Image
Body
The Tri-County School Board held a discussion on fundraising parameters and procedures during their regular meeting on March 19.
District Administrator Jamie Delikowski brought forward the topic to get an idea of where the board stands. The district wants to make sure they are not over-burdening the community with too many fundraisers at once. The board also would like to ensure all programs, from FFA to athletics, have an equal chance at fundraising.
Board member Dakotah Smiley suggested some type of rotating calendar that includes a schedule of when certain groups are fundraising. Smiley also proposed that the clubs and programs would be assigned a certain week where they can host their fundraisers, similar to their jersey rotation schedule currently in place for athletics.
Co-Athletic Director Jody Congdon mentioned that a lot of the athletic fundraising should fall on the coaches. “Our coaches have a really great opportunity to raise money for their Fund 21 with our golf outing,” she stated. Coaches who participate in the outing get a set amount of money donated to their program. Congdon informed the board that if a coach chooses not to participate in that outing, that is why they do not have as much money in their Fund 21. Congdon believes that they will also have to look at how much the coaches are putting in for their team.
“If we are going to open the door, let’s not overburden our community. We can’t just do this for sports, but we will have to include band, choir, and quiz bowl (etc.)” stated Delikowski. Now that the board has put in their input, the district now has a direction to start putting together a fundraising procedure.
During the public forum, Virginia McGregor came forward to address her concerns about truancy and absences in the district. Later in the meeting it was mentioned that presentations on truancy will be led by Brittany Lau, Elementary Principal, in April and Nicholas Marti, 6-12 Principal, in May.
Board member Jim Knutson also later informed the board that he had contacted Ruth Zouski from the county about how truancy is handled at the county level. The DPI (Department of Public Instruction) has changed their approach throughout the years. The DPI promotes prevention and support, preferring a more proactive approach towards truancy. Board member Randy Thurley looked into how other school districts handle truancy, stating that Oshkosh and Appleton has someone who will meet with students to find out the circumstances regarding their absences.
CNA students and Tri-County seniors Skye Hopkins and Skylar Wade spoke to the board about their experience in the Start College Now program. Both completed the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course, which included 60 hours of classroom work and 60 hours of hands-on training. The course confirmed their feelings on entering the medical field after graduation and gave them hands-on experience towards a medical degree. They thanked the board for allowing them to participate in the program, and believe it will be a great opportunity for other students.
During the revenue/expense report, Delikowski stated that 47.25% ($5,726,523.36) of the anticipated revenue has been received to date, and 44.91% ($5,562,920.75) of this year’s budget has been spent.
Co-Athletic Director Jessica Rettler went on to present the Winter Athletic report to the board. All teams had a great year, learning and improving new skills. The high school boys’ basketball team won their first game in two years and their first conference game since realignment in 2017-18. The girls’ basketball team had one of the largest comebacks in school history, being down by 17 at halftime only to defeat Nekoosa by the end of the game. The wrestling team had five wrestlers advance to sectionals in Dodgeland, with one female wrestler, Brianna Garcia, advancing to State.
During the District Administrator report, Delikowski mentioned that the high school gym floor will be refinished this summer. Soccer games on the football field may also be possible next season to give the players a chance to play under the big lights. He also mentioned that one write in candidate, Bernadette Stainbrook, had turned in paper work for the seat Dakotah Smiley is stepping away from.
Board member and Lions Club member Jim Cesar mentioned that the Plainfield Lions Club is also willing to help with any fundraising that the district needs.
The Administrator report also highlighted budgeting plans. In April the district will look at the first end of year report, and hope to also have a preliminary budget for 2024-25.
The next regular Tri-County board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 16 at 7 p.m. in the Tri-County Board Room.