Green Bay board approves classroom kits, facility changes and insurance options; IPP transition fails as administration recommends November referendum

At its March 23 meeting the Green Bay Area Public School District Board of Education approved a package of budget-related motions, took one high-profile vote to reject an administration proposal and received polling data that administration says supports an operational referendum in November 2026.

Instructional materials: After extended discussion about a kit-based middle-school physical science program that originally recommended a half-class set of student texts, board member Alex (speaker 38) moved an amendment to require a full classroom set for each teacher. The board carried the amendment after debate about classroom practice, the publisher’s 4-2-1 grouping model, and available workarounds such as teacher-prepared PDFs and library copies. The final purchase motion — as amended to include full class sets and supplemental print materials — carried on roll-call votes.

Facility and other contracts: The board unanimously approved a proposed land-exchange agreement with the Village of Bellevue and extended a development agreement with the City of Green Bay related to Tank and Elmore elementary school property. The board also voted to convert the Edison Middle School pool into an auxiliary gymnasium as presented.

Benefits and insurance: The board approved several insurance-related plan design changes and rate items for active employees and retirees following staff presentations on projected average out-of-pocket impacts. Staff presented projected average annual impacts for the co-pay plan (estimated average increase of $461.11 for a single plan and $1,238.28 for a family plan) and projected average savings on the high-deductible plan for some employees.

A proposed policy change to move the district’s internal Income Protection Plan (IPP) to a voluntary short-term disability option drew strong opposition from multiple board members who called IPP a staff “lifeline.” That motion did not carry on the final roll-call vote. The board nonetheless approved implementing new voluntary insurance options for 2026–27 and a set of related rate changes, dental and vision plans.

Other votes: The consent agenda was approved; the board tabled the superintendent contract until a special meeting while negotiations continue; and the board approved the purchase of e-rate edge switching equipment.

Referendum polling and administration recommendation: Pollster Peter Leatherman presented a 400-sample survey conducted in February showing broad approval of district programming and varying levels of persuadable support for tax-neutral or modest operating levies. Leatherman reported 61% support for a $35 million operating levy framed as a $30-per-month increase on a $300,000 home in the poll’s scenario. Administration recommended considering a shorter-term (four-year) nonrecurring operational referendum in November 2026, continuing to reduce the district ask where possible, and conducting a second poll in late May or early June.

Next steps and board direction: Board members directed administration to continue detailed analysis on budget-cut options and to return with additional information at upcoming work sessions. The board discussed the timing of employee steps and CPI decisions for next year and asked staff to present clearer cost and implementation details to inform the summer referendum and budget process.

The meeting adjourned after the board completed votes on the listed agenda items.