West Bend board previews staffing plan and unanimously approves issuing preliminary non‑renewal notices

On April 13, 2026, the West Bend Joint School District No. 1 Board of Education discussed a proposed 2026–27 staffing plan and later unanimously approved issuing preliminary notices of contract non‑renewal for certain employees following an executive session.

The staffing plan, presented by Director of Human Resources Sarah Leatherman, was framed around three drivers: student needs, enrollment trends and budget constraints. Leatherman told the board this is “the next phase in our staffing plan” and said the district intends to preserve historical class‑size ranges, maintain current programs and prioritize supports for students while aligning staff to enrollment patterns.

Assistant Superintendent for Business Lenny Hanson said the district expects to reach a balanced budget for the coming school year, noting staff costs remain the largest expense. Hanson said the district is “certain that we are going to arrive at a balanced budget for 26‑27,” while flagging remaining work on assumptions and timing for capital and purchase‑service expenses.

Board members asked how the district will manage declining enrollment. Member Jenkins described the demographic challenge and urged the district to pursue enrollment opportunities in a smaller local market; staff responded that statewide birth‑rate declines are the primary driver but noted local residential development could moderate the trend.

Leatherman said the staffing plan leans on attrition, limited contracts and targeted realignment, and that a final plan will return to the board for approval at the April 27 meeting alongside certified staff contract renewals.

After the public portion of the meeting, the board adjourned into executive session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(c) to consider employment and contract non‑renewals. Upon reconvening in open session near 7:18 p.m., the board voted on a motion to approve issuing preliminary notices of contract non‑renewal for employees as discussed in executive session. The roll call vote was unanimous: Mr. Pickler — yes; Dr. Tamez — yes; Ms. Krueger — yes; Ms. Ergot — yes; Mr. Jenkins — yes; Mr. Swigert — yes; Ms. Lang — yes.

The board did not specify in open session the identities or number of employees who would receive preliminary notices; the motion and vote authorized issuance of the notices as considered in executive session. The district indicated the staffing plan and certified contract renewals will be brought back for formal action on April 27, 2026.