[{"_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",6580615,"mediaKeyId","3074857-c5fd724f94dd0b4c0b7faf95b75715e9","parentId",3074857,"title","Board approves transportation safety plan, student transfers and a package of policy updates","audioSeconds",1594,"startMs",6074000,"endMs",7668000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3074857-c5fd724f94dd0b4c0b7faf95b75715e9&start=6074&end=7668","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3074857-c5fd724f94dd0b4c0b7faf95b75715e9/thumbnail_6074000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6580615/Wisconsin/Board-approves-transportation-safety-plan-student-transfers-and-a-package-of-policy-updates","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6580615-19a2b4e40dfb75805763d3a53346bf39/orig.mp4?Expires=1775515909&Signature=Cj-aH5qgnxLGApd~fwBe8M4RB91CHlUrxCicPhGfExLD2fDUwOl-DaozPlegZEVbEHLhkTe-BQMCOE4epfOg1mIlm3donQJxQkIce8t~i2XWzej1NIG7~JWmf1JHmq-dnYnI1943-tXH-FudNvA0qbqlCGu-E--lzjpQgIJ6Vk~v~cepRmxMnZ9itrUoRwMx4vBIAuAWTQygJrzaUCdVZSN36DyWl8R-L5aDPHkaLLd~DYJK8FSgJvZPQ52dSosgRZgnUIDqwQlaEOcGmuCtMRQfpZog2qA0jAvBcLMYqe1U9e0R04TZa86Rxdm3KxyIzPYXtECqTGBVENCCFrHgCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","School Board of Wisconsin ","date","2025-04-22T03:12:19.053Z","article","At its meeting the McFarland School District board approved three formal items after brief discussion: an Unusually Hazardous Transportation Plan, recommended student transfers to resident districts, and a package of policy adoptions that included curriculum, attendance and administrative items.

Unusually Hazardous Transportation Plan
The board voted unanimously (5–0) to approve the Unusually Hazardous Transportation Plan as recommended by the Dane County Sheriff’s Department and the McFarland Police Department. Board member Tom moved the motion; Megan Fessler seconded. District staff said the plan makes only limited route changes for 2025–26 (notably a change to the grades 6–12 walk zone west of Highway 51) and that the district will monitor Highway 51 construction in 2026–27 which could require temporary adjustments. The plan will be posted on the district transportation website and staff said they will publish explanatory materials for the public.

Transfers from WIVA/WEVA/Destinations Career Academy and Insight School of Wisconsin
The board unanimously approved recommended transfers of students back to their resident districts due to lack of engagement, as permitted under Wisconsin statute (student transfer rules). Board members spoke in the meeting about the human consequences: administrators reported the transfers affect K–8 students and a small number of older students nearing graduation, and emphasized that the decisions involve real children requiring outreach and support. The motion passed 5–0.

Policy adoptions (second reading)
The board adopted on second reading a large set of policy updates covering district organization, curriculum development, student privacy, gifted programs, medication administration, third‑grade retention, staff ethics and financial controls among others. The board voted 5–0 to adopt the packet of policy revisions that administration recommended on second reading.

Votes at a glance
- Unusually Hazardous Transportation Plan: motion by Board member Tom; second by Megan Fessler; outcome: approved 5–0. Note: staff will post the plan online and monitor Highway 51 construction for 2026–27 implications.
- Student transfers (WEVA/Destinations Career Academy/Insight School of Wisconsin back to resident districts): motion by Bruce (board member); second by Board member Tom; outcome: approved 5–0. Staff noted transfers include multiple K–8 students and several older students.
- Policy adoptions (listed as second reading package): motion moved and seconded at the meeting; outcome: approved 5–0. The packet included policies on curriculum, attendance, student privacy, medication, gifted programs and internal controls.

All three actions were approved unanimously; none carried dissent or abstentions recorded in the meeting minutes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","McFarland School Board Meetings 4/21/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The McFarland School District board unanimously approved an Unusually Hazardous Transportation Plan, approved student transfers from WEVA/Insight/Destinations Career Academy back to resident districts for lack of engagement, and adopted a set of administrative and student policies on second reading.","taxTitle","McFarland School District, School Districts, Wisconsin","taxId",38696,"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},6580619,"McFarland board signals intent to rename Conrad Elvium Primary; will solicit public feedback on 'McFarland Primary School'",1066,6288000,7354000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3074857-c5fd724f94dd0b4c0b7faf95b75715e9&start=6288&end=7354","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3074857-c5fd724f94dd0b4c0b7faf95b75715e9/thumbnail_6288000.jpg","/articles/6580619/Wisconsin/McFarland-board-signals-intent-to-rename-Conrad-Elvium-Primary-will-solicit-public-feedback-on-McFarland-Primary-School","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6580619-63c4e10fdf38869a7e34aedfb6a3dca5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775515909&Signature=IJB-aplpliMm6f0m9VffDS~HeemZoq5WfF3RWlhcQHGaSht3JbOPqr2Lt6ytrZcOprRadG-S6h5gITh9V-NKhezc3P~aFB-pPXABvJOwKW18e9FbIkkBBAa3MytuLeZHW2Thxr-t~xoe9wUwujR6nbnqvC04MvjgWn8m4kxf0~1BaHN~IcweMIyAka-95B-fraD8HMa6qn-By2uib8UgCiQQp02ULLGyf-jnsB~gIidnro~DTTSdeLuBgYzkng7fUg5a0UzJ9SqkqyDOLH~iU5WIpnrnv0x~3Yp2BTGZvxI3jfKhuDhde84lYgewBIWFU4y57KlvdtifPvqWxBhs~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The McFarland School District board continued a months‑long discussion about renaming Conrad Elvium Primary School and told staff it will put a proposed new name before the public for feedback.

At the meeting the board reviewed the Advisory Facilities Naming Committee’s recommendation to remove the current namesake and to find alternative ways to recognize Conrad Elvium. Board member Tom said he “really love[d] the idea of renaming Conrad Elvium to McFarland Primary School,” arguing the neutral name would make grade placement clearer for families. Several other board members voiced support for keeping the change simple and seeking public comment before making a final decision.

Board members also discussed how to preserve historical context. One board member said the district should still recognize Elvium’s contributions in a way separate from the school name — for example with a plaque or community recognition in collaboration with local historical organizations — while another argued curriculum and local history lessons remain appropriate venues to teach about the complex local history, including racial covenants that the committee had documented.

The board did not vote on a final rename that evening. Instead members agreed to list a single proposed new name — McFarland Primary School — on the agenda for the next meeting and to solicit public feedback for roughly two weeks, giving the public an opportunity to comment before the board takes formal action. Board members emphasized the intent to respect the committee’s work and to present a clear, time‑limited public comment period so the process does not drag on indefinitely.

The board also discussed who will pay for the cost of new signage and recognition elements; the matter will return to the agenda with cost estimates. No formal naming motion was adopted at the meeting.","After a committee recommended removing the Conrad Elvium name, the school board discussed options and signaled it will propose the neutral name 'McFarland Primary School' and solicit public feedback before final action at a future meeting.",{"_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},6580624,"McFarland business manager says new Group Health Cooperative contract trims projected budget gap",910,4985000,5895000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3074857-c5fd724f94dd0b4c0b7faf95b75715e9&start=4985&end=5895","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3074857-c5fd724f94dd0b4c0b7faf95b75715e9/thumbnail_4985000.jpg","/articles/6580624/Wisconsin/McFarland-business-manager-says-new-Group-Health-Cooperative-contract-trims-projected-budget-gap","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6580624-0730e932cbfdc4df1c08de726da630d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775515909&Signature=ESTQFfxjncZ6Hi4nKaRjLeSTlgIHYQEJjURBD9-YCaEQxLkGVSfsxIRwjwi9OKlqp16O64ktsQ-HHHPmYv~D-orThjmHLRyeoSlnTk7Z0vBEAA9Kp2IlLTfMtgWGtOciN4i9R37K0ByeKziCTc89rX050LORUU4NDiLUDtioZDVE1v~PuwQRrnyrdocpHWcR1zLwKTaWE5W~PsrUyumWNJBhQ3FBr5mGJ6fjM5BeV5DLVpymGdOVo26e3zLgXNHMD1WhUNEfrDgemIzMYfDwEt3IHydOKOHOZlXojIXhRuSotOY7bdIyolop7eO4tkMpvB8oxRD0ulB5As86lxZZbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The McFarland School District business manager told the board the district secured a four‑year insurance agreement that reduces near‑term budget pressure and gives the district room to consider salary adjustments.

Jeff, the district business manager, told the board the district completed a competitive process and won a four‑year contract with Group Health Cooperative. He said the plan carries a 2% rate increase in the first year (fiscal 2025–26) and subsequent year caps (annual rate maximums cited as up to 8.9% in later years). Jeff said that outcome will reduce projected deficit pressure and “allows us then to have these conversations in May about getting closer and moving ourselves more competitive with wages.”

Jeff reviewed other budget drivers: the district is operating under a recurring referendum revenue schedule, is monitoring state budget deliberations, and faces variable revenues such as interest and virtual school tuition. He told the board that open‑enrollment and resident enrollment trends remain important to revenue estimates; the district has adjusted class sections for 2025–26 to reflect recent enrollments and expects section‑level changes to affect average class sizes.

On post‑secondary course funding, high school principal Brett Jacobson and district staff explained that early college and Start College Now courses have different cost structures. Jeff and administrators said UW system courses are prorated from UW–Madison tuition, resulting typically in about $450 per three‑credit course to the district (tuition share plus books variable), while technical college courses under Start College Now can cost roughly $700 for three credits. Administrators said the high school gatekeeps outside enrollment to limit fiscal exposure.

Jeff warned the board that some budget changes are multi‑year: the district already absorbed a declining‑enrollment exemption that reduced 2025–26 revenue by about $300,000. He asked the board to continue giving staff multi‑year direction because decisions in 2025–26 affect 2026–27 and beyond.

Board members thanked Jeff and the employee relations committee for the collaborative work on benefits procurement and said they will discuss wage and salary proposals in May. The board took no separate vote on the insurance procurement at the meeting; staff reported the award and next steps for budgeting.","Business manager reported that a new four‑year health insurance agreement with Group Health Cooperative includes a 2% increase in year one and caps thereafter; staff said the savings help narrow projected deficits and free funds for wage adjustments.",{"_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},6580627,"McFarland board reviews student survey showing high teacher respect but gaps in engagement and safety comfort",1583,325000,1908000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3074857-c5fd724f94dd0b4c0b7faf95b75715e9&start=325&end=1908","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3074857-c5fd724f94dd0b4c0b7faf95b75715e9/thumbnail_325000.jpg","/articles/6580627/Wisconsin/McFarland-board-reviews-student-survey-showing-high-teacher-respect-but-gaps-in-engagement-and-safety-comfort","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6580627-719f344766e3802bf3e81edf54ef3824/orig.mp4?Expires=1775515909&Signature=MqsfEsWep1vFNh~ia6RngjiANX8YXR9DZOFTdll4c0anG6KKwzlMH8OfOyEChwQYe6dbN-uiPYu6IPq5RgPswQyvyhnXtV6FISniirZDVDyM~cJ-znPsPqneH4SF2ICQ1OMU-74P1W3v-ym6kVpGSbbH92ZYjos-kdLHIOItRhgfHGKkAAFb4rUbibEJkzaGdgKokAO2LsA0Ne4Fvozw6WjD1Tdg8wP0vEAJzN3WslEkvLWENOG2u0NiSwDu1CfuukUd-QHToHHY6udyQ3IyoSOTldJLrvi58GOxqti5UaKfNhiY0fQGM8NN2bcQ8wLuls4Y-m9kC9Ea0V9KERMfsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The McFarland School District on the evening reviewed results of a third‑party student survey showing strong classroom relationships but continuing weaknesses in student engagement and comfort reporting bullying.

District administrator Aaron Tarnitz presented the results, saying the vendor’s tool produced an 89% participation rate among students in grades 4 through 12 and provided districtwide and trend comparisons. Tarnitz told the board the results are “a very representative sample” and that administrators plan to use building- and grade-level breakdowns for next steps.

Tarnitz told the board that most indicators were high: 94% of students agreed or strongly agreed that their teachers treat them with respect, 96% said they had friends they could sit with at lunch and 95% said parents help them with school. On composite indices measured on a five‑point scale, administrators reported averages above 4.0 across the four key areas tied to the district’s strategic plan.

But Tarnitz and board members highlighted several concerns. The average response to the item “Most days I like my school” was 6.1 on a 0–10 scale, and just 60% of students agreed they talk to people outside school about what they are learning. Tarnitz noted that about 72% of students agreed or strongly agreed that most kids at school follow the rules, and roughly 79% said they would feel comfortable talking to someone if they were bullied — meaning about one in five students might not feel comfortable reporting bullying.

Board members also raised concerns about representation within the sample. Tarnitz said senior participation was low: only about 8% of 12th‑grade students responded, reflecting difficulty reaching seniors who are off campus for internships or youth apprenticeships. Board members suggested exploring incentives and other outreach to increase senior response rates and to ensure disaggregated data are available for groups such as students with disabilities, by race and by grade level.

On achievement gaps, Tarnitz showed district key performance indicators focused on English language arts. He said gaps remain: an 11–12 percentage‑point gap between white students and students of color on proficiency measures, and a 36–38 percentage‑point gap for students with disabilities in past years’ reports. Tarnitz said the district’s school improvement plans and professional development are targeted at reducing those gaps.

Board members pressed for follow-up steps. They asked for building‑level drilldowns, for clarity on whether questions about reporting bullying measure reporting versus discussing a problem with an adult, and for plans to disaggregate data by race, gender and special education status for targeted interventions. Tarnitz said buildings will analyze their data and that the district will include the survey results in upcoming strategic plan KPI reporting.

The board did not take formal action on the survey at the meeting but directed staff to provide more detailed, disaggregated results to committees and to return with suggested follow‑up actions for areas identified as growth priorities.","District administrators told the school board that a third-party student survey of grades 4–12 (89% participation) showed strong results on teacher-student relationships and belonging but identified lower results for students talking about learning outside school, seniors' response rates and comfort reporting bullying.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves transportation safety plan, student transfers and a package of policy updates

McFarland board signals intent to rename Conrad Elvium Primary; will solicit public feedback on 'McFarland Primary School'

McFarland business manager says new Group Health Cooperative contract trims projected budget gap

McFarland board reviews student survey showing high teacher respect but gaps in engagement and safety comfort