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Superintendent updates board on WIAA policy, recognitions, donations and referendum communications plan
Summary
The superintendent reported a WIAA policy change on transgender athlete eligibility, previewed the state superintendent election, recognized student athletic and career competition achievements, acknowledged donations to district programs, and described a communications plan for an upcoming facilities referendum.
At the start of the March 10 board meeting the superintendent provided multiple district updates, including a recent WIAA board‑of‑control policy change on student athlete eligibility and early returns from the state superintendent primary.
WIAA policy and elections: The superintendent told the board the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) has updated its policy on transgender athlete participation; the meeting record paraphrases the WIAA action as an eligibility decision for birth‑assigned females in girls competitions. The superintendent also noted that Jill Underly and Britney Kinzer advanced to the general election for state superintendent; the April 1 general election will coincide with a high‑profile state Supreme Court contest.
Recognitions and resource requests: Several teams and student groups received recognition. Coaches and students from Deep Learning Virtual Academy presented a school showcase earlier in the meeting; parents and a board member praised the virtual school’s student work and leadership. The Central High School cheerleading coach described the program’s rapid growth to a state‑qualifying team in three years and asked the board for consistent practice space and regulation cheer mats, saying donated wrestling mats are inadequate. The Nate Hale and West Allis Central athletics programs and individual student athletes were also recognized for sectional and state qualifications in wrestling, basketball and gymnastics.
Donations and visits: The board recognized a $2,750 donation from the Bill Mitter Memorial Foundation to the district’s “Champion for a Child” scholarship fund and a $3,500 donation from the West Allis Rotary Club to support the Recreation Adult Day (RAD) program. The RAD program and district recreation staff also hosted a visit by Lieutenant Governor Sarah Rodriguez and State Representative Karen Curtis to showcase services for Medicaid‑eligible participants.
Referendum communications: Board communications staff said they met with CG Schmidt to prepare a referendum outreach plan. The plan includes building‑level signage and monthly one‑page project summaries with timelines, costs and renderings; three videos scheduled between June and November; regular newsletter updates; and highlights on specific projects such as the Central fieldhouse, a pool at West Milwaukee and a woods classroom at Hale.
Why it matters: the WIAA policy note affects school athletic eligibility decisions; the resource requests from coaches underscore facility and equipment equity concerns that the referendum and district budgeting process could address.
Student voice: Devin Williams, a senior and the district’s student voice representative, gave a short report on upcoming events at Central High School, including ACT testing and sectional basketball. During public comment, junior Caden Schafer Rose urged the board to ensure classroom instructional time is fully used and said some teachers offer only brief assignments in 50‑minute periods. Board member Sunny Nias Randall, speaking as a school board member and supporter of Deep Learning Virtual Academy, praised DLVA leadership and invited board members to visit.
No board action items were taken on the recognitions or referendum plan at the meeting; staff said more detailed communications materials will be shared as the referendum process progresses.
