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Wausau West students highlight DECA win, arts renovations and community pantry at district committee
Summary
Students and a staff representative from Wausau West told the Education Operations Committee about a DECA international win, a rebranded student store involving 200+ students, auditorium renovations that improved acoustics and tech, and a food pantry serving 31 families.
Wausau West students and staff presented to the Wausau School District Education Operations Committee on Nov. 25 about curricular and facility upgrades that they said are already boosting activities and student learning.
Jeff Steckbauer, representing Wausau West, opened the presentation by noting recent construction at the school, including the Jerry Johnson turf field and major auditorium improvements. "We have had a lot of construction going on at our building," he said, and added that while construction presented challenges, it also produced results the school is already using.
Sadie Steinbach, who said she won first place at the DECA International competition, described how the expanded and rebranded school store provides practical work experience. "It's given me many hard and soft skills that I have been able to apply," she said, noting the store now involves more than 200 students and runs a "club of the week" program that donates 10% of sales (typically about $400–$600) to a selected student club.
Milo Holdhusen, drama club president, described the renovated auditorium and technical upgrades — new dressing rooms, storage, improved acoustics and updated lights and soundboards — that allowed larger sets and higher production values. "The ability to have the space to keep things when you're not in a show is very useful," he said, adding that turnout for recent productions was higher than in previous years.
Senior Gina Schong discussed school spirit and new student clubs, including a Hmong-focused group that organizers said will create new opportunities for students. Steckbauer also noted a school-run food pantry that currently supplies weekly bags to 31 families, with students, teachers and volunteers packing and delivering the bags.
Board members briefly questioned whether the renovated auditorium would host district events (staff said yes) and whether school store revenue could be used to offset district budget shortfalls; student presenters offered to provide revenue figures on request. The committee offered praise for student leadership and the ways the renovations have expanded hands-on learning.
The presentation ended with the committee thanking the students and staff for their report.
