The Waunakee Community School District board approved a one‑month, not‑to‑exceed $7,000 bridge payment from Fund 80 to the Waunakee Community Cares Coalition (WCCC) after the coalition reported an interim funding gap related to federal Drug‑Free Communities (DFC) grant money.

Tim Decora, WCCC project coordinator, told the board the coalition has demonstrated local decreases in student alcohol and nicotine use based on Dane County Youth Assessment data but faces a funding shortfall after the federal year‑6 DFC award funds were not released as expected. "Those associated funds were not released, and those should have been on 10/01/2025," Tim said, and he described a carryover balance in a district account that would help but not cover both salary and essential programs through June.

Board members explored funding options with administration. Steve said Fund 80 (community services) was the most appropriate source for a short, one‑month bridge; fund balances likely leave $20,000–$25,000 available at year‑end. Board member Mark moved and the board voted to approve a one‑month bridge contribution not to exceed $7,000 from Fund 80 so the coalition can meet immediate payroll needs while the board’s budget committee and the Village of Waunakee consider additional contributions.

The board asked WCCC to provide detailed program budgets and public‑facing donation information (QR codes or fundraising links) so the district can share those on its platforms where permissible. Members described the $7,000 as a temporary, one‑time measure to avoid immediate furloughs or interruption in prevention activities pending further review.

Tim told the board the coalition’s full interim need could total roughly $51,000 to cover salary, benefits and essential activities through June, and he said the coalition will pursue additional sector members and state‑grant options. The board requested WCCC provide more detailed line items to the budget committee for a fuller funding discussion in February.