School Board Passes Spending Resolution but Holds Off on Preliminary Budget

The Shorewood School Board shot down a preliminary budget Tuesday night with two members saying they would like more certainty; the district business manager said that could cause issues with hiring of new staff.

Citing a lack of clarity on a preliminary budget, Shorewood School Board members failed to pass that budget Tuesday, prior to the district’s new fiscal year beginning July 1. The vote was 2-2 with board member Colin Plese absent. Instead, the board unanimously approved a resolution allowing the district to spend money for expenses such as employee salaries and benefits despite not having the budget in place. The budget cycle for school districts in Wisconsin starts on July 1 even though a final budget isn’t adopted until October, when officials take a final enrollment count, realize more firm state aid figures, and start to receive revenues. Officials typically approve a preliminary budget before the end of June, to serve as a framework. “…

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School Officials Table Vote on Employee Handbook

The School Board plans to meet Tuesday to hear final concerns from the teacher's union on the employee handbook. The board's president says they plan to vote on the handbook at a June 26 meeting.

Shorewood school officials agreed to table voting on an employee handbook Tuesday, allowing them to hear more concerns from the district teacher’s union. Officials will meet next Tuesday to take up the concerns from the Shorewood Education Association, but School Board President Rob Reinhoffer said the board wouldn’t vote until their meeting on June 26. “We have reached consensus on the vast majority of topics that are contained in here,” said Superintendent Blane McCann of the process of building the handbook. “It’s a very good process to have these types of conversations and I think we have a good product. I will say we didn’t expect to reach consensus on everything.” Since October, McCann has been meeting with secretarial and teacher …

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After 10 Months, School Officials Expected to Vote on Employee Handbook

After 10 months of collaboration with stakeholders, Superintendent Blane McCann is scheduled to present an employee handbook to the School Board for their approval.

After 10 months of collaboration, it appears Superintendent Blane McCann is ready to present an employee handbook to the Shorewood School Board for approval. In mid-August, Shorewood — like school districts around the state — set out to draft a new handbook that would set work rules on matters that used to be negotiated with the teachers union, such as benefits, hours and among other items. After the passage of the state budget repair bill, only wages are negotiated now. However, an initial draft was the target of much scrutiny from dozens of teachers and community members who said there were too many gray areas. The School Board said it would give teachers and other employees a seat at the table, and even though the district is no longer …

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Shorewood Snapshot: Village and School Meetings; Boys Kick off Baseball Season

A look at this week's local events and news.

Here's a look at what's coming up this week in Shorewood. If we're missing something, please add it to the calendar. Village Board meeting Monday — Officials are scheduled to consider an agreement for new playground equipment on Atwater Beach and discuss whether to refill the vacant position of Department of Public Works director of operations, among other things, at a regular Village Board meet on Monday. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. in Village Hall, 3930 N. Murray Ave. School Board meeting Tuesday — In addition to soliciting more comment on the two finalists for superintendent after community meetings were held last week, school officials will consider approval of long-time and beloved Theater Director Barbara Gensler at a regular …

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Shorewood Snapshot: Governmental Meetings; Preps Sports

A look at this week's local events and news.

Here's a look at what's coming up this week in Shorewood. If we're missing something, please add it to the calendar. School and governmental meetings — Shorewood’s School Board and Village Board will hold a joint meeting on Monday at 7 p.m. and take up several items including the school district’s budget, marketing the village and the superintendent search. On Tuesday, a new board vice president will be chosen and school calendar set for next year when the School Board meets for a regular meeting on Tuesday night at 7. Both meetings are held in the Shorewood High School Library, 1701 E. Capitol Dr. Also on Tuesday, a neighborhood sewer meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Officials are expected to discuss projects set for this summer…

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Adam W. McCoy

8:46 am on Monday, April 23, 2012

You're correct sir.   more ›

Shorewood Schools See Opportunity for Budget Surplus in 2012-13

Superintendent Blane McCann presented budget recommendations to address a $429,000 budget gap for next year; town hall meetings on the budget are slated for April 3 and April 18.

Shorewood school officials said Tuesday they will begin the 2012-13 budget process with the smallest shortfall in a decade, and outlined a plan to create a surplus in the final budget. The projected gap — $429,947 — pales in comparison to recent deficits that have ranged between $772,000 and $1.95 million. Business Manager Mark Boehlke credited the drop to the shifting of retiree benefits and refinancing of pension benefits, both connected to the April 2011 referendum. Superintendent Blane McCann on Tuesday outlined a series of proposed reductions and new expenditures that would turn that initial deficit into a surplus of $167,000. Among the savings the district counts on every year is staff turnover. As veteran educators retire, the …

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Shorewood Snapshot: School Board Meets; Notable Alumni Recognized; Jugglefest on April Fools' Day

A look at this week's local events and news.

Here's a look at what's coming up this week in Shorewood. If we're missing something, you can add it to the calendar. School Board meeting Tuesday — Officials will convene for a 7 p.m. regular board meeting and consider renewing a contract with a company that provides occupational and physical therapy services to Shorewood students with special needs. Increases of $52 to $54 per hour for occupational therapy, and $59 to $61 per hour in the first year, and another 50 cents in the second year for physical therapy, are proposed in a two-year contract with Dominiczak Therapy Associates, LLC. The board will also provide updates on the search for a new superintendent, the employee handbook and recommendations for next year’s budget. The district…

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What's Up This Week in Shorewood? Distrct Leaders Could Get New Contract; Support Local Schools

A look ahead at next week's local events and news.

Here's a look at what's coming up this week in Shorewood. If we're missing something, you can add it to the calendar. School Board meeting Tuesday — School officials could approve new contracts for administrators at a regular meeting starting at 7 p.m. In addition, the board will consider approval of several school district policies. The meeting is held in the Shorewood High School Library, 1701 E. Capitol Dr. Support local schools this week — Dine out in Shorewood Monday night and support local schools. Head out between 5 to 9 p.m., when a percentage of your purchase will benefit the Shorewood SEED Foundation (Supporters of Excellence in Educational Development). Choose from these popular Shorewood restaurants: City Market, Culver's, …

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SPECIAL REPORT

How A Year of Uncertainty Has Affected Shorewood Teachers

They’re giving voice to fears and concerns, as board members and the outgoing superintendent offer reassurances.

Shorewood High School English teacher Mike Halloran taps the wall-mounted screen at the front of his classroom and instructs his students on how to upload their term papers. He turns back around, surveys the class with a devilish grin, and shows his students how effective the new software is at detecting plagiarism. He pauses a moment before laughing softly and telling his class that he knows them well enough to know it won't come to that. The wall behind him fills with a slideshow and he moves on to ancient mythology. As an English teacher, Halloran helps students find their voice through writing. Similarly, in his role as president of the Shorewood Education Association, he has relished watching his colleagues develop their own voice. It…

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CowDung

5:00 pm on Saturday, February 18, 2012

I would think that the issue of 'getting through boring stuff' is best left in the high school. In elementary school, they should be doing everything they can to make subjects more exciting and interesting for the kids. Forcing a 4th grade kid to fight through a science project that holds no interest for him/her really isn't the best way to foster a lasting interest in the sciences. A quick walk …   more ›

School Board Candidate Drops Out of Race

David Gess says with changes in his career, he wouldn't be able to devote the time and effort needed to fulfill his duties on the board.

Though the ballot won’t read so, the race for the lone open seat on the Shorewood School Board is down to one candidate David Gess, 2012 E. Menlo Blvd., one of two people who filed papers to run for the seat, told Patch this week he won’t actively campaign because of changes in his career. “The company I work for was recently purchased, and I don’t believe I can devote the kind of time and energy needed to fulfill the duties on the School Board,” Gess said. Gess has never run for the board in the past. That means David Cobb, 4516 N. Newhall St., will essentially run unopposed in the April 3 election. School Board President Paul Zovic, who currently holds the seat, filed non-candidacy papers in December.  Board members serve three-year …

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