and successes, including state competition placings and college admissions results, but the primary substantive item they presented to the board was the grading‑scale transition and related implementation concerns.

Ending: Board members said they value the student feedback and will use it to guide communications and next steps as discussions continue on any official change to the district grading policy.","Student council representatives from both high schools told the Elmbrook School District Board on April 8 that a proposed shift from a 7‑point to a 10‑point grading scale drew mixed reactions from students.",{"_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},6082354,"Board holds first reading of May policy series covering student placement, weapons definitions and medication changes",172,3058000,3230000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2938641-b3a950820cf25d675c63be52f1ed8a5f&start=3058&end=3230","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2938641-b3a950820cf25d675c63be52f1ed8a5f/thumbnail_3058000.jpg","/articles/6082354/Wisconsin/Board-holds-first-reading-of-May-policy-series-covering-student-placement-weapons-definitions-and-medication-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082354-20277b09cad4592117a256c6fdaeb749/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845783&Signature=QvH~hlZS6qnrNmfocioGhjksO~FmNIU0evzXFaTi4L3UUrgoqIi5k~EcwSZsp2SQZgA1U4jLiYF88FpjVFkAUidUQmtlU2XGzQzbylgkc2P4-bKp7rLDw0t7Kxv23nVjpQPie2dOprkSUc~9nMfQemK-VkHoMB6Y4ZaDcNpWfO9iPz8w7hd5M8-j~Iy64ZVllsSuD3WYGGT2YOSZP~ffkIzqFOSMbj0UZY-JYxyPxhs01WqAaALp-0XoP95PeScJHxsEb7nb-PMXdE~GiE8GEEJB8fL5VsJQqURZ50slDBAxsl5YBdcc97vUmfBWviceo0rAuQdf6JMK5UWtv93Eig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Elmbrook School District Board conducted a first reading of several policy updates in the May policy series, covering student placement and promotion, weapons definitions, and medication procedures.

Emily (district staff) and Kathy (board committee lead) reviewed the draft practice statements and legal references for the student placement policy, noting that the district’s language is aligned with applicable Wisconsin statute requirements for promotion points (for example, promotion benchmarks for third to fourth grade and to eighth grade). The policy text and accompanying practice statement will return to the board as part of the May consent agenda for final approval.

Board members discussed the district’s weapons policy and whether the statutory definition of “ammunition” should be included. Kathy reported legal counsel recommended retaining a definition that covers ammunition components — the transcript references federal statute language used as a definition (18 U.S.C. § 921(a) was cited in discussion) — and noted the policy therefore lists cartridge cases and primers in its definitions. Board members asked clarifying questions about whether an empty shell casing kept as a charm would fall under the policy; legal counsel’s guidance cited the statute‑based definition.

On medication policy updates, the board reviewed additions that explicitly list an opioid antagonist (e.g., naloxone) among medications staff may be trained to administer; staff member Liz (nursing role) rewrote the policy markup for clarity. Kathy said the revised medication policy will return for board approval in May as part of the consent agenda.

Ending: The policy series will come back to the board in May for final action; staff and legal counsel will incorporate committee feedback and finalize practice statements for inclusion in the consent agenda.","The board reviewed first readings of policies on student placement and promotion, weapons definitions (including shell casings), and medication policy updates that add opioid antagonists; the items return to the board in May for final action as part of the consent agenda.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6082363,"Board approves consent agenda and four action items; minutes and agenda motions recorded",2949,60000,3009000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2938641-b3a950820cf25d675c63be52f1ed8a5f&start=60&end=3009","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2938641-b3a950820cf25d675c63be52f1ed8a5f/thumbnail_60000.jpg","/articles/6082363/Wisconsin/Board-approves-consent-agenda-and-four-action-items-minutes-and-agenda-motions-recorded","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082363-6f685cebfdbbc0b4068c0adfba37c759/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845783&Signature=Jw~ZQHONXnx3u-7YCs1O6Fnq72Py2uMaM6u88XXeFsW2XfSPVHubShT3X8ryYmn8fDkXeXqEtP-LuCqKf8k-5~yNlynERgBpKFYNYXx5fe7v2nqEtTV3z-RSPMgpmdDUKWZDNZjYQSYmbuNbnbMTKMB9xsG3sFyvztRZA4tOn5CCbsk4lIJqVwrxm9ZVFSX26jdAmcCYORy5J1Evz6fMV0NhbMbzeJsk5MhZHc3v9d46GQeSpJt7~G7NELUCcllgjl3K7n~RDArbYdhdoz29xVnAkBwlHY7tr1fPgEd99p-n7o9kDYGqXJama2UyWqrHeantomvB26J0Fuwc0To4AA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Elmbrook School District Board took a series of routine and programmatic votes at its April 8 meeting.

Key votes at the meeting (voice votes unless otherwise noted):

- Approval of the meeting agenda: Motion by Preetha, second by Mary. Approved on voice vote.

- Approval of the consent agenda (items B–I): Motion moved and seconded; approved on voice vote.

- Approval of minutes from March 18 (consent agenda item A considered separately): Motion to approve moved and seconded; Board member Sam announced he had been absent and asked not to approve; when the minutes were called, the motion passed with one abstention.

- 2025–26 property and casualty insurance renewal: Motion to approve moved by Sam and seconded by Preetha; approved on voice vote. A representative from the insurance firm R&R attended to answer questions.

- German 1 and 2 primary instructional resource approval: Motion moved by Preetha and seconded by Sam; approved on voice vote. The resource was recommended following a post‑implementation curriculum review.

- Primary resource for contemporary healthcare practices (LAUNCH transcripted credit course): Motion to approve moved and seconded; approved on voice vote. The district cited alignment requirements with WCTC (Wisconsin Technical College) for transcripted credit.

- 2025–26 capital projects (including generator at Brookfield Elementary and ADA playground equipment at Tonawanda Elementary): Motion to approve moved by Sam and seconded by Preetha; approved on voice vote.

No recorded roll‑call tallies with member names and yes/no votes were provided in the meeting transcript; outcomes were announced by the chair as carried on voice vote or with an abstention where noted.

Ending: Board business closed after the votes; discussion items and recognitions followed.","At the April 8 meeting the Elmbrook School District Board approved the meeting agenda, a consent agenda, approved minutes with one abstention, and approved four action items: property and casualty insurance renewal, German 1–2 primary resource, primary resource for contemporary healthcare practices, and 2025–26 capital projects.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6082368,"Two residents urge improved communications, conduct and supports for students with autism",276,2257000,2533000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2938641-b3a950820cf25d675c63be52f1ed8a5f&start=2257&end=2533","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2938641-b3a950820cf25d675c63be52f1ed8a5f/thumbnail_2257000.jpg","/articles/6082368/Wisconsin/Two-residents-urge-improved-communications-conduct-and-supports-for-students-with-autism","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082368-b9a3c78d7990f8d23f528d0cc65dbdb2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845783&Signature=bQCNxZcPybVsKjJJnQn27-IiXKCOm4mIdMRqdpO--wu5qAEXeMTR~RjEdcfKrfYWtFfwVRcyRPWG3-4w7PQ3cArGtDcsQTjK~SMDu3VBK-e~0ZGZtvFPLHC~7i1x0DVaH94GxvAykZI1gnItnaOBCshYovKASKBjdLXI8OXkmF7hOJcnp6M7ZBqsEL7oekWc~v-wFaqF~u3XwSuxTluemzp3zvf8zJpTo-VVnvonHoeSbkg2EQUP2s-sqiHws3JnVS5T~fwOcB~lAfLToF1oIw12RHZsm~aX2ch1tuj7vSfJKLd-3J1n~10gBAf9Bb~73CBq~mu0h~ptGfOjm-kaJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two residents used the Elmbrook School District Board’s Citizens Forum on April 8 to press the board on communications, conduct, and services for students with disabilities.

Liz Bodwin, identified herself as a district resident and recent candidate for the at‑large board seat. She told the board that outside political groups have “funneled money, staff, and messaging into Elmbrook School Board elections” for at least four years, and urged the Community and Legislative Engagement committee to review the district’s communication plan and leadership accountability. Bodwin said the district must invest in clear, consistent communication and that the board’s code of conduct should be updated; she described being publicly targeted by a sitting board member over committee work and said the committee tasked with belonging recommendations was “abandoned in 2021.”

Angie Pingel, a resident and parent, urged the board to prioritize supports for students on the autism spectrum. Pingel noted rising prevalence estimates and cited national cost projections, saying early intervention reduces long‑term costs and improves independence. She asked the district to ensure access to services across settings — general education with instructional support, use of essential elements curricula where appropriate, or placement in specialized programs such as Fairview South — so each student can learn in the environment that best meets their needs.

Board members thanked both speakers. The remarks were presented as public comment; the board did not take immediate formal action at the meeting, but several board members said the comments would inform future committee work and communication planning.

Ending: The board noted the comments will be considered in future committee and policy work but did not adopt specific measures at the meeting.","At Citizens Forum, a former board candidate warned of outside political influence and urged updated communication and conduct policies; another resident asked the district to prioritize early intervention and supports for students with autism.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Elmbrook board honors retirees, champions and memorializes longtime member Linda Boucher

Student leaders tell Elmbrook board opinions split on shift from 7‑point to 10‑point grading scale

Board holds first reading of May policy series covering student placement, weapons definitions and medication changes

Board approves consent agenda and four action items; minutes and agenda motions recorded

Two residents urge improved communications, conduct and supports for students with autism