New Holstein school board approves 4K wraparound care, career-planning outline, climbing wall and several contracts

The School Board of the School District of New Holstein on Jan. 26 approved a slate of personnel, program and facilities actions, including a free 4K Husky Den wraparound care program, an Academic and Career Planning outline, a substitute speech-services contract and installation of a new elementary climbing wall.

President Craig Sesing called the meeting to order, verified legal public notice and opened an academic spotlight in which Kelly LaCrosse and Gina Meshak presented on technology-based literacy tools that they said they recently showcased at a large education-technology conference.

Board member Don Turba moved and Board member Jodie Goebel seconded approval of the consent agenda, which included the Jan. 26 agenda, the Dec. 15 regular-meeting minutes, committee minutes and the district’s December financial statements. The district reported December 2025 total revenues of $2,372,725.04, expenditures of $1,345,166.38 and an all-funds year-to-date balance of $5,514,344.43.

The Board approved personnel actions that included hiring Karen Park as a high school English instructor and accepting the resignation of Mark Whitten, middle-school wrestling coach. The Board also set 2026–27 open-enrollment calculated spaces for multiple special-education categories at 0 spaces (EC–5 cross-categorical, 6–8 cross-categorical, 9–12 cross-categorical, occupational therapy, and speech and language), as presented by administration.

The Board approved an MOU with Aurora Healthcare and appointed Kayla Tilkens, M.D., as Medical Advisor, and it adopted the state library plan and resolution. The Board also approved an Early College Credit Program application for Joe Abrams.

Following discussion about state funding and community needs for wraparound services, Board member Jodie Goebel moved and Board member Vickey Anhalt seconded approval of a free 4K Husky Den Wraparound Care Program (vote: 7–0). Superintendent/Administrator Doug Olig outlined updates to the district’s Academic and Career Planning structure — including ADA considerations and marketing to students seeking employer fit — and Board member Brian Grenzer moved and Board member Julie Schneider seconded approval of the program outline (vote: 7–0).

Calumet County special education staff and the district’s special-education director explained substitute speech-service needs due to a staff maternity leave; Board member Don Turba moved and Board member Jodie Goebel seconded approval of a contract with SLP Odyssey to provide those services (vote: 7–0).

After discussion of options, budget considerations and recognition of fundraising efforts led by Mr. Hoefler and the school community, Board member Julie Schneider moved and Board member Brian Grenzer seconded approval to install a climbing wall at the elementary school through vendor ABEE (vote: 7–0).

The Board recognized and accepted several donations: from the New Holstein Area Chamber of Commerce and New Holstein Utilities for the Teaming for a Brighter Tomorrow programs; from the Class of 1974 for the alumni scholarship fund; a Camomilli family donation for the Menagerie program; and a donation from Brad Schroeder for the special projects fund (each acceptance carried 7–0). The Board also noted candidates filed for the spring board election.

The meeting concluded with scheduling of the next Finance and Buildings and Grounds Committee meeting for Feb. 11 and the next regular board meeting for Feb. 16; Board member Brian Grenzer moved and Board member Jodie Goebel seconded to adjourn (vote: 7–0).

Votes at a glance Consent agenda (approve minutes, financials, invoices/payroll): motion by Board member Don Turba; second by Board member Jodie Goebel; outcome: approved (7–0). Free 4K Husky Den Wraparound Care Program: motion by Board member Jodie Goebel; second by Board member Vickey Anhalt; outcome: approved (7–0). Academic and Career Planning Program Outline: motion by Board member Brian Grenzer; second by Board member Julie Schneider; outcome: approved (7–0). Speech-services contract with SLP Odyssey (substitute coverage): motion by Board member Don Turba; second by Board member Jodie Goebel; outcome: approved (7–0). Elementary climbing wall installation by ABEE: motion by Board member Julie Schneider; second by Board member Brian Grenzer; outcome: approved (7–0). Donations recognized and accepted (multiple donors): various motions as noted in minutes; outcomes: approved (each 7–0).

What happens next: The Board will implement approved program and contract actions through administration; the next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 16.