Board Update
From the Desk of Cassandra Schug - Week of 11/30/15
Scheduled Meetings
Special Board Meeting - December 7, 2015 (Financial Modeling) - 5:30 p.m.
Educational Services - December 8, 2015 - 7:30 a.m.
Policy Review - December 9, 2015 - 5:30 p.m. - Mary Hubacher attending
Combined Human Resources/Fiscal Management (Healthcare Discussion) - December 14, 2015, 5:00 p.m.
Planning Committee - December 15, 2015 - 5:30 p.m.
Board of Education - December 21, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. (Closed Session at 5:30 p.m.)
Winter Break Begins - December 21, 2015
Policy Review - January 13, 2016 - 5:30 p.m.
Human Resources - January 18, 2016 - 5:30 p.m.
School Board Convention - January 19-22, 2016
Board of Education - January 25, 2016 - 6:00 p.m.
Fiscal Mangement - January 27, 2015 - 5:30 p.m.
Community Meetings/Functions/Conferences for November
This is a snapshot of some of the community events and conferences I am scheduled to attend this month. If you are interested in joining me at one of these meetings or events, please let me know – many are open to you.
List Schedule Here:
December 3 - CESA Superintendents' Meeting in Whitewater
December 3 - Branding Commission
December 3 - RMS Orchestra Concert
December 4 - Jefferson County Interagency Council
December 5 - Presentation at UW-Madison
December 7, 14, 21 - Rotary Meeting
December 10 - Library Board Meeting
December 14 - Rotary Board Meeting
December 14 - Legislative Breakfast
December 14 - City Council Finance Meeting
December 17 - Apple Executive Briefing
December 17 - Joint Review Board
December 17 - Douglas Holiday Concert
December 18 - Business and Education Collaborative in Madison
December 28 - January 1 - Family Vacation
Watertown Family Aid
Temperatures are dropping, snow is in the forecast, and the spirit of giving is filling the classrooms at Webster Elementary. Students at Webster Elementary are busy making decorations for the 17th Annual Gifts for Watertown Kids.
This year’s event will be held Thursday, December 3rd from 5 – 9 p.m. at Turner Hall, 301 South 4th Street, Watertown. Music will be provided by the Van Eskes and complimentary snacks will be available. Admission is a new unwrapped gift for a child newborn to grade 5. All donations are given to Watertown Family Aid for distribution to families in the Watertown School District.
Ronald Was in the House!!!
Students at Lincoln Elementary School enjoyed the Ronald McDonald program about promoting good relationships, being a good friend, being kind and respectful to others and being responsible for your actions. He had the kids mesmerized!!!!!
Rotary Holiday Luncheon
Watertown Rotarians enjoyed music by the WHS Carolers and a festive five course-meal prepared by the WHS Culinary Arts students this past Monday.
Compensation Study
We are continuing to work with MRA for our upcoming Special Board Meeting. Please let me know if you have any additional specific questions that you would like us to prepare for on Monday night.
Superintendent Evaluation
Policy Review
At our last Policy Review meeting, we discussed the Equal Educational Opportunities policy and that we may need to make revisions to this policy to address discrimination regarding gender identity. Because this is an issue that has generated a great deal of discussion around the state and country, we wanted the Board to have an understanding of the concerns and how we might best address them to be in legal compliance. We have invited the Board's attorney, Mary Hubacher, to attend our Policy Review meeting on December 9th to discuss our Equal Educational Opportunities policy with the Board and recommended revisions to our current policy. I would encourage any Board member with an interest or concern regarding this issue to attend this meeting. I have also attached a copy of the recommended revised policy language. Below is a link to an article discussing the resolution reached between the US Department of Education and Township High School District 211 in Illinois regarding transgender discrimination.
School Board Convention
WASB School Board Convention is rapidly approaching - January 19 through the 22nd. I am excited that we have many Board members planning to attend for part or all of the convention. You are all welcome to attend evening engagements as well - even if you are not able to attend during the day. This is a great opportunity for the Board to learn together, and the Board also has some opportunities to socialize during these days and evenings.
On Tuesday, January 19th, the Board will get together for dinner with Mary Hubacher. On Wednesday, January 20th, the Board is invited to attend the Baird reception at the Harley Davidson Museum, and on Thursday, January 21st, Buelow Vetter will be hosting a school law program and reception at the Hilton that we will also have the opportunity to attend. Jody will be coordinating these events as we get closer to convention.