We have now completed the third quarter of the school year. The rain and cooler weather typically dampens students’ thoughts of summer which for most keeps them focused on their studies. The beautiful March weather almost let the cat out of the bag, however.
Old Business – The District finally completed the process of determining which health insurance coverage we will have for next year. We were able to enter into a partnership with Gundersen Lutheran and Mayo-Health Traditions that will provide almost the same coverage employees had this year – but with a substantial savings to the District. We can’t thank those two providers enough for working with us for the good of both the staff members and the Onalaska taxpayers. This savings, and the savings we experienced with a change in our District post retirement employee health benefit are two more examples of the District working toward “educating lean.” If you want to read the press release regarding the new insurance agreement go to http://wp.me/p1fuKk-fw.
The strategic planning committee is continuing to meet. It is working to develop a list of vision areas that we are asking our stake holder groups – teachers, parents, community members, board, support staff, students and administrators – to commit to supporting. The strategic plan will be completed in May. At that time it will be presented to the board for consideration of adoption and rolled out to the community.
New Business – Back at the end of 2011, after attending to some concerns from parents of some of our students, the District began a formal process of examining our Title IX compliance status with regard to equity in our athletic programs. We hired an outside examiner to conduct the audit. She was in the District this week to interview parents of athletes and coaches, and to examine our facilities. Her final report will be submitted to the Board of Education in May. We look forward to hearing about the things the auditor considers we are doing right and addressing any needed changes identified in the final document.
Celebrations – Congratulations to senior Kelsey Kjome, the Onalaska High School Kiwanis Student of the Year and Daniela Gatica, our Kiwanis Middle School Student of the Year!
Finally, I am in the process of writing the third edition of the District newsletter which should arrive at your homes in a few weeks. We want to be transparent in how we run the District and that publication helps us keep people informed. As always, please contact me with feedback regarding that effort. Fran Finco (781-9700 or finfr@webmail.onalaska.k12.wi.us)
