The close partnership between the Wautoma Area School District and Fox Valley Technical College has brought many benefits to the students of the area. Since the FVTC Wautoma Regional Center campus was established in 2018, many new programs have been introduced to the district which have provided new opportunities for students in high school.
Chris Brown, manager of the FVTC Wautoma Regional Center, spoke to the Wautoma School Board about the new courses that will be offered to students during the March 14 board meeting at Redgranite Elementary School.
FVTC has been working closely with the high school to plan trade classes for students. “We know that there is a need, well, actually, a desperate need,” said Brown.
In the fall of 2022, a three credit pipe trades course will introduce students to the field and will cover a variety of topics relating to the profession while working on hands-on projects. Students will also be able to visit actual construction locations and meet trades professionals on the job. Also, in the fall the FVTC Regional Center will offer a two-credit layout and sawing operations class where students will explore basic layout and measurement practices with both English and metric units. Those taking the course will gain exposure to wood working machines while developing safe habits. This course is required for both residential wood working and manufacturing wood working degrees offered by FVTC.
In the spring of 2023 a three credit course on introduction to residential wiring methods will be offered. Students gain hands-on experience with the equipment as well as the National Electrical Codes. An automation robotics course is also planned for the spring, but with more preparation needed, Brown stated Wautoma High School Principal Jennifer Johnson will keep the Board updated.
At the conclusion of her presentation, Brown also gave an update on two Wautoma High School seniors who will be completing the Class A CDL Program this year. “Upon successful completion, these two students will walk through high school commencement having earned their high school diploma and their Class A Truck Driving license, which will give them employment opportunities in a field that is so in need of drivers,” she said.
District Administrator Tom Rheinheimer updated the board that CG Schmidt will have completed their walk-through of Riverview Elementary on March 15. He also recognized Parkside Principal Deb Premo for her 11 years of hard work and commitment to the district. Parkside Assistant Principal Jim Rauchle also expressed his appreciation stating, “I’ve never seen anyone better at their job.” Premo is resigning from her current role but will still stay within the district to be the Parkside Middle School Special Education teacher.
Rheinheimer along with WASD Nurse Cari Pronschinske held a brief discussion on supplying Narcan at the schools. Narcan is considered an opioid antagonist, and is used to treat suspected opioid overdoses in an emergency situation. It is currently available at the Waushara County Health Department for free and has no effect on someone who is not overdosing from an opioid. Rheinheimer informed the Board that they are not taking the situation lightly, but if the district has a chance to save a life then he feels that they should consider adding it to the policy. The board requested Rheinheimer reach out to the local police department and lawyer to ensure the district is taking all the right steps.
The following agenda items were approved by the board: the resignations of Deb Premo, Parkside School Principal, Saynousone Vanis-saveeth, Parkside School Counselor, Renee Wilson, Wautoma High School Consumer Science Teacher/CTE Department Head, Michael Pica, Basketball, Girls Grade 7 Head Coach, Adam Hauge, Redgranite Elementary A+ After School Enrichment Leader, Keelin Trudel, Riverview Elementary A+ After School Enrichment Leader; the retirement of Kelly Van, Parkside School Program Support Assistant and Special Education Transportation Assistant; the employment of Summer Food Service Program Staff, Andrew DeKeyser, 2022 Summer Crew, John Epping, 2022 Summer Crew, Daniel Brust, Baseball, Middle School Head Coach, Alyssa Morris, Advisor, Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Tynae Phillips, Softball, Middle School Head Coach, Thomas Bagnall, Track, Middle School Boys Head Coach, Thomas Schwartz, Summer Technology Assistant, and Neven Meyer, Summer Technology Assistant; HVAC Replacement Project; FY2022-2023 CESA 5 Contract for Services; SY2022-2023 Wage Increases and Scales; Temporary Increases in Hours for Two Parkside Employees; the Instructional Coach Job Description 1st and 2nd Consideration; the Creation of a Middle/High School Mathematics Instructional Coach Position; SY2022-2023 Bus Driver Contracts, Substitute Bus Driver Contracts and Support Staff Letters of Intent; and Revised and/or New Policies, 2nd Consideration.
