Charter principals describe personalized, college‑connected programs; board discusses transportation support

Representatives from the district’s charter schools appeared at the work session to update the board on authorizer timelines and program models.

Dan Sloe introduced Jason Johnson, principal of NEW School of Innovation, and Jenny Wossenberg, principal of John Dewey Academy of Learning (JDAL). Sloe said the authorizer timeline runs through Jan. 2026 and that governance boards have reviewed authorization reports; he said the district will present an authorizer report to the board on Oct. 28.

Johnson described NEW as a personalized, proficiency‑based program housed at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College where students can access college classes starting in seventh grade and dual credit courses by 10th grade. “We are proficiency based — it’s a show‑me school — and students leave with college exposure,” Johnson said.

Wossenberg described JDAL’s project‑based learning model for grades 6–12: students pursue semester‑ or year‑long projects and produce capstone work in senior year, often with outside mentors and community presentations. She said the school emphasizes community engagement and hands‑on learning.

Board members raised transportation as a recurring barrier for charter enrollment and extracurricular participation. A board member suggested the district consider hub busing or dedicated shuttles; NEW’s principal said the district currently provides hub busing and that 30–40% of the school uses public transportation. Another board member recommended the board be open to creative, targeted supports for charter transportation, such as limited shuttle runs for field‑work destinations.

No board action was taken; the district will return with the formal authorizer report and any contract items for board consideration.