February 9, 2015 at 7:00 PM - Regular Meeting

Description:  There are more than 15,000 school bus drivers in Wisconsin who travel more than 82 million miles a year in transporting more than 800,000 students to and from school every day.  These drivers and the owners/operators of the school buses have promoted and practiced the highest standards to assure the protection of their passengers.  Mineral Point Unified School District pledges its full and dedicated cooperation in promoting public awareness of the important of school bus transportation.  Governor Scott Walker has proclaimed February 9 - 13, 2015 as School Bus Driver Recognition Week in the State of Wisconsin.

Description:  If interested in addressing the School Board during the Communications portion of the meeting, please stand and state your name when the Board President requests communications from the citizens.

Description:  A member of the board may request any item to be removed from the consent agenda and defer it for a specific action and more discussion.  No vote of the board will be required to remove an item from the consent agenda.  A single trustee's request shall cause it to be relocated as a action item eligible for discussion.

Description:  The board will receive a brief presentation from a representative of the WI HS Clay Target League regarding starting a clay target club on Mineral Point High School.  Student interest was solicited at the high school and known results will be shared.

Description:  As we’ve come to learn, the budget proposed by the Governor Tuesday evening, is very different from the detailed budget proposal.  Although many speculated a $0 per pupil revenue limit increase, eliminating the per pupil categorical aid for FY2015-16 was a surprise.
 
It’s important to remember the Governor’s budget is nothing more than a proposal.  If you recall, Act 20 (the current FY2013-15 State Budget) is very different than the Governor’s February 2013 budget proposal.  Many districts are choosing to wait to see how legislators react but the board should understand the “worst case” scenario.  

When looking at the outcomes incrementally, reducing the per pupil revenue limit increase from $75 to $0 has very minimal impact (a loss of $899) on total revenue due to the declining enrollment exemption.
 
The real impact can be felt when reducing per pupil categorical aid from $150 to $0 (713 FTE’s x $150 = $106,950). 
 
Talking points include:
 
This is a only a proposal and legislators have the ability to change it
The per pupil categorical aid adjustment is for FY15-16 only. 

Some districts are talking about using fund balance for one year as being “an appropriate use.”

Description:  Board Members Lindsey and Oberhauser met with a consortium of schools via telepresence to jointly share information about the BOOST initiative.  BOOST is building opportunities and occupations through telepresence and serves to expand course offerings, expand dual enrollment credit options, and reduce preparation for teachers with high loads of courses.  Attached is a first reading of a 66.03 intergovernmental agreement between BOOST schools for the board's review.

Description:  Upon review of the open enrollment policy the administrative team reviewed the class size policy and recommends the following changes.  The changes are before the board as a first reading for information and discussion.  Action on this item if advanced for further consideration would be at the next regular board meeting.