Advertisement State funding is, in part, based on the student headcount taken the third Friday in September. Dalton explained to Onalaska Board of Education members Monday night that district enrollment has remained fairly stable, which is good news for taxpayers.
A drop in enrollment over time, he explained, is bad because it means a district would probably be getting less state money.
Onalaska’s headcount is 2,958, up 21 students (0.7 percent) from last year. The number is helped by open enrollment, under which there were three students “in” for every two “out,” Dalton said. The district’s 4-year-old kindergarten enrollment bolstered enrollment with a 30 percent increase from last year. It went from 151 to 196.
Onalaska’s wildly successful summer school program also helped the enrollment picture. More than 1,500 students took part in summer school. The number counts students for every class they attended, and many took more than one class.
Tax credit
Tax bills will deserve special attention come December because of the growing school levy tax credit, according to Dalton and school Superintendent John Burnett. “It is not commonly known the school levy tax credit is going up, which could mean school taxes will go down,” said Dalton. Figures will be known better in three weeks when the state gives projections for the credit.
The credit goes to municipalities and not the schools but helps lower the impact of school taxes. “It is buying down the levy in the name of schools” Dalton said.
Burnett said the credit, unlike state school equalized aid, helps wealthier school districts.
Board denies claim
After a closed meeting, school board members voted to deny responsibility and opt out of a potential lawsuit. “A district employee had an auto accident in Eau Claire back in 2007. For a variety of reasons our insurer believes the district is not responsible,” said board President Mark Cassellius.
A denial of claims is a typical strategy for those being sued.
Middle school honored
Work started four years ago resulted in the Onalaska Middle School being recognized by the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators as an Exemplary Middle School. The association cited the school’s growth in math scores as one reason for the honor.
Four years ago the middle school went to teaching math in a new way. Three years ago the elementary schools began the new way of teaching math. “This recognizes the efforts of our teachers and those in the elementary schools as well as the district focus on reading and math literacy,” middle school Principal Roger Fruit said.
Volunteers
The Retired Senior Volunteer Program will coordinate all volunteers in the district for the school year. “When we asked for proposals we didn’t expect an agency would apply,” said school board member Ann Garrity.
The schools have wanted a coordinator for some time, yet did not want to hire someone.
People
The board hired Marya Tyler to fill the limited-term gifted and talented teacher position at Irving Pertzsch and Northern Hills elementaries and received the resignation of high school LD/ED paraprofessional James Puckett.
Transferred employees include Marilyn Maier to a high school nutrition position; Mary Gustafson to a CD paraprofessional position at Eagle Bluff; Sue Rieke to an early childhood paraprofessional position at the kindergarten center.
Co-curricular appointments include: Thomas Fortier and Carl Rick, assistant wrestling coaches; Robert Sorensen, girls varsity basketball assistant coach; and Kathleen Zeles, head gymnastics coach.
