Jeannette Thom and Dawn Peterson were sworn into office during the Wautoma Area School Board regular meeting on April 11 at Riverview Elementary School. Thom, who was re-elected for a fifth term, and newly elected Peterson will begin their three-year terms on Monday, April 25.
With four candidates vying for two seats during the Spring Election on April 5, Thom and Peterson obtained the most votes over Brian Gustke, incumbent, and Elissa Armstrong. The canvass and certification of the election was held on April 8.
Prior to Thom and Peterson taking their Oath of Office, District Administrator Tom Rheinheimer informed the board he contacted with the Waushara County Sheriff Wally Zuehlke, Wautoma Chief of Police, Paul Mott, and Redgranite Chief of Police Kyle Tarr regarding the decision to supply Narcan at each school within the District. According to Rheinheimer, all three were in support of the decision and will help in any way they can.
During public comments, Wautoma Police of Chief Paul Mott spoke to the Board about the use of Narcan and the importance of having it available in the schools. Mott stated that he has extensive background on the subject and is willing to help train employees. Even just a molecule of heroin fentanyl can be enough to make someone go down, according to Mott. He recalled having to administer Narcan for two bank employees after just fentanyl was found on the money being counted.
Narcan has no side effects and can be easily supplied to the schools from the Waushara County Health Department, stated Rheinheimer. The board approved the first consideration of the Revised Policy 5330: Administration of Medication/Emergency Care. The district plans to train employees in August for the 2022-23 school year once the policy is in place.
Rheinheimer also updated the board on the food service department. As of right now the federal government is planning to lift the waiver on school lunches and go back to paid and free/reduced lunches. He said government may change the waiver by June, but the district is preparing for student registration and can make changes if necessary.
Rheinheimer added that the district, along with many others throughout the state, has been able to receive the quantities of food that they need but are unable to offer the variety of foods they are used to due to supply chain issues.
During the meeting, Wautoma High School Principal Jennifer Johnson provided information on a new Bridges course for at-risk students. Students who will need extra support coming into their freshman year will be identified by the eighth grade staff using state standards and placed in the elective course. This will provide extra help to the students for their first year of high school. The board went on to approve the new Wautoma High School Bridges Course beginning this fall.
Johnson also provided the board with information on a new student assistant program within the high school. Students have the choice to assist teachers in a variety of departments and now will have the option to assist the athletic trainer.
The following agenda items were approved by the board: the resignation of Janeil Velez, Parkside School Elementary Teacher, Rebecca Weiss, Parkside School Lunch Accountant/Cook 1, Jacquie Hodkiewicz, Riverview Elementary Teacher, Amanda Stafford, Riverview Elementary Library Assistant, Harold Hansen Jr., Transportation Assistant, and Kaycee Michalski, Riverview Elementary Teacher; the employment of Tabitha Stelter, Parkside School Guidance Counselor, Brittanie Mastricola, Wautoma High School Co-Advisor, Junior Class/Co-Coordinator, Junior Prom, Jacob Mathias, Wautoma High School Yearbook Advisor, and A+ After School Hires; Camp Parkside and Summer School Budgets and Staffing; and Administrative Support Contract.
