Shawano School Board approves 2024–25 budget, staffing additions and routine items

The Shawano School District Board of Education approved the 2024–25 budget at its Oct. 9 virtual meeting following a financial update that noted a 2023–24 surplus of just over $860,000 and an anticipated revenue decline of roughly 3 percent for 2024–25. Bryan Kadlec presented the financial update; the board approved the budget and will present it again at the annual meeting.

Superintendent Kurt Krizan summarized the district’s September and October "Mindset of the Month" and provided a referendum update during his report. Public comment included remarks from community member Dave Cullen during the community comment period.

On personnel and programs, the board approved the addition of 1.0 full-time equivalent special education position at Hillcrest Primary School after a presentation from Brandie Genske in pupil services. The board also approved eight Start College Now applications for the second semester; Matt Raduechel, Shawano Community High School principal, recommended approval and Winslow recorded an abstention on that motion.

Athletics-related approvals included permission for a hockey scrimmage against a non-school 18U Marinette team, requested by Activities Director Joel Wondra, and purchase approval for a wrestling mat hoist presented by Buildings and Grounds Director Shawn Mathwich and coach Mike Homan; both motions carried.

The board approved an update to a contract with CESA 8 to expand pupil services support from an originally stated six days to a maximum of 91 days using three CESA staff; that motion passed with a single 'no' vote from board member John Arens.

Policy changes advanced on separate motions: the Purchasing policy was revised to add a "District Administrator or designee" and to expand coverage for non-employment services, and the Physical Examination policy was revised to remove a previously stated requirement for drug testing; both revisions were accepted by the board.

Also on the agenda, the board accepted donations including cash contributions and donated equipment from community partners and the Green Bay Packers, approved the appointment of Vicki Nelson as a high school special education teacher, and accepted the retirement of middle school teacher Connie Rauterkus effective June 6. The board named Al Pyatskowit as the 2025 Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) convention delegate and Tim Renard as the alternate.

The meeting concluded with reflection on future agenda items, such as rolling administrator contracts and a district property list. The board voted to adjourn to closed session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(c) for a superintendent evaluation at approximately 7:13 p.m.; the meeting adjourned in closed session at 7:57 p.m.

Votes at a glance - Approval of agenda: motion carried (recorded as all present voting "aye"). - Consent agenda (minutes and vouchers totaling $2,033,327; receipts $34,086): approved (recorded "aye"). - 2024–25 budget: approved (recorded "aye"). - Eight Start College Now applications: approved; Winslow abstained. - Hockey scrimmage vs. 18U Marinette: approved. - Addition of 1.0 FTE special education at Hillcrest: approved. - Wrestling mat hoist purchase (Fund 46): approved. - CESA 8 contract expansion (to max 91 days): approved; Arens voted "no". - Purchasing policy revision: accepted. - Physical Examination policy revision (drug-testing requirement removed): accepted. - WASB delegate (Al Pyatskowit) and alternate (Tim Renard): accepted. - Donations accepted and personnel appointments/retirements: accepted. - Motion to adjourn to closed session under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(c): approved.

The board will return to public session at a date and time not specified in the meeting record.