Woodland D50 News and Information
Sept. 23, 2022
Superintendent Update: Message from Dr. Machak
Dear Woodland Families,
It’s hard to believe that yesterday was the first day of fall. Whether you look forward to the changing season or, like me, are holding on to the last remnants of summer, now is a good time to check your child’s fall and winter gear: does their fall jacket still fit, are their pants too short after a summer growth spurt, and do they have a Woodland sweatshirt for that first chilly day? Our students love to go outside for gym and recess in all kinds of weather, so please plan ahead and send them to school in layers as colder temperatures will be here before long.
Last night, the Woodland Board of Education held its monthly governing meeting. Students in the 2nd Grade Dual Language program led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and a group of student performers from Rebelión Cultural shared traditional Mexican dances with the Board in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. For a summary of highlights from the meeting, please see below. Board Meetings are open to the public, and district staff and families are always welcome. If you are interested in attending, the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 27.
As our students settle into Quarter One, administratively we are already busy planning for the 2023-24 school year and beyond. Over the next few weeks, we will be seeking parent and guardian feedback on a number of topics, including parent and family engagement, the district website, report cards, strategic planning, and more. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions, questions or concerns regarding #LifeintheW, you are welcome to contact me at any time at rmachak@dist50.net.
Finally, this week we celebrated National IT Professionals Day at Woodland. Our Technology team is made up of 11 dedicated employees who are always working behind the scenes to make sure our staff has the technology they need to support our students, and that our students have the technology they need to be successful learners. It takes a special set of skills to be an IT professional, and we appreciate their hard work to make sure our network is safe, secure, and running at optimal levels. To the entire Woodland Technology Team, thank you for your service to our learning community! Your hard work is what allows us to stay connected, figuratively and literally.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend,
Dr. Robert Machak, Superintendent
Woodland D50
Green Apple Day of Service at Woodland Primary
Thank you to our staff, students and family volunteers for joining us at Primary's Green Apple Day of Service. Participating in this event each year encourages our students to care for their school and learning environment. It also sends the message that even our youngest Wildcats can make a difference, and fosters a sense of ownership in making our school a better place. Additional photos on Facebook!
Important Dates
- September 23 - The ROAR Run is this evening!
- Sept. 29 - Next PTA meeting
- Sept. 30 - School Improvement Planning (SIP) Day, Early Dismissal
- Oct. 7 - Teacher Institute Day, No Student Attendance
- Oct. 10 - Columbus Day, No Student Attendance
Woodland D50 Board of Education Highlights
The Woodland School Board of Education Governing meeting was held on September 22, 2022. Please see below for a summary of highlights from the meeting, or we welcome you to watch the meeting HERE (once it is posted).
Thank you for your continued support of Woodland District 50!
Pledge of Allegiance
Woodland Students from the 2nd Grade Dual Language program led the Board of Education in saying the Pledge of Allegiance in English and Spanish.
Superintendent Showcase
Rebelión Cultural members preformed traditional Mexican dances in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Several group members are current or former Woodland students. Rebelión Cultural honors Mexican culture and history through traditional dance from different regions of Mexico.
To see additional photos and video please visit Woodland's Facebook page, or search #LifeintheW on Twitter!
Approval of Employment, Resignations and Retirements
The Board of Education approved employment for several key staff members to support our students. This includes a Special Education Kindergarten Teacher, a P.E. Teacher, and a Special Education Resource Teacher. Woodland will also welcome three new Playground Supervisors at Primary, a Paraprofessional at Middle School, three new Guest Teachers, and a Substitute Playground Supervisor. Also under consent agenda, the Board approved the resignations of three certified staff members, and five support staff members.
Approval of Donations
The Board of Education appreciates the donations from generous supporters to help enhance programming in the district.
Primary - Warren Newport Public Library donated books to be used as giveaways during WELE parent nights at a value of $9.50.
The total donation for September 2022 is $9.50. That brings the total donation amount for the 2022-2023 school year to $45.50 to date. To see previous donations for this school year, view the list HERE.
Other Items Under Consent Agenda
Under Consent Agenda is where you will find approval of Board Meeting minutes, and approval of the monthly Financial Reports, Treasurer Reports, and Board Payables for the month. These reports are posted to the website after the meeting.
- Approval of Administrative and Non-Union Support Staff Compensation for FY23 - The Board of Education approved administrative contracts for those expiring in June of 2022, and approved FY23 salary increases for administrators and non-union employees. Overall administrative and non-union salary expenses will increase by 4.5% for administrators and by 5% for non-union support staff employees. Actual increases, based on the FY23 reorganization, resignations, and retirees reflect an actual increase of 3.75% or $147,212.
Action Items
The business that takes place under "Action Items" is first reviewed by the Board of Education at the previous monthly governing meeting under "Reports/Discussion Items". An item will first be presented as a Report or Discussion item for the Board of Education members to be introduced to the topic and allow time for questions, review, and revisions before that item is moved to the Action Items portion of the agenda for a vote the following month.
Board of Education Approves the FY23 Budget
The Woodland Board of Education approved the FY23 Budget for the fiscal year running July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. School districts are required by law to adopt an operating budget prior to the last day of the 1st quarter of the fiscal year (September 30, 2022).
The overall FY23 budget projects $100,615,931 in expenditures of which $9,060,070 are earmarked for capital improvement projects. Student learning, transportation and facility management will be supported via the remaining $91,555,861 in operating expenditures. Anticipated FY23 revenues of $98,397,350 will offset operating expenditures resulting in a balanced budget.
A tentative budget was approved by the Board of Education on June 23, 2022. It was posted as a legal notice in the Daily Herald on July 11, 2022 and placed on public display on the district’s website, and in the district office for more than 30 days.
- View the FY23 Budget Presentation
- View the FY23 Approved Budget
Reports and Discussion Items
Reports and Discussion Items are placed on the agenda as an introduction to a topic. If the topic will require a vote, it will be brought back under "Action Items" at the next regularly scheduled meeting. This allows Board Members to familiarize themselves with the topic and ask questions, or request additional information and modifications before voting on the matter. The following topics were introduced as a Report/Discussion Item at this month's meeting:
A. Written Report and Presentation on Student Achievement for 2022
B. Written Report and Presentation on eduClimber Software Program
C. Discussion of Strategic Plan Process and Timeline
D. Written Information of Revised Board Policies
E. Written Information on FY23 School Maintenance Grant
F. Written Information on Bus Lot Security Fencing
G. Written Information on Truth in Taxation Notice
H. Written Report on 2023 Summer Asphalt Project
I. Written Report on Windows Replacement Computers
J. Written Report on Office and Lab Replacement Computers
K. Administrator and Teacher Salary Benefits Report
L. Receipt of any Freedom of Information Act Requests
Board of Education Meeting Materials
You are always welcome to go back and review meeting materials, presentations, Board Payables, Finance Reports and the video recording from a regularly scheduled Board Meeting on the district website HERE (select the meeting date to view supporting materials). These items are typically posted within 24-48 hours after the meeting.
PTA News and Events
September PTA Meeting - Save the date for the next PTA Meeting on September 29 at 7 p.m. This will be a virtual meeting. Sign-up HERE and the PTA will email you the zoom link to join the meeting.
Book Fairs - If you missed book fairs at curriculum night, online shopping is still available. 25% of your purchases goes directly back to the schools.
Shop the Elementary Book Fair through 9/26
Shop the Primary Book Fair through 10/2
Friday Night Alternative is Back!
Warren Township Youth & Family Services is excited to bring back Friday Night Alternative (FNA) for 6th - 8th graders. Join your friends for an open gym, DJ and dancing, karaoke, dodgeball, or just to hang out. This is a great opportunity for kids to socialize in a space with plenty of activities, supervised by staff from Warren Township Youth & Family Services, volunteers and parent chaperones. Friday, Oct. 28 from 7 - 9 p.m. Open to middle school students who attend Districts 50 and 56 only. Fee is $10 and includes a slice of pizza and soda/water. Must register in advance. Visit the website for more information and to register.
Virtual Backpack
Visit the Virtual Backpack to find events and activities in the community to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month! Newly Added: Champions Floor Hockey (registration deadline extended). You will also find information about Warren LAX and Poms clinics, and workshops for students to learn study and time management skills.
Please remember to visit the Virtual Backpack throughout the year to see other events and activities for children and families in the area. We will be making more of an effort to post information here to reduce the amount of flyers sent home.