Janesville School District, WI

Board of Education Meeting

The Janesville School Board will consider approving two resolutions related to a possible referendum asking voters to allow the district to exceed its revenue limit for four years for non-recurring purposes. The board will also hear updates on capital projects, FEMA applications, and utility costs, and will hold a closed session to discuss negotiations with the Janesville Education Association and a personnel matter.

• Resolution to exceed revenue limit for four years (non-recurring)
• Resolution to hold referendum election on the revenue limit question
• Closed session: negotiations with Janesville Education Association for 2026-2027
• Capital projects update: Kennedy Roofing ($1.25M, completed), Craig & Parker Ballfields Phase 2 ($500K, in progress), Roosevelt Portico
• 2024 Referendum projects update: HVAC, windows, ADA restrooms at multiple schools; Bid Package 2-A results due Aug 18

Finance, Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting

The Finance, Buildings & Grounds Committee will discuss and consider forwarding two resolutions to the full School Board: one to exceed state revenue limits and another to place a $30.5M operating referendum on the November 3, 2026 ballot. The committee will also receive updates on capital projects, FEMA funding applications, and utility spending exceeding $3.2M.

• $30.5M operational referendum proposed for Nov 2026 ballot (includes $14.5M base + $16M increase by 2030-31)
• $1.25M Kennedy Roofing project completed; $500K Craig & Parker Ballfields Phase 2 in progress
• FEMA application submitted for disaster-related repairs with potential 75% federal reimbursement
• District utility spending exceeded $3.2M in FY2025-26 (electric: $1.86M, natural gas: $913K)
• Roosevelt Portico project on E. Holmes St. in design phase with EUA engineering coordination

PPC Committee Meeting

The PPC Committee will review updates to the employee and student/parent handbooks for potential movement to the full board. The meeting also includes informational updates on athletics, clinics, and state assessments.

• Consideration of Employee Handbook updates
• Consideration of Student/Parent Handbook updates
• Athletic and Activities updates including SDJ Adapted Sports 2026
• Clinic update
• State Assessment update regarding ELA and Math data

Board of Education Meeting

The School District of Janesville Board of Education will discuss and potentially approve the preliminary 2026-2027 budget, appoint an independent hearing officer, and direct staff to draft resolutions for a potential operational referendum. Closed sessions will cover negotiations with the Janesville Education Association and evaluate the superintendent’s contract goals. These items outline proposed district funding, staffing changes, and facility projects like the ~$1.25 million Kennedy Elementary roof replacement.

• Preliminary budget review for the 2026-2027 school year
• Directive to craft operational referendum resolutions
• Appointment of Kelsey McCarthy as Independent Hearing Officer for 2026-2027
• Capital project updates: Kennedy Elementary roofing (~ $1.25 million) and Craig & Parker ballfield upgrades (~ $500,000)
• Review of community growth and enrollment projections

The Janesville School Board approved the preliminary 2026-27 budget as presented, with final approval scheduled for October. The board also directed administration to craft resolutions for a November 3, 2026 operating referendum. Additionally, the board approved a resolution authorizing an independent hearing officer and appointed Kelsey McCarthy to that role for 2026-27. The board paused a decision on Washington Elementary School, noting a FEMA debriefing is scheduled and temporary power was secured on July 10.

• Approved preliminary 2026-27 budget as presented (unanimous)
• Directed administration to craft November 3, 2026 operating referendum resolutions (unanimous)
• Approved resolution authorizing independent hearing officer (unanimous)
• Appointed Kelsey McCarthy as independent hearing officer for 2026-27 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda except item 4.6 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda item 4.6, AGR performance objectives and assessments report (unanimous)
• Adopted July 14, 2026 agenda (unanimous)

Finance, Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting

The Finance, Buildings & Grounds Committee will consider approving a motion to direct the administration to craft resolutions for an operating referendum on the November 3, 2026 ballot. The committee will also consider the preliminary 2026-2027 operating budget. Other items include an update on capital maintenance projects, such as the Kennedy Roofing ($1.25 million) and Craig & Parker ballfields ($500,000 Phase 2), and a presentation on community growth and enrollment projections.

• Consider approval to move to full board a motion to direct administration to craft operational referendum resolutions for Nov. 3, 2026 ballot
• Consider approval to move to full board the preliminary 2026-2027 operating budget
• Update on Kennedy Roofing project (~$1.25 million, 75% complete as of July 6, 2026)
• Update on Craig & Parker ballfields Phase 2 ($500,000, begins July 6, 2026)
• Information on District community growth and enrollment projections from MD Roffers

The committee voted unanimously to recommend moving two items to the Full Board. These include a direction for the administration to craft resolutions for a November 3, 2026 operating referendum and the preliminary 2026-27 operating budget.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Recommended directing administration to craft November 3, 2026 operating referendum resolutions to Full Board (unanimous)
• Recommended moving the preliminary 2026-27 operating budget to Full Board (unanimous)

Board of Education Meeting and Workshop

The board approved an administrative retirement agreement and then adjourned to a workshop for discussion on the School Perceptions Survey and future planning for Washington Elementary School.

• Approved Administrative Retirement Agreement (6 yea, 2 abstain)
• School Perceptions Survey Discussion (30-minute workshop item)
• Washington Elementary School Future Planning (1-hour workshop discussion)
• Adopted the June 16, 2026 agenda unanimously

The board adopted the June 16, 2026 agenda and approved an administrative retirement agreement. The meeting then adjourned to begin a workshop. The minutes record no other substantive decisions.

• Adopted June 16, 2026 board agenda (8-0)
• Approved administrative retirement agreement (6-2 abstain)

Board of Education Meeting

The board approved a consent agenda that included a $0.25 increase to paid student meal prices (first since July 2023), adoption of nine NEOLA policies, employee handbook updates, and April/May financial reports. In open session, the board discussed a referendum survey roll-out, voted to deposit all unspent FY 2025-2026 dollars into Funds 73 and 46, and received updates on Washington Elementary School and the AmeriCorps reading program. The board also held a closed session for personnel matters, union negotiations, and a student truancy appeal.

• Approved paid student lunch price increase of $0.25 per meal
• Adopted nine NEOLA policies including student supervision, technology use, social media, and child abuse reporting
• Discussed referendum survey roll-out for potential future ballot question
• Approved transfer of all unspent FY 2025-2026 dollars to Funds 73 and 46
• Received update on Washington Elementary School project

Finance, Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting

The Finance, Buildings & Grounds Committee voted to recommend a $0.25 increase in paid student meal prices to the full board, the first such increase since July 2023. They also reviewed damage from an April 17 flood affecting five schools and received updates on capital projects, including Kennedy Elementary roof replacement ($1.25M) and ball diamond upgrades (~$450K). The committee approved transferring unspent FY 2025-2026 funds to Fund 73 and Fund 46.

• Increase paid student lunch price by $0.25 (recommended to full board)
• District response to April 17, 2026 natural disaster causing water damage to five schools
• Kennedy Elementary roof replacement in progress, $1.25 million
• Craig and Parker high school ball diamond updates, Phase II, ~$450,000 bid documents nearly complete
• Approve deposit of all unspent FY 2025-2026 dollars to Fund 73 and Fund 46

PPC Committee Meeting

The PPC Committee adopted the agenda and voted to move nine NEOLA policies (covering board member conduct, student supervision, technology use, social media, volunteers, and child abuse reporting) to the full school board for adoption. The committee also voted to forward employee handbook updates to the full board. Informational items included staff retention data, the AmeriCorps Reading Program update, and a benefits overview.

• Motion to advance NEOLA policies po144.5, po1213, po3213, po4213, po7530.02, po7540.03, po7544, po8120, and po8462 to full board
• Motion to forward Employee Handbook Updates to full board
• Presentation on HR retention and stay interview data
• AmeriCorps Reading Program update covering 2025-26
• Benefits update presented by Jamie Brown

Board of Education Meeting

The Board will first meet in closed session to review expulsion decisions and staff non-renewals. In open session, they will consider a consent agenda including resignations, appointments, non-renewals, an iPad lease finance agreement, and athletic handbook updates. Board items include restructuring committees, approving the 2026-2027 meeting schedule, and a referendum update regarding the ESC move.

• Closed session on expulsion decisions and student truancy status
• Approval of final notice of non-renewal for certified staff (consent agenda)
• Approve lease finance agreement for iPads (consent agenda)
• Discussion of referendum update and Educational Services Center move
• Restructure Board of Education committees and appoint members

PPC Committee Meeting

The School District of Janesville's PPC Committee met to discuss educational programs and took action on two items. The committee voted to recommend to the full Board the approval of a 2026-27 Middle School Math Instructional Coach and updates to the Athletic Handbook. Information presentations were given on the Challenge Program and Work Based Learning updates.

• Recommended full Board approval of a 2026-27 Middle School Math Instructional Coach
• Recommended full Board approval of Athletic Handbook updates for 2026-27
• Received information on Challenge Program acceleration implementation options
• Received a report on Work Based Learning updates (WBL Report May4.pdf, 2,977 KB)
• Adopted the May 4, 2026 agenda as presented

The PPC Committee voted to recommend a middle school math instructional coach position and updated athletic handbook rules for full Board approval. The meeting also included updates on the Challenge Program and Work Based Learning initiatives.

• Approved May 4, 2026 agenda (3-0)
• Moved 2026-27 Middle School Math Instructional Coach to full Board approval (3-0)
• Moved Athletic Handbook Updates to full Board approval (3-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The Board of Education elected Lisa Hurda as Board President and approved employee dental and healthcare plans effective July 1, 2026. The board also received a facility update regarding a water hazard on April 17, 2026, and handled consent agenda items including resignations, appointments, and authorization of non-renewal notices for certified staff.

• Election of Lisa Hurda as Board President
• Approval of Employee Dental Plan effective July 1, 2026
• Approval of Employee Healthcare Plan effective July 1, 2026
• Facility update on April 17, 2026 water hazard
• Approval of resignations/retirements and appointments

The Janesville school board reorganized its leadership, electing Lisa Hurda as president, Elizabeth Paull as vice president, Julie Richardson as clerk, and Greg Ardrey as treasurer. The board also approved new employee dental and healthcare plans effective July 1, 2026, which will drop Dean due to failing the required enrollment threshold. Additionally, the board accepted staff resignations, approved administrative appointments, and received a factual update on water damage at Washington Elementary that required a one-week student relocation.

• Elected Lisa Hurda as board president (unanimous)
• Elected Elizabeth Paull as vice president (6-3)
• Elected Julie Richardson as clerk (unanimous)
• Elected Greg Ardrey as treasurer (8-1)
• Approved new employee dental plan effective July 1, 2026 (9-0)
• Approved new employee healthcare plan effective July 1, 2026 (9-0)
• Accepted resignations of three staff members effective June 10, 2026
• Appointed Dan McCrea as assistant board treasurer and Gretchen Fuhrmann as assistant district clerk

Finance, Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting

The Finance, Buildings & Grounds Committee will hear informational updates on the district's 2024-2025 financial audit (unqualified), damage from the April 17, 2025 weather event at five schools, 2024 referendum bid packages (on budget, construction starting June 2026), capital maintenance projects including ball diamond updates (~$450,000), and development of a potential November 2026 operating referendum. The committee also reviewed and moved February and March 2026 financial reports to the full board.

• April 17, 2025 rainfall caused water damage to Franklin (gym floor), Jefferson, Madison, Parker, and Washington (significant lower-level damage)
• 2024 Referendum Bid Package 1A (ESC, Jefferson, Wilson: HVAC/windows/ADA) and 1B (Craig, Lincoln, Parker: auditorium/special ed/ADA) are on budget
• District received a clean (unqualified) audit opinion for 2024-2025 from Baker Tilly
• Operational referendum development: current two-year non-recurring expires June 2027; community survey planned May 2026 for potential November 2026 ballot question
• Moody's affirmed Aa2 credit rating, saving an estimated $900,000 in interest on $151.8 million borrowing compared to Aa3

Board of Education Meeting

The board met in closed session to discuss preliminary non-renewals and the superintendent's summative evaluation. In open session, they approved the consent agenda including new policies on personal communication devices and weapons, and voted to fill a board vacancy and adopt the 2026-2027 staffing plan. A presentation on the 2026-2027 employee benefits plan was given for discussion. Student qualifiers and school presenters were recognized.

• Closed session: preliminary non-renewals for Mark Holzman and superintendent evaluation for Kevin Murray
• Approved consent agenda including new NEOLA policies po5136 (Personal Communication Devices) and po5772 (Weapons Prohibited for Students)
• Approved committee recommendation to fill a board vacancy
• Approved the 2026-2027 Staffing Plan
• Presented and discussed the 2026-2027 Employee Benefits Plan

The Board of Education appointed Colton Measner to a vacant board seat through April 2027. Additionally, the Board approved the 2026-2027 Staffing Plan and several items via the consent agenda.

• Adopted the April 14, 2026, Board of Education agenda (8-0)
• Approved the Consent Agenda (8-0)
• Appointed Colton Measner to fill a vacant board seat through April 2027 (8-0)
• Approved the 2026-2027 Staffing Plan (8-0)

PPC Committee Meeting

The Personnel, Policy, and Communications (PPC) Committee voted to recommend two NEOLA policy revisions (po5136 Personal Communication Devices and po5772 Weapons Prohibited for Students) to the full School Board for adoption. The committee also approved the 2026-27 Benefits Renewal and the 2026-27 Staffing Summary for full board approval. These decisions were made during the April 6, 2026 meeting at the Educational Services Center.

• Recommended adoption of po5136 Personal Communication Devices policy revision
• Recommended adoption of po5772 Weapons Prohibited for Students policy revision
• Approved 2026-27 Benefits Renewal for full board approval
• Approved 2026-27 Staffing Summary for full board approval

The committee reviewed NEOLA policy revisions regarding personal communication devices and weapons. Staffing plans for the 2026-27 school year were presented, including discussion of AVID program grant funding.

• Adopted April 6, 2026 agenda

Board of Education Workshop

This is a Board of Education workshop meeting. No official action will be taken. The board will receive a one-hour update on the Studer Partnership from Mark Holzman and Kathy Myles. The meeting is procedural and informational only.

• Studer Partnership Update presented by Mark Holzman and Kathy Myles (1 hour discussion)

Finance/Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting - CANCELLED Due to Winter Storm

This Finance/Buildings & Grounds Committee meeting was cancelled because of a winter storm. No decisions or discussions took place. The agenda included financial reports, building automation, referendum projects, and budget updates that were not addressed.

• Meeting cancelled — no actions taken

Board of Education Meeting

The board will discuss the 2026-27 staffing plan and a mid-year goals update. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes, resignations, appointments, and the appointment of the 2026 Board of Canvassers. The meeting also features student presentations and a commendation for the Craig High School Zero Robotics team.

• Discussion of 2026-27 Staffing Plan (Carrie Mickelson)
• Mid-Year Goals Update (Mark Holzman, Dr. Allison DeGraaf)
• Approval of resignations and retirements
• Appointment of 2026 Board of Canvassers
• Recognition of Craig High School Zero Robotics Team

The Board of Education approved the March 10, 2026 agenda and the consent agenda. The meeting included a mid-year update on student progress, academic outcomes, and district goals.

• Adopted March 10, 2026 Board of Education agenda (7-0)
• Approved March 10, 2026 Consent agenda (7-0)

PPC Committee Meeting

The PPC Committee meets to receive informational presentations on mid-year iReady and Mastery Prep data and the 2026-27 staffing plan. The only action item, adoption of the agenda, was carried unanimously. No other decisions are expected at this meeting.

• iReady and Mastery Prep mid-year data presentation by Dr. Allison DeGraaf (20 min)
• 2026-27 Staffing Plan overview by Carrie Mickelson (15 min)
• Motion to adopt the March 2, 2026 agenda as presented (carried)

The committee reviewed mid-year i-Ready and Mastery Prep data alongside district attendance. Discussion also included the 2026-27 staffing plan and upcoming job fairs.

• Adopted the March 2, 2026 agenda (4-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The board will meet in closed session to discuss the superintendent's contract and a potential sale of school district property. After reconvening, they will hear reports on capital maintenance projects (including a $1.5 million chiller replacement and $1.25 million roof), federal funding, and the student nutrition program. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes, resignations, appointments, and financial reports.

• Closed session: Superintendent contract discussion
• Closed session: Potential sale of school district property
• Kennedy Elementary roof replacement ~$1.25 million
• Craig High School chiller replacement ~$1.5 million
• Update on 2024 Referendum Bid Packages 1-A and 1-B

The Board adopted the meeting agenda and approved the consent agenda, which included minutes, resignations, appointments, and financial reports. The Board also received an informational presentation on a new data tool from the Wisconsin Policy Forum.

• Adopted February 24, 2026 agenda (5-0)
• Approved February 24, 2026 consent agenda (5-0)
• Approved minutes of February 10, 2026 meeting
• Approved resignations and appointments
• Approved AGR performance objectives and assessments report
• Approved December 2025 and January 2026 financial reports

Finance/Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting

The Finance/Buildings & Grounds Committee will review December 2025 and January 2026 financial reports and receive updates on capital maintenance projects, including Kennedy Elementary roof replacement ($1.25M), Craig High School chiller replacement ($1.5M), and ball diamond upgrades ($450K). Additional presentations cover the district's data tool partnership with the Wisconsin Policy Forum, the student nutrition program, and federal grant funding. No formal decisions are expected; items are informational or procedural.

• Kennedy Elementary roof replacement (~$1.25 million) scheduled for summer 2026
• Craig High School chiller (HVAC) replacement (~$1.5 million) due by April 15, 2026
• Roosevelt Elementary portico repair (~$100,000) scheduled for March 2026
• Craig and Parker High School ball diamond updates, Phase II (~$450,000) expected summer/fall 2026
• Franklin Middle School HVAC recommissioning target completion April 2026; Building Automation System updates due March 2026

The Finance/Buildings & Grounds Committee approved the agenda and moved December 2025 and January 2026 financial reports to the full board. The meeting included presentations on capital maintenance, student nutrition, and federal funding.

• Approved agenda as presented (2-0)
• Moved December 2025 and January 2026 financial reports to full board (2-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The board will meet in closed session to discuss the superintendent's contract. In open session, they will consider accepting the resignation of board member Susan Johnson and announce a vacancy. Other actions include approving consent agenda items such as early college credit, summer school, and policy updates. Committee reports cover financials, building automation system, referendum technology projects, and the state budget impact.

• Closed session for superintendent contract discussion (30 min)
• Accept resignation of board member Susan Johnson
• Official notice of board vacancy
• Approve Early College Credit for Summer 2026
• Approve Summer School 2026

PPC Committee Meeting

The PPC Committee discussed the Act 20 screening process, Early Entrance to Kindergarten policy, and reviewed NEOLA policy revisions for Emergency Nursing Services and Entrance Age. The committee voted to adopt the agenda and to move the two policy revisions to the full Board of Education for adoption. Also received updates on benefits and the Healthiest You program.

• Reviewed and moved NEOLA policy po5310.01 Emergency Nursing Services to full board
• Reviewed and moved NEOLA policy po5112 Entrance Age to full board
• Presentation on Act 20 Screening Process by Dr. Allison DeGraaf
• Discussion on Early Entrance to Kindergarten Policy
• Benefits Update and Healthiest You Feedback presentations

The Policy Planning Committee adopted the February meeting agenda and advanced two policy revisions to the full school board for final adoption. One revision covers emergency nursing services, while the other updates the early entrance to kindergarten policy. Other items, including reading screening procedures and staff benefits, were presented and discussed without a vote.

• Adopted February 2, 2026 agenda as presented (4-0)
• Advanced emergency nursing services policy to full board for adoption (4-0)
• Advanced early entrance to kindergarten policy to full board for adoption (4-0)

Board of Education Workshop

This is a workshop meeting of the Janesville School District Board of Education. No official action will be taken. The main agenda item is a two-hour presentation and discussion on the district budget and benefits update from Mark Holzman and the directors team.

• Presentation and discussion on District Budget and Benefits Overview and Update by Mark Holzman and Directors Team

Board of Education Meeting

The School District of Janesville Board of Education will meet in closed session to review an expulsion decision, discuss the potential sale of school district property, and conduct an informal review and discussion of the superintendent's contract. In open session, the board will consider approving the 2026-2027 budget development assumptions and act on a consent agenda that includes staff handbook changes, open enrollment applications, and retiring numerous student-related board policies. The meeting also includes recognition of ACT scholars from Craig, Parker, and Rock University High Schools.

• Closed session discussion of potential sale of school district property
• Closed session informal review and superintendent contract discussion
• Approval of 2026-2027 budget development assumptions
• Consent agenda item to retire over 30 board policies in the 5000 series (Students)
• Approve space available for regular and special education open enrollment applicants for 2026-27

The Board adopted the January 13, 2026 agenda. It approved the consent agenda items, including the December 9, 2025 meeting minutes, resignations, appointments, space availability, staff handbook changes, and retiring board policies. The Board also approved the 2026‑27 budget development assumptions. All motions carried with eight yeas; Kevin Murray was absent.

• Adopted January 13, 2026 agenda (motion carries, yeas: Ardrey, Haworth, Dommershausen, Hurda, Paull, Johnson, Johnson, Richardson)
• Approved minutes of December 9, 2025 regular board meeting (motion carries, yeas: Ardrey, Haworth, Dommershausen, Hurda, Paull, Johnson, Johnson, Richardson)
• Approved resignation/retirement of Carrie Mickelson (motion carries, yeas: Ardrey, Haworth, Dommershausen, Hurda, Paull, Johnson, Johnson, Richardson)
• Approved appointment of Madison Brovick (effective 1/26/26) (motion carries, yeas: Ardrey, Haworth, Dommershausen, Hurda, Paull, Johnson, Johnson, Richardson)
• Approved space available for regular and special education open enrollment applicants (motion carries, yeas: Ardrey, Haworth, Dommershausen, Hurda, Paull, Johnson, Johnson, Richardson)
• Approved staff handbook changes (motion carries, yeas: Ardrey, Haworth, Dommershausen, Hurda, Paull, Johnson, Johnson, Richardson)
• Approved retiring board policies listed in resolution (motion carries, yeas: Ardrey, Haworth, Dommershausen, Hurda, Paull, Johnson, Johnson, Richardson)
• Approved 2026‑27 budget development assumptions (motion carries, yeas: Ardrey, Haworth, Dommershausen, Hurda, Paull, Johnson, Johnson, Richardson)

Finance/Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting

The Finance/Buildings & Grounds Committee voted to approve and forward the 2026-2027 District Budget Assumptions to the full Board of Education. Members also received updates on a district-wide building automation system conversion, 2024 referendum technology projects (paging, bells, cameras, doors), and the 2025 property tax bill. A community growth and enrollment study by MD Roffers is expected by March 2026, and a Board of Education budget workshop is scheduled for January 27.

• Committee approved and moved 2026-2027 budget assumptions to full board (motion carried 3-0)
• Update on district transition to direct digital control (DDC) building automation system
• Update on 2024 referendum technology projects: paging, bells, clocks, card access, safety software
• Information on 2025 property tax bill noting Janesville received an increase in state equalization aid
• Discussion of community growth and enrollment study by MD Roffers, due March 2026

The Finance/Buildings & Grounds Committee unanimously adopted the meeting agenda. The committee also unanimously approved the 2026‑2027 District Budget Assumptions and moved them to the full board for further action. No other decisions were made.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous vote)
• Approved 2026-2027 District Budget Assumptions, moved to full board (unanimous vote)

PPC Committee Meeting

The PPC Committee voted to recommend Staff Handbook Changes to the full school board, and received presentations on the course selection process and strategic priorities. The committee also adopted its agenda and heard a safety message. No financial items or rezonings were discussed.

• Motion to adopt the January 5, 2026 agenda (carried 4-0)
• Moved to full board for approval of Staff Handbook Changes (motion carried 4-0)
• Course Selection Process presentation by Chris Medenwaldt (15 min)
• Strategic Priorities Update presentation by Mark Holzman, Dr. Allison DeGraaf, and Chris Medenwaldt (20 min)
• Safety message by Elizabeth Paull (4 min)

The PPC Committee voted to move proposed updates to the Staff Handbook to the full board. The committee also received presentations regarding the student course selection process and strategic priority updates.

• Adopted January 5, 2026 agenda (4-0)
• Approved moving Staff Handbook changes to the full board for approval (4-0)