[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6267883,"mediaKeyId","3061491-6463ec1fc448b458e00fabb60cf59fd6","parentId",3061491,"title","Organizers thank district for science fair space; students earn awards and teacher credits","audioSeconds",262,"startMs",366000,"endMs",628000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3061491-6463ec1fc448b458e00fabb60cf59fd6&start=366&end=628","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3061491-6463ec1fc448b458e00fabb60cf59fd6/thumbnail_366000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6267883/Wisconsin/Organizers-thank-district-for-science-fair-space-students-earn-awards-and-teacher-credits","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6267883-c8184c3297767f63204409c92a0dc32b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139048&Signature=O-TzlqXpbJnDauWlSoYyjdZvjhgaitOezbioIP~zamzYU2lN~v78cVgVT9vo-50isWVETB3ynQu3PKXQ9JeqqGAMvaTlRLHon70GXni5vQqi0pY5UX9a4tmTNwqsvnpTpzg86TDWg8F3dt6U4v1QBSAprv2dXT47IQH0HnKyb-9aMJah-LAirCaBa2Vq9CplDnYWJM7yfnlAAwNMl6Nfe8pCrwK5tdkI2l~JlKiyDkVLhdS8FgUx6q7J~cVem~3ToCA8qxSnSSyzS7gGv-9zXzVdd5swvEy2oNjDrUcY3eZ-crh5XPM~1RmcQzfO5I9Xdrle8XbL8kO83AwBD9XFtg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Fort Atkinson School District","date","2025-04-18T12:03:22Z","article","Nathaniel Fortney, representing the Fort Atkinson Regional Science Fair committee, thanked the board on April 17 for allowing the organization to use district facilities for its April 6 fair. He said the event drew about 100 participants from Fort Atkinson and surrounding schools, K–12, and included UW‑Whitewater demonstrations.

Fortney listed student award winners by school and division, noted a senior team win for “most creative,” and said the fair provides a $100 classroom credit to the teachers of first‑place student winners to buy science materials or experiences. He specifically thanked the district staff and district technology support (DJ Scullin) for assistance with equipment and training.

No board action was required; the remarks were entered into the public comment record and organizers asked to use district space again in future years.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board of Education Meeting - 4/17/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Fort Atkinson Regional Science Fair organizers thanked the district for letting them use the boardroom and reported about 100 participants K–12; first‑place student winners earned a $100 teacher credit to support classroom science.","taxTitle","Fort Atkinson School District, School Districts, Wisconsin","taxId",49807,"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},6267889,"Fort Atkinson Education Association president urges earlier teacher input, proposes advisory committees",211,127000,338000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3061491-6463ec1fc448b458e00fabb60cf59fd6&start=127&end=338","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3061491-6463ec1fc448b458e00fabb60cf59fd6/thumbnail_127000.jpg","/articles/6267889/Wisconsin/Fort-Atkinson-Education-Association-president-urges-earlier-teacher-input-proposes-advisory-committees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6267889-e1749d56f874f314e8ff9ee88a0a5a8d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139048&Signature=kv91mOc9E5yXED2xQ8UTMa5km79Jd2JoCeUR~66sn15Et01EMZ0t0faU3iuMFU6aNYvJz2iGZcqdnoxZLhkLUGIBUj8~RW27XqSWL75ZHNHlgDF-wIuIR9dc7pOIKLcwF17txO3K13lkZU8EmoGc1JQWh1UksUZ~2wA1~Wl-p79SO4vx6uiDY4WzLc5vd3V2Sv1oRjaSkkJCIOsn1F7XCnlhxp8L46~u-c54PAS~3l-URdzcpg9dbC7h78NjWpCkS7c8BNMOQ-p3ZTRfYXaqOfBTsy0vU~f6SV56d7n2CP1lXF-ZlSgBmf9CG1PwDPPEvkRN28P3Gyb6FX7deXVM9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Justin Sager, president of the Fort Atkinson Education Association and a district resident, addressed the board during public comment on April 17 and urged more inclusive, early consultation with teachers on district decisions.

Sager said many teachers continue to “do incredible work” but feel uncertainty when changes arise. He cited the recent school calendar conversation as an example where staff felt “surprised and disconnected.” He proposed the formation of district advisory committees \"where teacher voices are regularly consulted, where ideas can be exchanged early, and where decisions are shaped with the insight of those who live the work every day.\"

Sager said the union is “here to be a constructive partner in the vision” and offered union members’ time and expertise to help the district prepare staff for changes and to build shared understanding. He closed by thanking the board and district leaders for their work and offering collaboration.

No board action was taken on the proposal during the meeting; the comment was recorded as public comment and entered into the meeting record.","Justin Sager, president of the Fort Atkinson Education Association, urged the board to involve teachers earlier in district decisions and proposed formation of district advisory committees to improve communication and collaboration.",{"_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},6267894,"Nutrition director: lunch participation strong at Fort Atkinson; new salad bar and local sourcing planned",1597,803000,2400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3061491-6463ec1fc448b458e00fabb60cf59fd6&start=803&end=2400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3061491-6463ec1fc448b458e00fabb60cf59fd6/thumbnail_803000.jpg","/articles/6267894/Wisconsin/Nutrition-director-lunch-participation-strong-at-Fort-Atkinson-new-salad-bar-and-local-sourcing-planned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6267894-8a5dab7154a4fdeacaa652a511f2c1b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139048&Signature=k4PY~4qPer6Xr4OXzkkUjlXX8CPucCNYOCX~epszDNJSUzY2DeP-oLgMeY47K1gx4dkyJCXMZUxuWPT0yZCNvGTOtNf63ALGiEjDdDdK7FY47oToZOf9o1aoTk3G2DSt1xMhSlhexL7xYqi~pTeHjBsXihqpFOP~wMaCa4WI7lKeC1YS4FkuxYtiZzgx6-oPoea2~UbYtliNRZP-4EM7bhjh4qiluRQLNnDaOi9axZI0REOTS84Q5w0HPyddK0fgzCn7WO-OJSxkcEcYPeA0fYotOZo9GoMNKcED3PHE1uWPAlhsYzwYt4BsidmYvARiBvh~n7i-Pshy3mvAj8WcMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Keith Van Gilder, the Fort Atkinson School District’s new director of nutrition services, told the board on April 17 that the district serves roughly a third of a million meals annually, that lunch participation is strong and that the department is focusing on consistent quality, local sourcing and modest capital improvements.

Van Gilder said lunch participation at the district is “crushing it, for lunches at 51%,” compared with an annual average of about 27% he cited as typical in other districts. He said breakfast participation is lower and reimbursable rates for breakfasts are smaller, which affects revenue.

The director outlined recent capital work: ovens were purchased for two kitchens and the high‑school kitchen received new flooring and a new dishwasher, which he said cost about $100,000. He said those investments were driven in part by guidance from the Department of Public Instruction on allowable spend‑downs of COVID-era balances.

Van Gilder described menu and operational changes intended to boost participation and efficiency. Staff are emphasizing “scratch cooking,” updated entrées such as birria tacos and burger bowls, and a new high‑school salad bar to provide reimbursable meal options. When the high school schedule reduced lunch from three services to two, the nutrition team added a fourth “grab and go” line outside the cafeteria to reduce pressure on main lines; he said the staff now serve the high school in about 12 minutes, twice a day.

He highlighted staffing stability, cooperative purchasing that improves pricing (he cited Gordon Foods), local vendors such as Warmbelly Farms and Fork Farms, and a catering program that provides modest alternate revenue. Van Gilder also paid tribute to “Miss Candy,” a longtime employee who recently died, and read a short poem honoring her service.

Board members asked follow‑up questions about the high‑school lunch line changes, catering revenue accounting and whether snacks are available during the school day. Van Gilder said catering revenue is included in the nutrition program totals, that major capital investments produced recent deficits in the fund but were one‑time purchases, and that snacks are not generally available except for medically necessary cases.

The board welcomed the department’s plans to return the salad bar to the high school and to continue exploring local procurement and incremental menu changes to meet student preferences.","Nutrition services director Keith Van Gilder reported higher lunch participation than regional averages, described recent capital investments and menu innovations, and outlined steps to boost breakfast participation and local procurement.",{"_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},6267897,"Fort Atkinson board approves market and longevity pay adjustments, opens contract talks with teachers",973,2415000,3388000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3061491-6463ec1fc448b458e00fabb60cf59fd6&start=2415&end=3388","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3061491-6463ec1fc448b458e00fabb60cf59fd6/thumbnail_2415000.jpg","/articles/6267897/Wisconsin/Fort-Atkinson-board-approves-market-and-longevity-pay-adjustments-opens-contract-talks-with-teachers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6267897-840aaf5bf4a34b6e29f5d82cf3a682e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139048&Signature=mddFekO2MfQDNoJJRvQbybWVwYN9SAwuQDQ-le5yPYHGpGekgnfwIODbTpy~-NoKo4XqpwlFJSdm7bsZatvNBmeex7ws6ci~lPuGTPq1By1g0KFDaYGc5NQP10SXns53TfRw5GoAtj~FDrsFFXPtmmhtVdJVfQOE623r7pRV6tjWJlHpui0DiDSrXXbZOI8pOixcPRXbMHfbOaaMr454utQ4YP8IF7RiREvK5Q3i5O~7~7pVY5aVCn0hymGNMa4~Kai0XRZwt4lfyUarrUByO~uHnH2QJJRR-XwQvPaB7T7rsOy-V~boK1cKc25gOZ5qwX~ZXp0nJeV~Zfo6pqsYAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fort Atkinson School District Board of Education on April 17 approved districtwide market and longevity adjustments for 2025–26, voted to issue individual certified staff contracts and formally opened collective bargaining with the Fort Atkinson Education Association.

Administration presented updated budget projections showing an $850,000 operating surplus for the current fiscal year, a projected deficit of just under $1 million for 2025–26 and an estimated $3.8 million shortfall for 2026–27 if current revenue assumptions and the existing nonrecurring referendum remain unchanged.

Nathan Kinnitt, director of business services, told the board the district used the January five‑year projection as its baseline and is still awaiting final figures for property insurance, workers’ compensation and transportation. Mandy Turnbull, director of human resources, recommended full market adjustments and full longevity increases across eligible staff groups; she summarized that the total cost of those market and longevity adjustments is “just shy of $350,000,” representing about a 1.6% budget increase for those items.

Turnbull also reported the district’s health insurance renewal initially came in at 14.9% but, after broker negotiations, was reduced to 8.9%. Board members and administrators noted the district had budgeted a 12% health insurance assumption; the negotiated 8.9% renewal was presented as a savings of about $394,000 versus that placeholder.

Board action and votes

- The board adopted the compensation structure for 2025–26 as presented (motion by Ms. Sally; second by Mrs. Reynolds). A roll call vote recorded Ms. Sally, Mrs. Reynolds, Mr. Loop and Mr. Nickram as voting yes; the motion carried.
- The board voted to open base wage negotiations with the Fort Atkinson Education Association (motion by Mr. Loop; second by Ms. Selley). That action was approved by voice vote (ayes). The motion does not by itself set a timeline or outcome for any monetary terms.
- The board approved issuance of individual certified staff contracts for 2025–26 (motion by Mrs. Reynolds; second by Mr. Loop). A roll call vote recorded the motion passed.
- Earlier in the meeting the board approved the consent agenda, which included personnel items, several contracts and donations (motion by Ms. Loop; second by Ms. Selley). A roll call vote recorded the consent agenda as approved.

Kinnitt and Turnbull emphasized the continuing financial uncertainty from state and federal levels. Kinnitt said the projection assumes the current level of state funding in the next biennial budget; he noted the most significant driver of the long‑term shortfall is that the district’s operating referendum is nonrecurring and would expire after 2026–27 unless renewed. Turnbull urged the board that the recommended market and longevity adjustments would position the district for upcoming negotiations and support retention and recruitment by aligning pay to current market data.

The board also received an overview of revenue sources used in the projections: roughly $1.1 million in federal operating dollars (about 2.5% of the district budget), including IDEA and Title I, and about $750,000 in federal support for nutrition services. Administrators said they will present updated assumptions and a preliminary budget at the June board meeting when additional rates and insurance figures are finalized.","Board adopted market and longevity adjustments for all staff, approved issuance of certified contracts and opened negotiations with the Fort Atkinson Education Association; administration warned of multi‑year budget gaps if state funding and referenda do not continue.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Organizers thank district for science fair space; students earn awards and teacher credits

Fort Atkinson Education Association president urges earlier teacher input, proposes advisory committees

Nutrition director: lunch participation strong at Fort Atkinson; new salad bar and local sourcing planned

Fort Atkinson board approves market and longevity pay adjustments, opens contract talks with teachers