[{"_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",6025696,"mediaKeyId","5753195-4ee0c50f5f140835301839fc2d5b796c","parentId",5753195,"title","Hudson board discusses long‑term facilities planning as enrollment falls about 700 elementary students from peak","audioSeconds",1171,"startMs",1358000,"endMs",2529000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5753195-4ee0c50f5f140835301839fc2d5b796c&start=1358&end=2529","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5753195-4ee0c50f5f140835301839fc2d5b796c/thumbnail_1358000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6025696/Wisconsin/Hudson-board-discusses-longterm-facilities-planning-as-enrollment-falls-about-700-elementary-students-from-peak","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6025696-e445ef98756585a0514c097e44b967e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771032737&Signature=P5n1UrGymb21s3zR4YaiURfkTnI4C-770p0c2BFLiLWf6-yiTkoF7tqHU4p7Vi2fY9ylO71fVvOXp6cEijep9vCU88q3HEoB0KzAShOJNQ67~XOaHH3Ls23XcYvAdsu6GzZBLgXU8rOPn0t~xTDMbbg6fw3dKBMze4bdgS54hx9U-d6WHzVkTrtqGCHFpo-Ur0gUaYJ1z4e-BF418KOShROSP1aA0khM3KHhKqXThgCxB-OVCYLXSewsH6hORxA8S6vyg8P2-NqU3hcLkThimvrSGnzYl9qtx96RynPNufggB6EBa44EUxuXKjL5x-J7Ajf~VhCmmHC402cOncQaRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hudson School District, WI","date","2025-09-10T07:24:53Z","article","Hudson School Board members spent an extended portion of their meeting on long‑term facilities planning, reviewing staffing‑reduction scenarios, building capacities for 4‑year‑old kindergarten and wrap care, and estimated repair costs for Willow River and Holton schools as district enrollment remains well below its peak.
District administrators told the board that if the board pursued an option to operate four elementary schools rather than six, the district’s July staffing model estimated reductions of roughly 19–20 positions using average salary calculations and formulas for support staff and specialists. The staffing model uses assumptions such as 20 students per class in kindergarten–grade 2 and 25 per class in grades 3–5 when translating projected enrollment to the number of classroom sections required; administrators said they round fractional section counts up to the next whole section when planning.
Administrators said they had verified that, if four elementary buildings were used and occupied at full capacity, the district could still provide four‑year‑old kindergarten in each site; in three of the four buildings the district could also provide wrap care, but Hudson Prairie could be more challenging to offer wrap care if every grade level were at 100 percent occupancy. Staff noted wrap‑care availability also depends on community partners and provider capacity; the district uses a mix of public and private partners for 4‑year‑old kindergarten and wrap care (examples given included Trinity, Saint Pat’s, Bethel and private childcare providers). The district said roughly 20 students historically have come from those private schools to the district for services in a given year, countering public comments that many students stream from particular private schools.
The board reviewed special‑education obligations and equitable‑services dollars. Staff explained the district must spend a portion of federal special‑education funds on services for parentally placed private‑school students with disabilities (in recent years roughly $30,000–$40,000), but those students are not entitled to FAPE from the district; the private schools decide how to spend the equitable‑services money (examples: staff training, purchased staff time, curriculum or transportation).
Board members asked about facility‑repair cost estimates for Willow River and Holton. Staff said the last facility‑needs assessment was completed in 2022, which at that time estimated roughly $18 million in needs at Willow River and roughly $5 million at Holton. Administrators warned those figures are subject to construction‑cost inflation since 2022 and noted some items (for example, a chiller replacement at Willow River) required immediate unplanned investments (the chiller replacement cost about $300,000). Board members discussed whether the district should commission updated cost bids or a refreshed facilities assessment; staff said a new bid process would require hiring architects and engineers and producing a bid package, and the board would need to authorize that work if it wanted new detailed cost estimates.
Administrators reminded the board that the district’s elementary enrollment peaked in the early 2010s at about 2,600 students and has since declined by roughly 700 students to the current levels; staff attributed some of the decline to longer‑term demographic trends such as falling birth rates and to lower yield from some housing developments compared with prior forecasts. Board members raised questions about operating‑budget implications and whether maintenance and ongoing operational costs are sustainable if the district keeps older buildings open.
The board also discussed community engagement for a September 22 public meeting intended to gather input on potential elementary school closures; staff described table prompts to surface values, questions about budget and enrollment data, and advice for board decision‑making. Staff said they were collecting form responses and would publicize the meeting broadly, including offering childcare and snacks to encourage attendance. The board did not take a formal vote on closures; the session was a planning and information exchange.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hudson Schools - September 8, 2025 - School Board Meeting Part 2","oneSentenceSummary","Board members reviewed staffing scenarios, capacity for 4‑year‑old kindergarten and wrap care, special education service delivery to private schools, and facility‑repair cost estimates for Willow River and Holton amid a multiyear enrollment decline.","taxTitle","Hudson School District, School Districts, Wisconsin","taxId",38635,"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},6025701,"Board approves 7% rate increase for Safeway Bus Company amid district transportation adjustments",247,1042000,1289000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5753195-4ee0c50f5f140835301839fc2d5b796c&start=1042&end=1289","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5753195-4ee0c50f5f140835301839fc2d5b796c/thumbnail_1042000.jpg","/articles/6025701/Wisconsin/Board-approves-7-rate-increase-for-Safeway-Bus-Company-amid-district-transportation-adjustments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6025701-584eccf04189025ff5abfb18efa5c326/orig.mp4?Expires=1771032737&Signature=Ud3mK99g26-r~z9infh1W2Bx4uqQNg2C7AYtQWfezXrnIeLbyGoJ3taBFxR5bQ4O7V6c4TJWAPQOmto7umJH5hwXLKClnJXG87WPxvbvTAXqe661JxpDUUgnwtiPOCwqKtrSQvQfMtaT83DgLF2SRCvrOlYkf2SeULaIWk9rR5s3d327hA~degahR72kSiAd0seek9Eu9vVbTi1pGz3rlZg7eOd27wUD5WiN0Etsmn8YYmHyKrbDLaRAi2wdfZxFiVpohUG4zFUbhMBMAT~OiJrTHLBgCG4UKgIDfwyqqAtVVMoUh8lfa1ROGto5YtTK~dP9kXGblzZWzkd3xT3e5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hudson School Board approved a 7 percent rate increase for Safeway Bus Company’s continuing contract for the 2025–26 fiscal year, a measure administrators said is intended to help the contractor offset rising labor costs and secure student transportation for the year.
Administrators told the board the proposed increase mirrors terms discussed in closed session earlier and that state of the contract needed public approval in open session. A district presenter said the increase is intended to help Safeway address rising labor costs and to offset reductions in the number of routes as the district seeks to run buses more efficiently under new transportation leadership.
Board members asked whether the company had provided specifics about how the additional funds would be used and whether the increase would address ongoing concerns raised by families about bus service. A board member said the 7 percent is not intended to fund a particular parent request but rather to stabilize the contractor’s finances so it can maintain service; the district will continue to adjust routing to improve efficiency. Another board member noted that even with the increase, the district’s per‑route costs remain lower than comparable districts, and the memo distributed with the contract lists the per‑route rates.
The board voted to approve the contract increase after a motion and second; the motion passed by voice vote. No additional funding sources were discussed at the meeting; board members emphasized the decision was intended to ensure continued transportation service for students.","The Hudson School Board approved a 7% rate increase for Safeway Bus Company for fiscal year 2025–26 to offset rising labor and operational costs; board members said the increase was necessary to secure service while the district pursues efficiency improvements.",{"_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},6025706,"Board reviews district academic goals: targets set for proficiency and subgroup gains",167,667000,834000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5753195-4ee0c50f5f140835301839fc2d5b796c&start=667&end=834","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5753195-4ee0c50f5f140835301839fc2d5b796c/thumbnail_667000.jpg","/articles/6025706/Wisconsin/Board-reviews-district-academic-goals-targets-set-for-proficiency-and-subgroup-gains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6025706-e06eab96afbd4e1f6b0a5c72ee56e0b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771032737&Signature=O-eFi4wW4Q5iM1-6ljAkgqcSvdS8O418sy23DpwvPN2tTaps44sE7kZbzuzIJOvpeLSo0A5Qb25-6cVBhkZHbIDMRutKslc7GkuliZmaD42xcGBROCIteebVu5fkmJdTF-QeMF5dzkkdJV8KdexTuMenm7Hv8aBdrdfExHTAqq1iNKpmLUKRPpkxl5A0vDe-U5km9BtZGUuiJu4QE104nW6-bcKJtr-KUQ50yW25PuuSPju8lYBbCZBxcl9Xk~nGytiWea~tuAaq~dcNBw4m~NEHO0Sm1IikFGgcoX7WaMNgvnliTh3kNJt-REaweGZR~9244k8cRJXAA4d1ydqQLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hudson School District directors presented the district’s academic goals for the 2025–26 school year, setting targets of 67 percent proficiency in English language arts and 73 percent proficiency in mathematics for students in grades 3 through 11.
During the presentation, directors explained that state proficiency cut scores mean proficiency does not equate to basic competency for every student. A director said proficiency on state assessments corresponds roughly to the 60th percentile and that students who can read or perform at grade level may still fall short of the state’s proficiency threshold. The directors added that the district’s stated goal is to be in the top 5 percent of school districts, citing longer‑term targets of 70 percent and 75 percent for particular measures.
The board also discussed subgroup baselines and gap‑closing goals. Staff said the district must track three subgroups the state highlights: students with disabilities, students of color, and economically disadvantaged students (those eligible for free or reduced‑price lunch). A board member asked why the baseline for students of color was 44 percent; staff answered that the baseline reflects those students’ performance on the most recent statewide assessments and that district goals aim to increase those baseline rates by about three percentage points.
Administrators noted which statewide assessments are used at each grade band: the Forward Exam for grades 3–8; a pre‑ACT measure in grades 9–10; and the ACT in grade 11. Directors said meeting the stated proficiency targets would place the district within a high percentile statewide (the presentation stated current targets would place the district in roughly the top 7 percent of districts).
No formal board vote was taken; the item was presented for review and clarification. Board members asked follow‑up questions about the meaning of proficiency, subgroup measurement and long‑term targets.","District directors presented 2025–26 academic achievement targets — 67% proficiency in English language arts and 73% in math for grades 3–11 — and explained how proficiency percentages map to state percentiles and subgroups tracked by the state.",{"_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},6025711,"District reports seclusion and restraint data: 56 seclusions, 40 restraints among students with IEPs",89,413000,502000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5753195-4ee0c50f5f140835301839fc2d5b796c&start=413&end=502","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5753195-4ee0c50f5f140835301839fc2d5b796c/thumbnail_413000.jpg","/articles/6025711/Wisconsin/District-reports-seclusion-and-restraint-data-56-seclusions-40-restraints-among-students-with-IEPs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6025711-a801826bd0d556c59fbce57f34d3856a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771032737&Signature=FkcK-W39R3A2Bqt5ncZNb4GEhAsxyWzLg~-mZYZ3SDnHeBMAEqF7X1D5AqQaBrhhIfeLvbN0bJet~09U4AoYh8tKfk5FM-KxP8QRrbW6tze5epYisE7SmsvnClnqsA8t-uPW9A1q~qiEs8RS7lwAlr0knrYUZ~6NQYIRYtsFfSjKYyKiqF0r0isVNy9b1eyrF34J-n6SsCj0usBaDaB0trjf07Z5ieQACIxkQiRsrN0jt4pVFrCC1Q8A5Vt5JTO0ffIIvVfP4tt6K29La72MSSQFDGOelrFb6R6T5-vFFIi0YC~jdU~iaNVC2fGC8j64OMWMYPPy8coQ~iFk39C6jQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hudson School District presented its annual seclusion and restraint report to the school board, showing the district recorded 56 seclusions and 40 physical restraints among students with individualized education programs during the 2024–25 school year.
Tara, the staff presenter, told the board the annual report is legally required to be submitted to the school board by Oct. 1 and then reported to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction by Dec. 1. She said the report separates incidents for general‑education students and students with disabilities; in the current data the district recorded no seclusions involving general‑education students.
According to the district presentation, the 56 seclusions involved 11 different students, the 40 restraints involved 12 students, and 23 incidents involved both seclusion and restraint at the same time affecting four students. Tara said the totals represented about 18 students with disabilities who were affected by seclusions or restraints during the 2024–25 year and noted that the annual aggregate for incidents was roughly similar to the prior year (about 74 incidents reported in a recent period).
Tara explained the district’s working definitions for the practices: seclusion is “the involuntary confinement of a student apart from other students in a room or an area where the student is physically prevented from leaving,” and physical restraint “means a restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to freely move his or her torso, arms, legs or head.” She said the district requires constant supervision during seclusion and records the start and end times for every incident. The district uses CPI training (Crisis Prevention Institute) for staff who may use physical restraint.
Board members asked staff for clarifications. One board member asked why Willow River Elementary had higher incident counts; Tara said the Willow River total represented 22 incidents but involved only two individual students in that building. Board members also asked for clarification about the district’s responsibilities for students at private schools; district staff said federal special‑education equitable‑services dollars are used for students with disabilities in private schools but those students are parentally placed and are not entitled to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) provided by the district; the private schools decide how to spend the equitable‑services funds (examples given were staff training, resources or staff time purchased from district personnel).
No board action was taken; the item was informational and staff said the district will submit the required state report by the December deadline.","Administrators presented the district’s annual seclusion and restraint report showing incidents concentrated among students with disabilities; district said the report is required to be presented to the board by Oct. 1 and later reported to DPI.",{"_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},6025715,"Hudson district reports steady start to school year, enrollment at 1,940; construction nearly finished at several schools",375,37000,412000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5753195-4ee0c50f5f140835301839fc2d5b796c&start=37&end=412","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5753195-4ee0c50f5f140835301839fc2d5b796c/thumbnail_37000.jpg","/articles/6025715/Wisconsin/Hudson-district-reports-steady-start-to-school-year-enrollment-at-1940-construction-nearly-finished-at-several-schools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6025715-22bb39240bb44af0764f73a64ec591e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771032737&Signature=OVXJh1fZQRhjdfdoQaCJ61EeEVsz6mYbrUwN-k~GVpODM8q2njXL7a~Yu8JcWxSm3MOH-HwTEq9as6OwQ~QmtsrG~66Gopa1YeIjytmI3pmJhLiuKO9stbwfR7cG~bUwBLE60NlLsEebQ9waDj~oXotIyr4nCeu1RFE9yhgtS4YgvlnNSos~871yNQentTo6bCcN3B0n9Kg3KFfCrB~kFRgCIY04zP0DIQHEJ4VYXLM89LrRyuLiT6wNxqOYUxshSI57rgUvo7FrQ6pi4Wn506EdLHaRaJ3lxFfmAZ6Gzoa6CqyYXAKNLBg6Kg9~OlBvJ5Xh0sBRXOqqLgIr4U9O0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hudson School Board administrators said the district has had a smooth start to the school year and reported an enrollment of 1,940 students as they prepare for the district’s formal third‑Friday count in September. They also gave updated construction progress showing most work at North Hudson Elementary, EP Rock Elementary and the district office is nearly finished.
The update came during a regular board meeting when a district staff member said administrators had held successful back‑to‑school staff meetings and had hosted the governor at two district buildings in the opening weeks. The staff member said the district will use the upcoming third‑Friday count as the official enrollment tally and noted the figure of 1,940 reflects counts taken at the end of last week.
Why it matters: The third‑Friday count determines official enrollment totals used for state reporting and budgeting; small shifts between this preliminary figure and the official count can affect staffing and funding calculations.
Administrators highlighted several construction items still in progress. At North Hudson Elementary, contractors were finishing a new cafeteria and a redesigned front drop‑off; staff reported afternoon pickup times averaging about five to seven minutes. EP Rock Elementary was completing a controlled main entrance, new office areas, the art room and media center built‑ins. The middle school work is largely done and district office windows and finishes are being installed. The district said about 1–2 percent of construction remains, mainly landscaping and final touches, and anticipated completion of several rooms “in the next two weeks.”
District staff flagged one classroom‑size issue already visible in the latest data: Willow River’s fourth‑grade section exceeded the district’s class‑size guideline and will be adjusted on the published table. Administrators also noted a decline in first‑grade enrollment to below 300 students — possibly the first time in more than 20 years — while kindergarten enrollment was “just above” 300.
Officials explained that final adjustments to district rolls typically follow requests for student records from other districts; students who transfer out are usually removed from local rolls only after records requests arrive. Middle‑ and high‑school enrollment figures were discussed; the middle school was reported around 1,065 students and the high school around 1,700. The district said it will continue to monitor enrollment and bring updated figures to upcoming meetings.
The board did not take formal action on enrollment or construction during the presentation; staff requested any questions and moved on to other agenda items.","District administrators told the Hudson School Board enrollment stands at 1,940 students ahead of the official third‑Friday count; construction at North Hudson, EP Rock and district office is nearly complete, with small remaining work and landscaping.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Hudson board discusses long‑term facilities planning as enrollment falls about 700 elementary students from peak

Board approves 7% rate increase for Safeway Bus Company amid district transportation adjustments

Board reviews district academic goals: targets set for proficiency and subgroup gains

District reports seclusion and restraint data: 56 seclusions, 40 restraints among students with IEPs

Hudson district reports steady start to school year, enrollment at 1,940; construction nearly finished at several schools