Onalaska School District board swears in members, elects Erin McDonald president and approves routine administrative resolutions

The Onalaska Board of Education convened its reorganizational meeting April 28, 2025, swore in two newly elected members, elected officers for the coming year and approved a set of routine administrative resolutions.

Bridget Thomas and Anne Gerdy took the oath of office, each pledging to support the constitutions of the United States and the state of Wisconsin and to faithfully discharge the duties of their positions on the board. Following those swearing-in ceremonies, the board moved to elect officers for the 2025–26 year.

Erin McDonald was nominated and appointed board president after a second to the nomination; members approved the appointment by voice vote. Nominations for vice president included Anne Gerdy and Bridget Thomas; the board discussed secret‑ballot procedure and ultimately moved and seconded a motion to appoint Anne as vice president.

Mark was appointed treasurer and Brian Hayes was appointed clerk after separate nominations and seconding motions. Kristen Fay was appointed secretary by motion and second; the board approved all officer appointments by voice vote.

The board approved its regular meeting schedule for May 2025 through April 2026, continuing two meetings per month on the second and fourth Mondays, with a one‑time change moving the May 26, 2025 meeting to May 27 because of Memorial Day and an agreement not to hold the second December meeting. The board also confirmed that regular and special meetings will be held at the District Office, will begin at 6:00 p.m. Central and generally will not extend past 10:00 p.m.

On routine business, the board retained the La Crosse Tribune as the district's official newspaper for public notices and approved posting agendas and proceedings on the district website, in district buildings and through the official newspaper. Resolutions approved included Resolution 2025‑002 authorizing facsimile signatures of the clerk, treasurer and president for payroll and voucher checks; Resolution 2025‑003 authorizing electronic signatures for the board president and clerk for teacher, co‑curricular and summer school contracts; Resolution 2025‑004 naming authorized depository institutions (including American United Life, BMO Harris Bank, Merchants Bank, the State of Wisconsin Local Government Investment Pool and Wisconsin Investment Series Cooperative); and Resolution 2025‑005 to continue use of a previously authorized facsimile signature until a new one is received by June 30, 2025. All motions and resolutions on the agenda were approved by voice vote.

Board President Aaron said committee appointments and assignments will be finalized at the next meeting and asked interested members to contact him before that meeting. With no further business, the board adjourned at 6:28 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to approve agenda: approved by voice vote. - Appointment of Erin McDonald, President: approved by voice vote. - Appointment of Anne Gerdy, Vice President: approved by voice vote (after secret‑ballot procedure/nomination discussion). - Appointment of Brian Hayes, Clerk: approved by voice vote. - Appointment of Mark, Treasurer: approved by voice vote. - Appointment of Kristen Fay, Secretary: approved by voice vote. - Resolution 2025‑002 (facsimile signatures): approved by voice vote. - Resolution 2025‑003 (electronic signatures): approved by voice vote. - Resolution 2025‑004 (authorized depositories): approved by voice vote. - Resolution 2025‑005 (continue facsimile signature until replacement): approved by voice vote.

The board scheduled committee assignments for the next meeting; no substantive policy debates or public comments were recorded during this reorganizational session.