Wausaukee Will Keep Its School!

There was celebrating in the halls of the Wausaukee School Wednesday morning, Oct. 1 as students learned their school will continue to exist. Ranger Pride will be kept alive.

After formal deliberations in the Wausaukee auditorium Tuesday evening, Sept. 30, the Wisconsin School District Boundary Appeals Board voted 7 to 1 to disallow dissolution of the district.

Turnout at the district’s annual meeting Wednesday evening is expected to be heavy.

Because of a second failed resolution to provide the funds they needed to run the district, and in the face of a rapidly growing negative balance in the general fund, Wausaukee School Board in July had reluctantly approved a resolution asking the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to allow dissolution of the district. Even as they voted, all board members indicated a strong hope they could find a way to keep the school open.

Administrator Jan Dooley had warned her board before the vote that once the wheels for dissolution were set in motion only a decision by the Boundary Appeals Board could stop them, but if they delayed action, the general fund deficit would grow larger, perhaps doubling from the $249,000 deficit this year, because action could not be taken for another year.

Had the board’s resolution to dissolve been approved by the Boundary Appeals Board, students and properties in the district would most likely have been divided between Crivitz, Marinette and Beecher/Dunbar/Pembine school districts.

However, in response to requests from the public, Wausaukee School District voters in August were once again asked to tax themselves enough to keep the school going and get its books back in the red. A referendum to raise property taxes $675,000 per year over the state levy limit for each of the next 10 years was overwhelmingly approved by voters on August 19.

After a spirited campaign by community leaders, the outcome was 1,234 in favor of the higher tax levy and thus in favor of keeping the school, to 672 against.

That public support played a large role in the Boundary Appeals Board decision.

Wednesday’s session was the second held in Wausaukee by the Boundary Appeals Board. Turnout - perhaps 35 people - was surprisingly light considering the emotional outpouring of public support of the district after the board’s vote for dissolution.

The Boundary Appeals Board began its evening at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday by hearing more testimony from area residents and reviewing additional information provided to them from adjoining school districts. They then deliberated on the basis of pre-set criteria for dissolution of a school district established by the state DPI, and finally itemized their rationale before the unanimous vote.

Reasons were:

1. Geographical considerations: Distances children would have to travel to and from school in already geographically huge and sparsely populated districts and time they would have to spend on the bus.

2. Educational needs, programs currently offered by each affected school district, and ability and commitment of each school district to meet those needs and continue to offer these educational programs.

Conclusion was that the adjoining districts do offer more classes, but at the same time, students in this district will get the education they want within budget limitations, and they do meet state and federal requirements.

3. If territory is detached from one district and attached to another, would there be a detrimental effect on curricular and extra curricular aspects of the currently offered programs.

The appeals board concluded the effect would be detrimental. Several fine programs, particularly in the areas of Math and Gifted and Talented would be diluted. Board members commented community spirit is based on Ranger Pride.

4. Testimony of residents of affected school districts.

“Results of the referendum say it all,” commented Appeals Board member Mary Maloney.

“All the great testimony we heard overwhelmingly was in support of keeping the district open, Tony Evers said. Others agreed.

5. Estimated fiscal effect of the proposed reorganization on the affected school districts.

The districts most likely to be affected had cited the overwhelming problems of taking on Wausaukee debt and the high transportation costs they would face.

6. This criteria, regarding non-contiguous areas, did not apply.

7. Socioeconomic and racial composition of pupils. Over 48 percent of Wausaukee students are eligible for free or reduced price lunches, which was seen as an extremely high indication of low income families. “Putting these students on busses for long trips would be difficult for them and reduce the likelihood of family involvement in their education,” Therese Travia commented. Other board members agreed.

8. Referendum results. This was perhaps the most significant factor. “The people have spoken very loudly that they want their district kept open,” the board concluded.

Moderator for the hearing was Boundary Appeals Board Secretary Elizabeth Kane. Deputy State Superintendent of Schools Evers was on hand as was Jerry Landmark, Assistant State Director for School Financial Services.

Members of the Boundary Appeal Board include Evers; Rick Eloranta, of Owen-Withee School District, CESA 10; Dennis Kavanaugh, Oshkosh Area School District, CESA 6; Maloney, Green Bay Area School District, CESA 7; Steve Pate, Portage Community School District, CESA 5; Patricia Silver, Riceland School District, CESA 3, and Travia, South Milwaukee School District, CESA 1.

Speakers at Tuesday’s hearing were Mary Alice Rowley, who said she represents three generations of family involvement at Wausaukee; Tammy Schlies, who headed the “Save Our Schools” campaign to get the referendum passed; Mary Marquis, who spoke on behalf of Citizens for Sustainable Education and finding regional solutions in the face of declining enrollments and funding formulas unfriendly to rural districts; Shirley Prudhomme who spoke on the school as the economic and cultural hub that keeps a community viable, and little Alexis (Lexi) Clark, who told the panel, “I don’t want to lose my school. I don’t want to lose my friends. I really want to grow up in our Wausaukee school.”

Dooley fielded numerous questions from the panel, mostly concerning educational programs, distance learning offerings, music and art opportunities for students, foreign languages, and some innovative plans for multi-age classes and integrated learning that she feels will be beneficial to students.

“We have been given a gift of 10 years by our community,” Dooley declared. She said they will do some strategic planning toward the changes to come, “Some departments of the past will take shape in a different form,”and there will be greater efforts to connect with business and industry. She said the district has some excellent teachers, and has already embarked on a program to train staff in the integrated learning concept. The district also found it possible to continue the SAGE program by adding one kindergarten teacher, and Dooley thanked the DPI for allowing time for them to get all the information that made it possible to continue the program.

Grant writing “willbe a part of what we do,” Dooley told the board, indicating they will particularly seek grants for math and science programs.

Board Treasurer Dave Kipp answered numerous questions concerning current school finances and projections for the future. He spoke on the need to quickly pay off high interest unfunded retirement liability acounts and said once that is done they will work to build up a general fund balance that will eliminate the need for short term borrowing.

Recent stories, opinions and photos

Issue Date	Department	Headline
05-16-2013	Front Page	Mike, Anita Folgert Are Recipients Of Touhey Award
05-16-2013	Front Page	Predicts New Learning Center Will Be “A Shining Light” For Marinette Schools
05-16-2013	Front Page	Tourism Draws Millions For State, 4 County Area
05-16-2013	Front Page	Water & Sewer Committee Moves Ahead With Loan
05-16-2013	Front Page	Commend City Officer’s Work On Murder Case
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Lorna M. Techmeier
05-16-2013	Obituaries	James R. Schaut
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Nora E. Salewsky
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Ralph R. Runge
05-16-2013	Obituaries	James P. Reindl
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Uta Rasmussen
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Virginia Ellsworth Plier
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Ursula J. Peters
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Walter J. Moucha, Sr.
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Kasimir Melnyk
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Bernadette E. Meek
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Shirley Jean Johnson
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Julie N. Jeske
05-16-2013	Obituaries	George L. Hayden
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Patricia L. Gomber
05-16-2013	Obituaries	James A. Erickson,
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Frank M. Dudek
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Judith A. Carrillo
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Shirley Ann Bishop
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Donald M. Allard
05-16-2013	Sports	Marinette Golfers Win Menominee Meet; Bieberitz Is Medalist
05-16-2013	Sports	Track Regionals To Begin May 20
05-16-2013	Sports	Peshtigo Captures M-O Conference Crowns
05-16-2013	Sports	Coleman Finishes Perfect�Again!
05-16-2013	News	Set Babysitting Class for May 25
05-16-2013	News	Town Peshtigo Sets Cleanup Day
05-16-2013	News	Marinette Legion Brat Fry Dates
05-16-2013	News	Church Dinner, Auction May 19
05-16-2013	Perspectives	From our readers
05-16-2013	Perspectives	Tales from the old-timer
05-16-2013	Perspectives	Country Cousin
05-16-2013	Community - Wausaukee	Grand Germany Tour Sept. 15-24
05-16-2013	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee Blood Drive is June 10
05-16-2013	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee Memorial Services Slated May 27
05-16-2013	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee Students Help Plant Nursery Stock Trees
05-16-2013	Community - Crivitz	Jeff Diges Memorial Bike Run June 29, Hold Pool Tourney
05-16-2013	Community - Crivitz	TB Rescue Bake, Rummage Sale
05-16-2013	Community - Crivitz	Co. Elderly Golf Scramble July 12
05-16-2013	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz Sister Cities Future On Line At May 22 Meeting
05-16-2013	Community - Coleman	Coleman High School Graduation is June 1
05-16-2013	Community - Coleman	2 Top Coleman Seniors
05-16-2013	Community - Coleman	Fine Art Nite at Coleman School
05-16-2013	Community - Coleman	Coleman Services for Memorial Day
05-08-2013	Front Page	Marinette Police Memorial To Officers Lost In Duty
05-08-2013	Front Page	City Adopts New Sewer Rates, Fire Dept. Fees
05-08-2013	Front Page	Co. Move Toward Medical Examiner Model Rejected
05-08-2013	Front Page	Centenarian Marks Birthday May 5th
05-08-2013	Front Page	Folgerts Chosen For Touhey Award Recipients
05-08-2013	Front Page	Million Dollar Bail Set In Homicide Case
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Irene Zoellner
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Lila V. Tippett
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Clarence E. Treptow
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Dennis L. Tachick
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Roger K. Schiefelbein
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Sharon A. Ronan
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Robert Ranallo, Sr.
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Jerry Rakowski
05-08-2013	Obituaries	James Prefontaine
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Spencer B. Patz
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Lila E. Miller
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Patricia Mathey
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Helen J. Lemery
05-08-2013	Obituaries	William H. Keller
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Alice Johnson
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Ronald Cedric Henning
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Algin T. Hendricksen
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Paul G. Grunwald
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Cheryl Lynn Gallo
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Gyneth Gadtzke
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Crystal Ann Gabriel
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Curtis P. Frank, Sr.
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Della A. DeStarkey
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Daniel P. Barney
05-08-2013	News	Girl Scout Carnival at Peshtigo June 2
05-08-2013	News	5th Annual EMS 5K Walk/Run
05-08-2013	News	Brazeau Annual Fundraiser July 27
05-08-2013	Community - Wausaukee	Wagner Board Meets May 14
05-08-2013	Community - Wausaukee	SC Fire, Rescue Auxiliary May 13
05-08-2013	Community - Wausaukee	Lions To Clean Hwy. 180 May 11
05-08-2013	Community - Wausaukee	Legion Post 66 Meeting May 11
05-08-2013	Community - Crivitz	CHS 5K Run/ Walk is June 1
05-08-2013	Community - Crivitz	Legion Trap 22
05-08-2013	Community - Crivitz	Middle Inlet Plans for Memorial Day
05-08-2013	Community - Crivitz	Middle Inlet Plans 33rd Annual Reunion
05-08-2013	Community - Coleman	Area Cadets at State Challenge Academy
05-08-2013	Community - Coleman	Parkway Ladies Start
05-08-2013	Community - Coleman	Comins Graduates Basic
05-08-2013	Community - Coleman	Graduates Basic
05-08-2013	Sports	Wausaukee Golfers Win 9-Hole M-O Tournament
05-08-2013	Sports	Bulldogs Grab M-O Lead
05-08-2013	Sports	Marines Shine At Home Invite
05-08-2013	Sports	Coleman Clinches M-O Title Share
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Patricia J. Waschbisch
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Bessie Riley
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Russell D. Thurow
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Anne Schumacher
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Janette B. Perry
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Marilyn Mc Keefry
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Timothy J. Lynch
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Donald J. Kubiak
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Marilyn Mc Keefry
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Reino L. Lampinen
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Lonnie L. Kasbaum
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Dave Gajeski
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Gyneth I. Gatzke
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Virgil L. Erdman
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Albert J. Demers
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Bernard L. Courchaine
05-02-2013	Obituaries	David Campbell
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Roy Bylund
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Dale P. Bundy
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Gerda M. Barrick
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Antoinette A. Bacon
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Bonnie R. Artz
05-02-2013	Front Page	Peshtigo Woman Murdered
05-02-2013	Front Page	Crivitz High School Ranks 22 in Survey
05-02-2013	Front Page	Heyer Changes Plea in Murder
05-02-2013	Front Page	City Parks, Recreation Director Marquardt Takes County Job
05-02-2013	Front Page	Public Hearing On 4 Ordinances Precedes May 7 Council Meet
05-02-2013	Perspectives	From our readers
05-02-2013	Perspectives	Tales from the old-timer
05-02-2013	Perspectives	Country Cousin
05-02-2013	Sports	Oconto Falls Girls Dominate Invite
05-02-2013	Sports	Suring Cruises To Track Sweep; Cops 22 1st Place Marks
05-02-2013	Sports	Bulldog Booster Bash On May 4
05-02-2013	Sports	Coleman Improves To 6-0
05-02-2013	News	Walking Club To Paddle on River
05-02-2013	News	Pound Senior Club Meeting is May 6
05-02-2013	Community - Wausaukee	Car, Lightning Cause Outages
05-02-2013	Community - Wausaukee	SC Fire, Rescue Auxiliary May 13
05-02-2013	Community - Wausaukee	Ladies Luncheon at Assembly Church
05-02-2013	Community - Wausaukee	Eight Wausaukee Music Students Advance to State
05-02-2013	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz High School 2013 Graduation Ceremony May 18
05-02-2013	Community - Crivitz	OWI Task Force Town of Stephenson
05-02-2013	Community - Crivitz	List Theme for July 4th Parade
05-02-2013	Community - Crivitz	CYI Summer Youth Programs
05-02-2013	Community - Coleman	Smarter Than 5th Grader at Coleman
05-02-2013	Community - Coleman	Pound Senior Club Meeting is May 6
05-01-2013	Front Page	Suspect Will Face Homicide Charges In Marinette County
04-25-2013	Obituaries	Roger C. Winter
04-25-2013	Obituaries	Alfred W. Weissgerber
04-25-2013	Obituaries	Josephine H. VandenBush
04-25-2013	Obituaries	Julius Torzala
04-25-2013	Obituaries	Anna Szkolny
04-25-2013	Obituaries	Sylvin J. Steffes