School Matters 11/27/2023

November 2023

• John Schultz, Director of Student Improvement, along with Erin Wedemeier, Library Media Specialist, presented the DPI required library plan to the Board for approval. Library staff, teaching staff, Administration and the IT Department were all involved in developing the plan which included program analysis, alignment with District priorities, budget, policies and procedures, and a timeline for implementation. The Board approved the plan which meets the DPI requirements, but will be reviewed regularly for any needed improvements. The presentation is available in Boarddocs.
• Schultz also requested and the Board approved three new Kimberly High School courses for the 2024-25 school year. Courses include Kimberly Spirit Store, a one credit retail merchandising course, CAPP Chemistry-106, a one credit course that is the second semester of the Chemistry 105/106 sequence for students pursuing nursing, pre-med, science and engineering. Theatre Production, another single credit course will have students focus on creating a public performance in a particular theatrical style. Course updates and curricular pilots were also shared with the Board.
• Additionally, Schultz shared the District's State Assessment results and report card data. The District has much to celebrate with scores surpassing the state average proficiency percentage at all grade levels and in all tested subjects. In addition, students in the Kimberly Area School District outscored all area school districts in all subjects as well. When compared to schools across the state with similar demographics, Kimberly kept pace and scored near the top in all areas. Data compared over time shows growth in most subjects, but continues to lag below pre-Covid scores. ACT scores have continued to improve over the past 5 years as well, and are again at the top when compared to area schools. Details can be found in the meeting agenda in Boarddocs. Schultz also shared information on the school and District report cards. He explained that report cards are not a straightforward measurement, but consist of weighted formulas. The report cards measure student achievement, growth, target groups, and post-secondary readiness. KASD received an overall score of Exceeds Expectations, with several schools receiving individual designations of Significantly Exceeds Expectations. The school and District report cards can be viewed on the District's website with additional information found in in Boarddocs.
• Becky Hansen, Executive Director of Business Services and Sustainability, informed the Board of changes to the District's OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefits) Trustee Partnership. Hansen explained that the current trustee and custodian of the trust, BMO Harris Bank, will be ending it's institutional trust division at the end of the calendar year. The Board approved Midwest Trust Institutional Holdings to replace BMO Harris Bank. She also explained that a majority interest in PMA Financial, will be acquired by a private equity firm, TA Associates. The Board also approved a resolution authorizing consent to assign the WI OPEB Investment Advisory Agreement to PMA under control of TA Associated Management LP. In both cases the teams that are currently servicing the District's accounts will remain the same. The fee structures and advisory agreement will also remain unchanged. More detailed information on these changes is available in Boardocs.
• Bob Mayfield, Superintendent, presented the second reading of polices 142.1 - Electoral Process; 143.1 Public Expression of Board Members; 144.3 Conflict of Interest; 164 - Meetings; 1260 - Incapacity of the Superintendent; 2340 - District-Sponsored Trips; 2451 - Program and Curriculum Modifications; 2521 - Selection of Instructional Materials and Equipment; 3139/4139 - Staff Discipline; 5113 - Open Enrollment Program (Inter-District); 5350 - Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention; 5200 - Attendance; 5200.01 - Full Time Student; 6151 - Returned/Outstanding-Stale Checks; 6610 - Non district-Supported Student Activity Accounts; 7250.01 - Memorials for Staff and Students; 7440.01 - Video Surveillance and Electronic Monitoring; 8700 - Nursing Mothers; 8913 - Section 504/ADA Prohibition Against Disability Discrimination in Employment; and 9211 - District - Supported Organizations. The Board approved the policies and tabled policy 5530 - Student Use or Possession of Intoxicants, Drugs, or Paraphernalia until the December meeting to allow for additional information and discussion.
• Prior to adjourning, the Board convened in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) - to conduct administrative evaluations.

Upcoming Board Meetings:

December 11, 2023

January 8, 2024

January 22, 2024

Stay connected with the latest news and events via Papermaker News, the official District-wide newsletter of the Kimberly Area School District. The twelfth edition was recently mailed to all households within our community. This edition dives into the community investment in public education, the 2023-2028 Plan for Excellence, and recent District achievements. Read the latest digital edition of "Papermaker News at https://bit.ly/PapermakerNewsFall23.

The Kimberly High School Business and Marketing Department, in partnership with Capital Credit Union, recently held the 16th Annual Reality Store. The one-day event offered students an interactive opportunity to learn and apply basic skills in financial planning, goal setting, decision making, and career exploration. Thank you to the over 65 volunteers from area businesses and the community who spent their time to help bring this financial literacy simulation to our students. Read more here, https://bit.ly/KHSRealityStore.

Mapleview Intermediate School’s Student Council held their annual “Honk for Turkey Legs” food drive competition. During the competition 570 food items were collected for St. Joseph’s Food Program. This year’s “winning” teacher, was Mrs. Curtis, who had 303 items donated in her name. Before Thanksgiving break Ms. Curtis dressed as a turkey and strutted up and down Kimberly Avenue while students and other passersby watched and honked in approval. Great job Bobcats!

The Kimberly Area School District was the first place winner of the Division 2 Fox Cities Marathon (FCM) - Amcor Business Challenge. The top three companies in each division are determined by the highest percentage of total employees registered with their team to participate.

Westside Elementary grabbed an admirable second place in the Fox Cities Marathon School Challenge, securing a $500 reward. These triumphs underscore our District's dedication to wellness and active community participation. Great job to everyone involved!

Amcor Business Challenge - Division 2 (501-1,000 Employees)

1st Place – Kimberly Area School District

2nd Place – Forefront Dermatology

3rd Place – Neenah Joint School District

Fox Cities Marathon School Challenge - Large Schools (400 + students)

1st Place – Freedom Elementary, Freedom = $750.00

2nd Place – Westside Elementary, Kimberly = $500.00

3rd Place – Houdini Elementary, Appleton = $250.00

Fifth graders from both Intermediate Schools participated in a field trip to build G.R.I.T. - Growth Mindset, Respect, Innovation and Teamwork. The activities took place at the Indoor Facility at Kimberly High School and were facilitated by students in the Leadership class at KHS. Students participated in activities to improve communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving. All fifth graders in the District participated on one of the two field trips that took place on October 18th and 25th.

Kimberly Area School District
425 S. Washington St
Combined Locks, WI 54113
Phone: (920) 788-7900
Robert S. Mayfield, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Board of Education

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