Documented by Amanda McCartan for Wausau Pilot and Review

A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Education of the Wausau School District was held Monday, March 03, 2019, beginning at 6 p.m. in the NICHOLSON BOARD ROOM at the LONGFELLOW ADMINISTRATION CENTER, 415 SEYMOUR STREET.

Present: Jeff Leigh – President, Beth Martin, Lance Trollop, Jane A. Rusch, Patrick McKee, Theresa Miles, Lee Webster and Tricia Zunker.

Absent: Mary Thao and Cassie Peck.

Also Present: Dr. Keith Hilts

CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Jeff Leigh – President called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm

Presentation from Spotlight on Education – 4K : Presenters, Kara Rakowski – 4K Principal & EC Coordinator, Denise Wonsil-Michlig, Justine Tolles – Speech & Language at GD Jones, Anne Wilson – Early Childhood Teacher at GD Jones, Michelle Kettner – 4K Teacher at GD Jones, Nicole Boyle – 4K Teacher at Wausau Child Care, Julie Zinda – 4K Teacher at Riverview, and a special appearance from “Tucker the Turtle.”

I LEARN stands for Individualized Learning, which is meant to take place in an environment that is Engaging, Active, Reflective, and Nurturing. This includes high expectations for all, with family and community collaboration.

This model focuses on educating the whole child.  Every moment is considered a teachable opportunity. Using Pyramid Model Practices, the program involves total immersion socially and emotionally in order to form successful relationships in all aspects of life.

Presentation from Peyton’s Promise Executive Director – Teena Medick

Peyton’s Promise has a focus on exercise and eating right in an attempt to make the world a better place. This is a non-profit organization that works to ensure all food pantries are fully stocked with nutritious items to see that no local family goes without food. They audition advocates of all ages, beginning in 4th grade, and work to assist them. The organization’s goal is to have an advocate from each grade school in the Wausau School District on their team.  At this time, they have 100 advocates, 25 of whom are students in the Wausau School District.  Wausau West Senior, Ally Peters, a Peyton’s Promise advocate, spoke of what a positive experience her involvement has been throughout her life and has taught her empathy and compassion in ways that she had never been exposed to before. To learn more about Peyton’s Promise and apply to be an Advocate, please visit their website: www.peytonspromis.org

Approve Consent Agenda – CESA9 Contract – Motion by Martin, 2nd by Webster.  Motion carried unanimously.

Budget Reconcilliation Plan – Moved and Seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.

New Business

K – 5 Math Resource Recommendation – Moved and Seconded.,  Motion carried unanimously.

66.031 Agreement WiSP 2019 – 20 – Moved and Seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.

Nutrition Services Wellness – Policy 5900 – Moved and Seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.

Committee & Board Referrals – Miles discussed the Wausau School Foundation, which recognizes school staff for going the extra mile and working above and beyond their duties for the benefit of students, such as creating an after school program where students can play board games and personally interact with one another without any electronics or screen time.  They use their resources to thank school personnel in special ways when they are caught in the act of doing things to encourage student growth, outside of their outlined responsibilities.

Superintendent Commentary – none

Adjourned at 6:47 p.m.