[{"_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",[32,76,88,100,111],{"_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":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6208034,"mediaKeyId","3750027-4dd95da5742ca350577caf1536a812b1","parentId",3750027,"title","Board renews Thomas Bus contract with 7% base increase for 2025-26","audioSeconds",420,"startMs",6900000,"endMs",7320000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3750027-4dd95da5742ca350577caf1536a812b1&start=6900&end=7320","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3750027-4dd95da5742ca350577caf1536a812b1/thumbnail_6900000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6208034/Wisconsin/Board-renews-Thomas-Bus-contract-with-7-base-increase-for-2025-26","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6208034-fcd8a9dc8f1c0447f6880ef214319ebe/orig.mp4?Expires=1775209810&Signature=Qwj7J4qRF1XHvP1AUhOHEt9s76z3xKllrH8AKId6W5su4h5fuPyjzUwTGrU0UXNqOWZ8InDrXIC0xqyghScna7A8m0py01Wl~I0Hz5u-jb8Bz0hjwEhIclmovuBNnG5~k4fUzcSb8JGOhKfOF4LDiooOa4Vho-Q0p9s0MM5rswOlBh6ODclZFZKCE68wkSAHnTpF7hvl9AfDoPB59qsN-Qp-vLfA~v00Q1vlD0jNhMHnlxrc3TUp96veypKxeJuMJFO2guReCAeSfu9SJN2YnCnFWxmuco34Mf1ry-V3kt1wxNY620FWhilzTSFy~PpVjPyn7~JwqRzdwijZyK~wIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Burlington Area School District","date","2025-06-11T00:49:03.483Z","article","The Burlington Area School District board approved the 2025-26 pupil-transportation contract with Thomas Bus, accepting a 7% increase in the carrier’s base contract rate.

Ruth, director of business services, presented the contract renewal and explained that cost pressures have risen for repairs and parts; she also said adjustments to routing and timing this year added driver time that is reflected in the company’s proposal. The district currently operates 18 morning routes and 21 evening double routes, and Thomas Bus provides drivers for field trips and extracurricular activities.

Board members praised Thomas Bus for local knowledge and consistent service; administrators noted the vendor’s willingness to adjust routes midyear to improve efficiency. The motion to approve the contract, as presented, passed by voice vote.

Trustees said they value the company’s responsiveness and pointed to staff proficiency, including teachers with bus licenses who sometimes support extracurricular runs. The contract will be incorporated into the district’s 2025-26 operating budget.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BASD School Board meeting - June 9, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved Thomas Bus pupil transportation services for 2025-26, accepting a proposed 7% base increase tied to rising maintenance and repair costs and driver compensation.","taxTitle","Burlington Area School District, School Districts, Wisconsin","taxId",60612,"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},6208040,"BASD Foundation reports $65,220 raised in first year, sponsors 90 students",112,2618000,2730000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3750027-4dd95da5742ca350577caf1536a812b1&start=2618&end=2730","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3750027-4dd95da5742ca350577caf1536a812b1/thumbnail_2618000.jpg","/articles/6208040/Wisconsin/BASD-Foundation-reports-65220-raised-in-first-year-sponsors-90-students","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6208040-a69bbadecf366e8405703427376f0f18/orig.mp4?Expires=1775209810&Signature=LTwxGVXzKxXuJzKFSYqhl1KbRB6KtFhaCTF9rbZNYGaXbp6vskJ27OaDM9WTdwYx9WI7BMoCY4DGDC6jqwPVcHHDlMJiYRZlvcCatbygLBf1LJalrcvYOGAUMce-cS9hY~CWiydt1Q7mkqtScxnofiYmXvZOLfPc3mWi490qH0KS-wA6p9y8mTXMoIC2Vwlie9orTeOFv9y5QU-nZFM973F3q4e8oBLfC9h8t4L4RWVuGIzlHVLg3jCqnbPLs5uiX6LnmaDXqqYq-O0sc335Zp1e2QbIEi7adf1vrpTlDv75n1gVuX0Yf2ijm0BPPHFcZ96AOfmbkGT6swibqUQAYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Burlington Area School District Foundation reported its first-year results to the school board, saying it raised $65,220 from 135 donors and provided $46,804 in funding to district programs.

Aubrey Thompson, representing the BASD Foundation, said the foundation sponsored 90 individual students this school year, covering registration, course and activity fees; donations also funded classroom materials, flexible seating, choir risers and other building needs identified by staff. Thompson said $10,000 in donated funds is earmarked as a required match for a high-school technical-education grant and will be released when the grant’s conditions are met.

Thompson described a fundraising model shift for the coming year: the foundation plans to move from one-off “spotlight” campaigns to a formal grant-application process and to cultivate monthly donors to create a predictable pool of funds. The foundation also plans an annual fundraising event and a grant-review process for staff requests.

Board members thanked the foundation for its work. Thompson said volunteers handled sponsorship approvals and that the board will refine administrative processes to reduce staff time spent on grant processing, with a goal of streamlining through an application portal.","The Burlington Area School District Foundation reported $65,220 raised in its first year, provided $46,804 in grants to the district and sponsored 90 individual students to cover fees and program costs.",{"_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},6208045,"Athletics director proposes paid signage at school facilities to raise revenue; trustees caution against overuse",750,1020000,1770000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3750027-4dd95da5742ca350577caf1536a812b1&start=1020&end=1770","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3750027-4dd95da5742ca350577caf1536a812b1/thumbnail_1020000.jpg","/articles/6208045/Wisconsin/Athletics-director-proposes-paid-signage-at-school-facilities-to-raise-revenue-trustees-caution-against-overuse","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6208045-cfd3faed094199d9f31c026764d007d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775209810&Signature=JNFVSgZih6d~j4dP4TWeWqlNtlBQ9ICpEdyMwgI6xx7Ouk3yQ83NF3oUThb4gYZUwWTfHkGPMytmRgGZqO8poYBDRhTAxhcXQNZ-LUmI9CfxODiQNQ54nXFjyvxp6sb0HymPbnbXftahNcZCVNn5kUOhbb2lCG0gd7IeIOVfg-Iap9EyjadT86KVPW7POKGuxtKfHMYi6aNjZ2HVw0vP4z~DxHfmTA~StmwJUGYr7u5HfBfYepgcokFwjaFS11dsBt871Rqs4GG7nemfYg8haATJDL~4~PZFV3fVNWJ7uVOA~UFcePkNO9BicvrP8gZqGTUnCIUc8hMgNVPkykI-iA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Burlington High School athletic director Eric Sulik proposed extending the district’s sponsorship guide to permit paid signage on school grounds as a way to raise revenue for activities and athletics.

Sulik described locations and examples — 4-by-8 signs on the back of the grandstand at the Lynch Complex, the press box, concession stands, team rooms and fencing — and said vendor Burley Signs quoted $275 to fabricate a 4-by-8 sign. He described an initial plan for two-year agreements with automatic renewals and said the district would be responsible for installation and maintenance.

Sulik said the pitch to businesses would emphasize visibility and a positive community partnership; he noted prices would be set to allow participation by smaller local businesses as well as larger partners. He cautioned the program would not involve renaming fields or facilities and said pricing would be set after further conversations with local businesses.

Board members reacted with a mix of support and reservations. Trustee Roseanne said she disliked “a lot of signs” and worried that too many advertisements would detract from the facility’s appearance. Another trustee asked for examples and recommended showing layout photos; Eric said the team would provide images of Kettle Moraine and other districts that have implemented similar, subtle signage.

Board members raised design guidance and brand-color questions; one trustee suggested tying signage to the district’s black-and-orange color palette while Eric warned heavy restrictions might discourage donors who want their own logos. Trustees urged a modest rollout focused on high-visibility, tactfully designed placements and asked staff to return with a pricing schedule and sample graphics if they want to pilot the program this summer.","Burlington High School athletic director Eric Sulik proposed expanding the district’s sponsorship guide to allow businesses to buy advertising signs on athletic and campus facilities. Board members supported the idea’s fundraising potential but cautioned against visual clutter and recommended careful design and pricing.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":44,"_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":74,"_75":74},6208049,"Board approves preliminary 2025-26 budget; special education funding shortfall remains",780,6120000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3750027-4dd95da5742ca350577caf1536a812b1&start=6120&end=6900","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3750027-4dd95da5742ca350577caf1536a812b1/thumbnail_6120000.jpg","/articles/6208049/Wisconsin/Board-approves-preliminary-2025-26-budget-special-education-funding-shortfall-remains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6208049-e4624fd2df599c9eccdc5b8d20248c1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775209810&Signature=WlLV4bvpk6JPxCkyE9oA3lcYYoA2OiyPMx2qd5yA5HJtkru5dGamO3Kh28JHeLgMLHpU3iQctyCFvA31kVZ2SA5S3iUVGO8mqvph3liqVg42pYkCaOxU4iqoAUWRhJ0gcAS9VmtyrI6LyGqGOL-vOufRLHma2~2WnSm9weDwliryAocI7-c7W5JzabbuNNJ04F9W~eRFV2xawXmRjB3RmFiDOGUM9Q7j747MT6oUJR-lz78eJoEf~tbFKHw4jhK8BssxPJc9eS5FzBrd19YtCOwNVuHYRPwUhk4tTCirWGVRZq2YkUaxzAAFhAbGDPvDgvafpSQ62Pb6mtM5K-3GMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Burlington Area School District board approved a preliminary budget for 2025-26 and voted to adopt year-end budget amendments for 2024-25.

Ruth (business services director) presented the amendments required to balance 2024-25; revenue adjustments included higher interest earnings, grant adjustments and open-enrollment changes, while expenditures rose in areas such as special education and unplanned leaves. Ruth said the district closed a projected deficit and balanced the year-end budget.

For 2025-26 the board approved a preliminary budget that includes revenues and expenses tied to the three-year operating referendum. The district added estimated increases for staff costs, a 10% health-insurance allowance and other expense pressures; the package projects a surplus in 2025-26 that offsets prior-year deficits when considered over the three-year referendum horizon.

Board members and administrators repeatedly raised special education funding as a long-term budget pressure. Ruth noted the district budgeted state special-education aid at 30% for planning; she said finalized state numbers for the 2024-25 year came in at 30.64% after the meeting, which still leaves the district covering a significant portion of special-education costs. Superintendent Dr. Jill Oelslager and board members urged continued advocacy for higher state special-education reimbursements.

Administrators also discussed the district’s Fund 46 (long-term capital improvements), a vehicle to set aside district dollars over multiple years for larger projects. Jess Warren and other staff said Fund 46 currently holds roughly $100,000 but that larger needs identified in the forthcoming McKinstry facilities assessment may require more substantial reserves.

The board authorized publication of the 2024-25 amendments in the required format and approved the 2025-26 preliminary budget so the district can open the fiscal year on July 1. The board will set the original budget and final levy in October after pupil counts and state equalization figures are released.","Trustees approved a preliminary budget to start the 2025-26 fiscal year and finalized 2024-25 amendments. The board and administrators flagged ongoing funding pressures in special education and the need to build long-term capital reserves.",{"_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":74,"_75":74},6208054,"School board approves $180,000 facilities assessment and 3-year capital-planning service",1740,3600000,5340000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3750027-4dd95da5742ca350577caf1536a812b1&start=3600&end=5340","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3750027-4dd95da5742ca350577caf1536a812b1/thumbnail_3600000.jpg","/articles/6208054/Wisconsin/School-board-approves-180000-facilities-assessment-and-3-year-capital-planning-service","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6208054-683967077b80411026da6f4d6bef0b09/orig.mp4?Expires=1775209810&Signature=kx0w~NI95osuzLN2PMQG7DDColm-aU2bt8Wzj-gYB7ZyfSCf~9Yz~ww8X8czYLEV2UE0uyonmqg8sby7jWxPe05EcvJlp0HznrgPYAEoa4d2A-jrCH2UhW5w54PpTwwsKq0D95oLA9xF-KSFsWMEgYWLXm7dcI0hBbupNkwz2ZCmDOScd~UI2KM8G8z5jEcvzuqloE6at9RC9VFpWz0MM9b3DX-KPlH2hQigxU1zJEYaNS5cfSK7pEnK5LKs1gWd8BgASCeKiE0vkQVo6eRtIWKHEfrWYNI0JoeNpc5HIQG97FkVpm4ssyhrjnJBlUa6sTtqrK7DdadOsB7jj49~8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Burlington Area School District Board of Education voted to approve a three-year facilities assessment and capital-planning engagement with McKinstry, not to exceed $180,000, split across the current and next fiscal year.

Board members said the assessment and an interactive “Reveal” capital-planning dashboard will give administrators a data-driven view of building and equipment needs and help prioritize scarce maintenance dollars.

McKinstry, a national engineering and facilities consultant, will perform on-site inspections of major mechanical, electrical and structural assets, upload the results to a web-based dashboard, and provide year-by-year budgeting tools and ongoing support. Chris Jones, senior account executive with McKinstry, told the board the goal is to “help the district adopt and implement a data-driven approach to capital planning and facilities planning much like the district already does on the instructional side.”

Tyler, McKinstry program manager, demonstrated the dashboard with an example district. The tool assigns a facility-condition index and scores individual assets — from air-handling units to flooring — by condition, classroom impact and energy use. The system can group replacement costs into a 10-year projection and then recommend which projects to fund given an annual budget.

Jess Warren, BASD director of buildings and grounds, said the district chose McKinstry after meeting multiple vendors and wanting an independent assessment that would not require the firm to be the prime contractor on future work. Warren told the board the district will retain control of contracting for any projects the assessment recommends.

Board members asked about scope and frequency. McKinstry said field teams will inspect critical systems and sample lower-priority items; they will attach QR codes and photographs to assets, track maintenance history and reprice costs annually to reflect market changes. The firm said it can later perform a staffing-skills analysis if the district requests it as an additional service.

The motion passed after a roll call; the board approved option 1 — a full asset inventory, dashboard build-out and two additional years of planning support — with payment split between the 2024-25 and 2025-26 budgets.

The district plans a workshop for board members once the dashboard is populated so trustees can review the district’s capital priorities and long-term funding needs.","The Burlington Area School District board approved a three-year contract with McKinstry to produce a facilities condition assessment and to deliver a living capital-planning dashboard to help prioritize building repairs and budgets.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board renews Thomas Bus contract with 7% base increase for 2025-26

BASD Foundation reports $65,220 raised in first year, sponsors 90 students

Athletics director proposes paid signage at school facilities to raise revenue; trustees caution against overuse

Board approves preliminary 2025-26 budget; special education funding shortfall remains

School board approves $180,000 facilities assessment and 3-year capital-planning service