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School board deadlocks 3–3 on $68,984 MasteryConnect purchase after teachers’ input concerns

Wisconsin Rapids School District Board of Education · November 11, 2025
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Summary

The Wisconsin Rapids School Board debated adopting MasteryConnect—an assessment-alignment program that integrates with Canvas—but a 3–3 roll-call tie defeated the motion. Supporters cited Canvas integration and a free first year; critics said teachers lacked sufficient input and asked to delay.

The Wisconsin Rapids School Board narrowly rejected a multi-year purchase of MasteryConnect after a tied roll-call vote. The purchase motion called for district funding of MasteryConnect across the 2025–26 through 2027–28 school years at a stated total of $68,984, to be paid from the curriculum and technology referendum acquisition budget; the motion failed on a 3–3 vote and board members said the item will be revisited in December.

Proponents, including Superintendent Ron Rasmussen and supporters on the Educational Services Committee, said MasteryConnect integrates with Canvas and aligns course assessments to state standards and AP/ACT measures, which they argued could save teacher time and provide consistent reporting. "It works hand-in-hand with Canvas and actually improves Canvas," a proponent said, adding the district would receive the first year free and benefit from automated alignment of standards.

Opponents urged more teacher involvement before committing funds. A board member said staff had not had sufficient opportunity to review the platform and asked that department chairs or Council for Instructional Improvement members be given time to provide feedback. "I would like to see some teacher input on it because they're the ones that are gonna be using it," a member said.

Budget and timing questions surfaced during debate. Supporters emphasized potential long-term efficiency and alignment benefits; critics said implementation affects classroom practice and warrants wider staff review. The board recorded a roll-call vote that resulted in a tie; the purchase did not pass.

Next steps: the board agreed to return the MasteryConnect purchase for reconsideration in December, with suggestions from several members that administration gather targeted teacher and department-chair feedback before the next vote.