Wisconsin School News - November 2015 by WASB

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T H A N K YO U S P O N S O R S ! DIAMOND P L AT I N U M November 2015 | Volume 70 Number 5 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E W I S C O N S I N A S S O C I AT I O N O F S C H O O L B O A R D S, I N C.

John H. Ashley Executive Editor

Sheri Krause Director of Communications

Shelby Anderson

G O L D

Editor n REGIONAL OFFICES n 122 W. Washington Avenue Madison, WI 53703 Phone: 608-257-2622 Fax: 608-257-8386 132 W. Main Street Winneconne, WI 54986 Phone: 920-582-4443 Fax: 920-582-9951 n ADVERTISING n 608-556-9009 • tmccarthy@wasb.org

S I LV E R

n WASB OFFICERS n

John H. Ashley Executive Director

Wanda Owens Barneveld, Region 9 President

GENERAL SPONSORS

Stu Olson

Shell Lake, Region 1 1st Vice President

Capt. Terry McCloskey, USN Retired Three Lakes, Region 2 2nd Vice President

Mike Blecha Green Bay, Region 3 Immediate Past President

THE STATE EDUCATION CONVENTION GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THESE SPONSORS AND APPLAUDS THEIR COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION EXHIBITED BY THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT.

S P EC IAL

T U E S D AY

W E D N E S D AY

n WASB BOARD OF DIRECTORS n Bill Yingst, Sr. Durand, Region 4

Brett Hyde Muskego-Norway, Region 11

Rick Eloranta Owen-Withee, Region 5

Nancy Thompson Waterloo, Region 12

Mary Jo Rozmenoski Black River Falls, Region 6

Patrick Sherman Genoa City J2/Lake Geneva, Region 13

Elizabeth Hayes Fond du Lac, Region 7 Steve Klessig Brillion, Region 8 Alice Marquardt Rio, Region 10

Terrence Falk Milwaukee, Region 14

C O N VEN T IO N

January 19, 2016

January 20, 2016

T H U R S DAY

F R I D AY

January 21, 2016

January 22, 2016

Ron Frea Pewaukee, Region 15

Wisconsin School News (USPS 688-560) is published 10 issues per year by the Wisconsin Association of School Boards Inc., 122 W. Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53703. Contents © 2015 Wisconsin Association of School Boards Inc. Subscriptions are available to nonmembers for $40 per year. Periodicals postage is paid at Madison, Wis. The views expressed in Wisconsin School News are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent WASB policies or positions. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Wisconsin School News, 122 W. Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53703.

D E P A R T M E N T S

PR EVIEW

STUDENT SHOWCASE

EXHIBIT HALL

SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE

REGISTRATION FORM

EXHIBITORS

C O L U M N S

3 Viewpoint — Educating Hearts and Minds 4 Convention Announcements & What’s New 29 Legal Comment — Unemployment Benefits Under the New “Misconduct” and “Substantial Fault” Standards 32 Legislative Update

ISS UE

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VIEWPOINT

Jo h n H . A s h l e y

THE 2016 STATE EDUCATION CONVENTION:

Educating Hearts and Minds

n today’s school climate, we recognize the need to support our students not only academically but also emotionally. School programs, such as early education, PBIS and character education, focus on building our students’ ability to work with others and be positive school-citizens. Recognizing this important work, I’m proud to say that the theme of the 95th State Education Convention is “Educating Hearts and Minds.” WASB President Wanda Owens of Barneveld has made this message a focus of her tenure as president this year and we are excited to make it the theme of the upcoming convention. The Wisconsin State Education Convention, taking place Jan. 20-22 in Milwaukee, will bring together thousands of school leaders from across the state for three days of learning, collaborating, and sharing about important and timely issues and ideas related to public education in Wisconsin. This special issue of Wisconsin School News provides a preview of the many break-out sessions, keynote speakers, special events, and opportunities that will be a part of the upcoming convention. As in previous years, we will have dozens of break-out sessions featuring the great work going on in our school districts. Presented by public school leaders, industry experts, and knowledgeable education advocates, the break-out sessions will cover a wide range of important topics such as: community engagement, school law, employee benefits, school finance, student achievement, board governance, school partnerships, and much more.

We are also excited to feature a line-up of inspiring, thoughtprovoking and innovative keynote speakers, including Dr. Luis Cruz, Dr. John Medina, and Chris Lehmann. Dr. Cruz, a former principal in Los Angeles, has been nationally recognized for his work in building school cultures that support all students, including English language learners. His focus on improving school culture and the social emotional education of students has earned him state and national awards. Cruz will deliver an inspiring message of inclusion and illustrate how advocating for minority student groups benefits everyone. Dr. John Medina, author of the best-selling book Brain Rules, will provide fascinating insights into the latest research on how the brain works and how that research can be used to inform and improve the education of our students. Wellknown for his sense of humor and captivating stories from his years of research as a molecular biologist, Medina will provide concrete ideas about how to incorporate new ideas about learning into our schools. The final keynote speaker — Chris Lehmann — is the founding principal of the Science Leadership Academy, an inquiry-driven, project based, 1:1 laptop high school in Philadelphia. In his new book, Building School 2.0: How to Create the Schools We Need, Lehmann discusses how education and our schools’ physical spaces should change to meet the evolving nature of education brought on by new technologies. His keynote address will provide insight into how schools

can incorporate technology into real-world learning. With the large number of break-out sessions and the highquality keynote speakers that we have scheduled, I know there will be valuable sessions and excellent enrichment opportunities for everyone who attends the convention. The convention also offers a unique opportunity for school leaders to meet colleagues from around the state. I encourage you to make an effort to talk with other school board members. Connecting with school leaders gives you an opportunity to share ideas or possible solutions to some of the complex challenges you may be facing. If you haven’t already, visit wasb.org/convention for updates, more information, and tools like the itinerary planner, which can help you carefully schedule your time and maximize your convention experience. In addition, the popular convention mobile app will be available later this year. Watch the convention website and for communications from the WASB for a link. Each year, the State Education Convention gives us an opportunity to meet and share ideas about some of the most important issues facing public education in Wisconsin. I hope you are able to join us and attend this special event with your colleagues from across the state. Mark your calendars for Jan. 20-22 in Milwaukee. I will see you there! n

If you haven’t already, visit wasb.org /convention for updates.

November 2015

2016 HIGHLIGHTS S T A T E

E D U C A T I O N

C O N V E N T I O N

2 016

Educating Hearts and Minds For our students to be successful in the classroom, they must also learn to be good classmates, friends and school citizens. The 95th State Education Convention highlights the many important roles school leaders play in developing and supporting schools focused not only on academics but also on character. In this special edition of Wisconsin School News, read about the inspiring sessions, speakers, and events of the 95th State Education Convention, Jan. 20-22 in Milwaukee. CONVENTION

A NNOU NC E ME NT S

 NEW! Sustainable Schools Pavilion New this year! The Sustainable School Pavilion, located in the Exhibit Hall, will feature a wide array of information and hands-on activities aimed at promoting energy savings and health and wellness in our schools.  Coming Soon: Convention App The 2016 State Education Convention App will be available soon. The mobile app — available for Android and Apple phones and tablets — will include a complete convention schedule, maps, session descriptions, and more.  Mobility Solutions Electric scooters are available for rental from On the Go Mobility, a local Milwaukee company — 414-228-7100 or onthegomobility.com.  Registration When arriving at the Wisconsin Center, proceed to the third floor for convention registration (sponsored by BoardDocs).

 Convention Website Please note that the Convention website at wasb.org/convention will include additional information about the convention, more detailed session descriptions along with session times and room numbers. Make sure to check the site for updates and announcements.  Convention Location Important Notice: All break-out sessions and general sessions will be held in the Wisconsin Center, including on Friday, Jan. 22. Additional events are held in the adjacent Hilton and Hyatt hotels.

C O N V E N T I O N

H O T E L S

The following hotels located near the Wisconsin Center are offering special convention rates to attendees and exhibitors. For more information, including online registration, visit wasb.org/convention. Select “Attendee Services” and then “Hotel Accommodations.” Ambassador Hotel (hotel shuttle provided)

Fairfield Inn & Suites Milwaukee Downtown*

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

414-345-5000, ambassadormilwaukee.com

414-224-8400, fairfield.marriott.com

888-421-1442, milwaukee.hyatt.com

Courtyard Marriott Milwaukee Downtown*

Hampton Inn and Suites*

InterContinental Milwaukee*

800-321-2211, marriott.com

800-426-7866, hamptonmilwaukee.com

414-276-8686, Intercontinentalmilwaukee.com

Doubletree by Hilton Milwaukee Downtown*

Hilton Milwaukee City Center

Ramada City Centre*

414-273-2950, doubletree.hilton.com

414-271-7250, hilton.com

414-272-8410, ramadacitycentre.com

* Complimentary shuttle service provided by Lamers Bus Lines will run between the Wisconsin Center and these convention hotels on Wednesday, Jan. 20 and Thursday, Jan. 21. Visit the Convention website (wasb.org/convention) for details about reservation blocks — including pricing requirements, reference codes, and direct links.

Wisconsin School News

TUESDAY J A N U A R Y

1 9 , 2 0 1 6

Tuesday Pre-Convention Workshops 2 – 5 pm | Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, Pre-registration required

The Power and Promise of Modeling Transformational Leadership

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Service as a school board member is unique and critical to the success of school districts. Roles and responsibilities provide a road map as to the “what” of the position. It is however, the “how” that can offer Dr. Cile Chavez the power and promise of modeling transformational leadership. What does that look like both personally and professionally? This workshop is intended to offer attributes leaders can model that will make all the difference not only in their individual lives but the lives of all those for whom they lead. Dr. Cile Chavez is author of the book “Spirit Movers: Attributes for Transforming Leadership” and has served as superintendent and deputy superintendent of Littleton Public Schools and assistant dean of the College of Education, University of Northern Colorado.

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School Finance Puzzle

Presenters and attendees will use a hands-on, interactive approach to take the confusion out of school finance. Gain a conceptual understanding of the major components of the Wisconsin school finance system. Participants will have an interactive discussion that provides background on constitutional issues, court cases and today’s laws. Attendees will become acquainted with the basics of revenue limits, equalization aid, property taxes and referendums — how these components interrelate and how they impact board decisionmaking. Leave the workshop with increased confidence in discussing school finance concepts and using this knowledge to help foster an environment of trust in your community for the benefit of the students. Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials

Promoting Excellence for All Throughout the Organization — The intersection of board governance and school district leadership

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In this interactive workshop, Dr. Demond Means, superintendent of the Mequon-Thiensville School District, will explore how school board members and district-level administrators can effectively Dr. Demond Means leverage governance tools such as policy and budget development to ensure that all students have access to a high-quality educational experience. Workshop participants will have an opportunity to develop outlines of an action plan that can be taken back to their respective school districts. The workshop will also address how to engage external stakeholders in the work of addressing all achievement gaps in school districts. The workshop is sure to inspire and motivate participants to enact a deliberate plan to address the academic, social and emotional needs of children trapped in the unforgiving achievement gap that persists in all schools across Wisconsin. Dr. Demond Means, Superintendent, Mequon-Thiensville School District

Legal & Policy Considerations for a School District’s Extracurricular Athletics and Activities

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In this session, WASB attorneys will cover many aspects of a school district’s extracurricular athletics and activities from an employment law perspective (e.g., hiring, evaluation and termination, pay practices including FLSA compliance, background checks), a student perspective (e.g., athletic/activities code, participation of home-school students, Title IX compliance), and a board governance/community perspective (e.g., use of school board members as volunteer coaches, interaction with booster clubs). Robert Butler, Associate Executive Director and Staff Counsel, WASB; Ben Richter, Staff Counsel, WASB

| Pre-Delegate Assembly Discussion Tuesday, Jan. 19, 7-8 pm — Hilton Milwaukee City Center This discussion session gives delegates an opportunity to seek any needed clarifications of the resolutions forwarded to the Delegate Assembly by the WASB Policy and Resolutions Committee. This will be an informational session only. Members are encouraged to ask questions, but no action will be taken and no debate will be allowed. This session also serves as the opportunity for delegates to propose emergency resolutions to the Policy and Resolutions Committee. Parliamentary procedure for delegate assemblies will be reviewed.

November 2015

W E D N E S DAY J A N U A R Y

2 0 , 2 0 1 6

Wednesday General Session 10 am – Noon | Wisconsin Center

| Luis

Cruz keynote speaker

Luis Cruz, a former principal of Baldwin High School in Los Angeles, has been nationally recognized for his work in building positive school cultures in which all students, including English as a second language (ESL) learners, can succeed. As an advocate for Latino students, Cruz significantly reduced the achievement gap at Baldwin High School between the general student population and ESL students by engaging teachers, students, parents, and school leaders. Cruz writes, “This multifaceted approach is found in the areas of

leadership, instruction, parent involvement, and a keen understanding of the role social emotional learning in the form of effective relationships between students and adults looks like throughout the organization.” His focus on improving school culture and social emotional education of minority students has earned him many state and national awards. Cruz has won the New Teacher of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Administrator of the Year, and other community leadership awards.

His focus on improving school culture and social emotional education of minority students has earned him many state and national awards.    GENERAL SESSION HIGHLIGHTS  Presiding: Deb Kerr, WASDA President, Brown Deer School District

F E A T U R E D

S E S S I O N

| Effective Leadership and its Relationship

with Building a Healthy School Culture Focused on Learning

Deb Kerr

Tony Evers

The 95th State Education Convention will open with a energetic performance by the Edgar High School Jazz Ensemble. State Superintendent Tony Evers will share his vision for public education in Wisconsin. Presentations will include: Superintendent of the Year, Business Official of the Year, Teachers of the Year, Principals of the Year, and the Wisconsin Student Art Award. Keynote Speaker Dr. Luis Cruz will wrap up the general session with a passionate keynote address focused on improving school culture for the benefit of all students.

Wisconsin School News

What does effective leadership look like in schools? How does a leadership team build the kind of school culture ensuring policies, practices and procedures are aligned with the expectations of high levels of learning for all students? Join Dr. Luis Cruz, a renowned expert in the field of school leadership, as he introduces the practical steps associated with creating a school culture focused on learning for all students. Walk away from this break-out session understanding that effective school leadership is a collective endeavor that must embrace teacher and staff voices. Dr. Luis Cruz, author, former educator and administrator

NETWORKING RECEPTION Wed., Jan. 20, 4:30-5:30 pm — Hilton Milwaukee City Center Relax with your colleagues and enjoy beverages and snacks courtesy of BoardDocs, Forecast5 Analytics, and Security Health Plan. All attendees and exhibitors welcome.

Please note: Sessions may be updated or added. For the complete, up-to-date schedule (including times and room numbers), view the convention website at wasb.org/convention.

W E D N E S D A Y Break-out Sessions Equity in Education: One District’s Journey

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Hear about one district’s efforts to raise the bar, close its achievement gap, and graduate all students. Learn where this district is in this process and where it hopes to go. The purpose of this session is to provide hope, suggest the principles that have guided this district’s work, and offer lessons learned that will enrich the work of other school districts and communities. Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District

Local Food Initiatives: Build Student Engagement & Community Capital

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A panel of national and state experts representing schools, businesses, agriculture, government and wellness will share successful strategies to take the three C’s of local Farm to School programs — cafeteria, classroom and community — to the next level. Learn how to meet regulatory requirements, and amplify the impact of existing district goals, including local business partnerships, wellness initiatives, and student readiness. Learn how to leverage rural assets and tap into free national and regional resources. CESA #2 

Key Work of School Boards

The Key Work of School Boards provides a reliable guide and proven strategies to improve board governance effectiveness and to positively impact student learning. The five updated areas of the framework will be introduced and explained to gain a better understanding of this research-supported content. Resources for school board members will also be identified to support and aid in the improvement of board member effectiveness. WASB

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Equalization Aid

One of two major pieces of school funding in Wisconsin, state equalization aid is calculated based on a district’s spending, property tax base, and number of students. The Department of Public Instruction Finance Team will discuss the variables and factors influencing each district’s share of equalization aid and what your district can expect in the future based on current law. Department of Public Instruction

Cash Reserve (Fund Balance) and Long-Term Fiscal Health

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afraid of the negative aspects. The district partnered with #SocialSchool4EDU to get started and now has a social media system the district manages internally. They have the confidence to tell their story to thousands through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Marketing on the Move, LLC

Managing Multiple Construction Projects

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After a thorough master planning process, the Sauk Prairie School District successfully passed a referendum in April 2014 to fund multiple building projects. Hear how school leaders, architects and project managers worked collaboratively to

Learn about the importance of fund balance and why sustaining a strong fund balance is crucial to the fiscal health of a school C O M P L I M E N T A R Y district. This session will cover proportionality, the Morning REFRESHMENTS effect of cash reserve on cash flow, and related board A light complimentary breakfast will be available policy. Get a better underto all convention attendees in the Exhibit Hall standing of how the overall from 9-10 am on Wednesday, Jan. 20. budget works and gain Sponsored by Nexus Solutions. confidence when discussing these concepts with local citizens and state legislators. ensure all goals and expectations were met and succeeded while keeping each CESA #1 project on schedule and within budget. 

Key to 93% More Informed Community? Social Media!

Plunkett Raysich Architects

School leaders and staff in the Frederic School District knew they had a great story to tell, but were challenged with getting the word out in a timely fashion. They wanted to start using social media but struggled with privacy concerns and were

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| Invitation

Community Incubator 101

The School District of Florence County and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College are providing both educational and entrepreneurial opportunities via the utilization of a former school facility. The Woodland

to Administrative Assistants

School district administrative assistants are invited to attend the State Education Convention with complimentary registration. Administrative assistants can attend any of the breakout sessions at Convention as well as the General Sessions and the Exhibit Hall. Eligible individuals must be designated as administrative assistants in the WASB board database.

November 2015

W E D N E S D AY | J A N 2 0 Regional Learning Center encompasses a state-certified kitchen, community store, café, county meal site, and conference area and provides numerous recreational opportunities. Area students and adults receive post-secondary training via course options and career pathways leading to certifications and degrees in various career paths that are in demand by regional industry. Florence School District

ed programs and underused spaces into exciting, hands-on learning environments that integrate and align K-12 initiatives with workforce needs. Learn how they expanded and renovated STEM/STEAM facilities to enhance student learning opportunities in areas like robotics, agriculture, aquaponics, biomedical science, engineering, metals and woods. J.H. Findorff & Son

Board-Superintendent Relations and Community Connections

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Screening for Cultural Competence Using a Socratic Article

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Cultural competence is the process by which individuals, agencies, and systems integrate and transform awareness of assumptions, values, biases, and knowledge about themselves and others to respond respectfully and effectively across diverse cultures, languages, socioeconomic statuses, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities. It recognizes, affirms, fosters, and values the strength of individuals, families, and communities and protects and preserves the worth and dignity of each. TeacherMatch

How to Effectively Revamp your STEM/STEAM Programs

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Hear how two leading school districts reinvigorated their dated tech

| 2016

The relationship between the superintendent and school board is a key component to effective school district leadership. This session will conduct a careful examination of the board-superintendent relationship, roles and expectations, as well as the process for decision-making and evaluation. An introduction to the superintendent evaluation and board member self-assessment will connect expectations with actions. WASB 

SAA Legislative Update

There is always something going on in the State Capitol that directly impacts school board members and administrators. Learn how the SAA’s rationale for change and several components of its new proactive approach to advocacy are working. Time will be

WASB Delegate Assembly

Convention / Delegate O R I E N TAT I O N

Are you new to the convention or serving as a first-time delegate at the WASB Delegate Assembly? Attend a special session on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 8 am in Ballroom AB of the Wisconsin Center to learn everything you need to know to get the most out of your convention experience.

provided for questions and answers and informal information sharing. School Administrators Alliance

Utilizing Health Clinics to Manage and Reduce Health Care Costs

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Across the state, public employers are leveraging local or on-site clinic models. In some cases, districts are even partnering with their local governments to launch a clinic that each entity’s employees can utilize. Learn how one school district partnered with the city and county to launch an employee clinic to better manage health care costs. Associated Financial Group

| Wednesday, January 20, 1:30 pm — Wisconsin Center

This is your school board’s opportunity to vote on the policies that will guide the association’s legislative agenda. Make sure your school board’s voice is heard at the WASB Delegate Assembly. Delegates will meet in Ballroom AB of the Wisconsin Center at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, Jan. 20. Before heading to the convention, each school board should be certain that its delegate and alternate understands the board’s position on the resolutions and is prepared to vote accordingly. Decisions reached by the Delegate Assembly will help set the statewide agenda for education in the coming years. A pre-Delegate Assembly Discussion will be held at 7 pm on Tuesday, Jan. 19 in the Crystal Ballroom at the Hilton

Wisconsin School News

Milwaukee City Center Hotel. New delegates are invited to a Convention/Delegate Assembly orientation meeting in Ballroom AB at 8 am on Wednesday, Jan. 20. Delegate Assembly refreshments sponsored by Meemic Insurance Company. Please note: Delegates must pick up their credentials directly outside the Delegate Assembly hall during designated hours. Credentials are not included in the convention registration materials to ensure that each board has one vote.

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Revenue Limits

The school revenue limit is the major base for school funding in Wisconsin. The revenue limit sets the total dollars that can be raised through state equalization aid and local property taxes and is based directly on the number of residents attending a public school from within a school district’s boundaries. Learn how the revenue limit is calculated and what variables are included in the calculation beyond student membership. This session will cover every level of experience. Department of Public Instruction

Community Collaboration in School Safety

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Representatives from the Whitewater Unified School District and their local law enforcement agencies will share how a collaborative process resulted in significant

changes to school policy and procedures for responses to active threats in a school. This session will review the process used to identify a variety of measures to ensure school safety. The collaboratively developed safety measures and response system empower staff and students to make educated, split-second decisions to ensure student and staff safety. Whitewater Unified School District

Leveraging Existing Benefits to Attract and Retain Staff

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Learn how to repackage your current benefits to generate staff interest. Hear how districts are using 403(b) vesting and matching contributions to enhance benefits and retain staff. Find out why the 403(b) gets snubbed by millennials and what you can offer that fits their needs. Learn about the impact financial education can have on staff health, as well as increased

appreciation of and participation in employee benefits. WEA Member Benefits

Pushing the Start Button on IT Talent Development

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The workforce demand for information technology (IT) professionals is one of the highest talent needs within the state. Learn how an 18-county region is tackling this challenge by developing IT talent locally in collaboration with industry partners, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, higher education and K-12 schools. CESA #6

Getting Beyond Just Getting Better

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Continuous improvement is important, but often it is inadequate.

November 2015

W E D N E S D AY | J A N 2 0 We must be sure we are working on the right things — things that have the potential to make a real difference for learning and achievement. Learn about practical strategies for breakthrough thinking and transformative approaches. The emergence of personalized learning will be used to explain and demonstrate the process of engaging in and leading transformative innovation. CESA #1

Common Practices of High-Growth Schools in Wisconsin

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How do schools reach the highest levels of student growth? Several schools with high value-added results were surveyed to determine how and why they earned high growth in reading or math. The presentation will include a discussion of the results of the survey and sharing of common practices of high-growth schools such as curriculum, interventions, classroom designs, teacher professional development and school climate. CESA #2

How Lighting Affects Student Performance in the Classroom

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Schools are upgrading lighting on a regular basis with the primary goal of achieving greater energy efficiencies. However, schools have been missing an opportunity to improve the learning environment. Recent studies have found we can improve visual acuity, reading speed and comprehension, alertness, mood, and behavior through lighting. This session will make recommendations on how we should be lighting the classroom for student and staff wellbeing and energy efficiency. Energy Performance Lighting 

School District Budget Cycle

The school district budget’s primary purpose is to translate the district’s strategic initiatives into programs and services that support student learning. Referencing the WASB/ WASBO Budget Cycle Handbook,

Wisconsin School News

this presentation will discuss revenue sources and limits, budget planning and development, reconciliation and approval, budget management and reporting. WASB / WASBO

Community Engagement Key to Referendum Success

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Voters are more likely to support a plan they understand and had a voice in creating. In this presentation, you will learn how to design and use a community-wide survey to both educate stakeholders on the needs of the district and gather data to finalize the solution. You will hear firsthand how the community engagement process has helped one school district successfully pass both capital and operating referenda. School Perceptions

Using WISEdash for DataInformed Decision Making

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How can you use data more WISEly to inform decisions? Get an overview and demonstration of the online WISEdash tool. Learn how WISExplore is working to improve student outcomes through designing, developing, and disseminating digital data inquiry processes to drive school improvement in the four critical context areas of literacy, numeracy, student engagement and college/career readiness. CESA Statewide Network

A Team Approach to Modernizing Your Science Facilities

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As science curriculum becomes more rigorous to better prepare students for future careers, districts may not have the available space or modern labs conducive to the new instructional demands. Learn about the challenges and opportunities faced by the Rice Lake Area School District, which used a collaborative process and the viewpoints of multiple stakeholders to modernize its science facilities. Rice Lake Area School District

STEP: Senior Tax Exchange Program

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Learn about an innovative program that offers retired Brown Deer property owners a tax credit and utilizes their special skills and talents to support and work with the school district’s students and staff. Learn how to get started, how to provide support to teachers, and how our annual celebration recognizes the service of these invaluable members of our school community. Brown Deer School District

Access to Public Records & Personnel Files

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This session will cover the basics of Wisconsin’s public records law with a special emphasis on responding to requests for information contained in employee personnel files, including records that are being maintained in response to an investigation into alleged employee misconduct. Questions from attendees are welcome, and time permitting, this session will also briefly cover the basics of Wisconsin’s Records Retention law. WASB 

Baited Hooks and Trapdoors

Hear about current issues, trends, legislation and regulation related to ’Special Services.’ Topics will include Results Driven Accountability, mental and behavioral health issues for public schools, Wisconsin’s involvement in changing federal regulations, changes to open enrollment requirements and the impact on districts. Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Special Services

ACA Compliance Updates 2016: Are All Your Ducks in a Row?

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Learn about current topics in health care reform as it impacts the employee benefit plans you have today and those you are considering in the future. What compliance issues should be on your radar? How do you determine who you

offer health insurance to and the amount you can charge the employee for their coverage and still stay in compliance with the Pay or Play rules? Are you ready for the new employer reporting? We will provide answers to these questions and more! Employee Benefits Corporation

Breaking the Higher Education Perception

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With the growing demand for skilled labor, JP Cullen and over 20 school districts throughout Wisconsin, have been working to combat the perception that the trades aren’t a noble profession offering competitive salaries and professional growth. A strategic plan will be presented that is designed to bridge the communication gap with internal and external audiences. JP Cullen

Bending the Health Care Cost Trend Line and Improving Health

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Hear about a new partnership between the Stevens Point Area Public School District and Security Health Plan that reduced health care costs. Find out what they did and how they did it. Security Health Plan

A Primer to Teacher Compensation Models

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Learn about different types of education compensation models and system components. The session will focus on providing a framework for districts to consider when developing new compensation structures based on their financial, cultural and strategic priorities. Presenters will provide a wide range of examples of models currently in place in Wisconsin school districts. South Milwaukee School District

Survey Tools to Improve DataDriven Decision-Making: Taking Your Schools from Good to Great

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Learn about three survey tools designed to help educational leaders

make data-driven decisions to identify efficiencies, improve systems and ultimately, increase student achievement. These tools include: the Staff Engagement Survey, the Administrative Planning Tool, and the Annual Board Development Tool. Learn how these surveys can help identify your district’s strengths and weaknesses and take your schools from good to great. School Perceptions 

The Opportunity of Conflict

Conflict occurs naturally and can present an opportunity for growth, understanding, and change. When ignored or mismanaged, conflict can be a destructive force that wastes time, energy and money while damaging the kind of working relationships necessary for getting things done. Learn tips and tools to help you become more comfortable with conflict, manage conflict constructively and work together with board members, administrators, teachers, parents, students and the public for win-win resolutions. WASB

Scorecards: Adding Value to Administrator Evaluation

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Wonder how results can be the focus of performance reviews and evaluation cycles? The School District of Menomonee Falls is in its second year of using division and building scorecards to determine overall performance of administrators. Learn about the development of the

scorecards, metrics used to target performance and progress, and a collaborative approach to reviewing various division/building scorecards. Menomonee Falls School District

Communication Plans: Not Just for Referendums Any More

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Reaching out year-round to parent groups, staff and community has become an important part of school districts across the country. From social media, public relations, website management, community surveys, graphic design and branding, keeping stakeholders informed and engaged is essential to their support of the school district. When it comes to getting your message out, we understand that quantity does not equal quality. LHB, Inc.

Utilizing Coordinated School Health Policy Strategies to Promote Academic Achievement

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Evidence shows that the health of students is linked to their academic achievement. By working together, we can help ensure that young people are healthy and ready to learn. Presenters will share examples of how Wisconsin schools have successfully implemented comprehensive, coordinated wellness strategies and will open up a discussion about what is working and related challenges. WASB

November 2015

T H U R S DAY J A N U A R Y

2 1 , 2 0 1 6

Thursday General Session 3 – 5 pm | Wisconsin Center

| John

Medina keynote speaker Dr. John Medina has had a lifelong fascination with how the mind reacts to and organizes information. As a developmental molecular biologist, Medina has focused on the genes involved in human brain development and the genetics of psychiatric disorders. In his best-selling book Brain Rules, Medina explores how the brain sciences might influence the way we teach our children. Using his infectious sense of humor and fascinating stories from years of research, Medina will present facts about how the human mind works and how we can use this

information to inform the education of our students. Medina was the founding director of the Talaris Research Institute, a Seattlebased research center originally focused on how infants encode and process information at the cognitive, cellular, and molecular levels. Medina has been a consultant to the Education Commission of the States and a regular speaker on the relationship between neurology and education. A prolific author, Medina’s books include: Brain Rules, Brain Rules for Baby, The Genetic Inferno, and The Clock of Ages.

Medina explores how the brain sciences might influence the way we teach our children.    GENERAL SESSION HIGHLIGHTS  Presiding: Wanda Owens, WASB President, Barneveld School District

Wanda Owens

The Rice Lake High School Wind Ensemble will kick off the second general session of the 95th State Education Convention. Wisconsin school board members who have served 20, 30, or 40 years will be recognized during a special ceremony. WASB President Wanda Owens will reflect on her year as WASB president before handing the gavel onto the next WASB president. John Medina, best-selling author of Brain Rules, will deliver a fascinating keynote address on what we know about the brain and how we can use this information to improve education.

Wisconsin School News

F E A T U R E D

W O R K S H O P

| Tour of Wisconsin’s House of School Finance Understanding Wisconsin’s complex system of school finance is truly a challenge. Using the analogy of a house, this session will help board members develop a basic understanding of state general equalization and categorical aids, the financing of various student learning options, the David Carlson Peter Ross revenue limit, and the school levy tax credits. Additionally, the discussion of each component will include an exploration of the issues and concerns that have been raised by school district board members and staff over the years. David Carlson, WASB consultant, former school district administrator, retired director of the School Financial Services Team at the Department of Public Instruction; Peter Ross, district administrator, Seymour Community School District.

F E A T U R E D

S E S S I O N

| REJECT — Documentary Film and School Discussion Guide New science is revealing that people can experience devastating physical pain from social rejection, and that it can be a precursor to school and community violence or suicide. By understanding the real impact of rejection, we illuminate a deeper truth about our critical human need for acceptance. Join us for a special viewing of a new documentary film, REJECT, that includes findings of social and biological scientists, lessons from classrooms and first-hand accounts of families and educators. The viewing will be followed by a discussion with Dr. Kipling Williams, professor of Psychological Sciences at Purdue University, who has spent more than 20 years researching ostracism. Performance Services

Please note: Sessions may be updated or added. For the complete, up-to-date schedule (including times and room numbers), view the convention website at wasb.org/convention.

T H U R S D A Y Break-out Sessions Mobilizing Alumni for Community Engagement & Support

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Learn how two school districts established their alumni base and how your district can develop sustainable connections with graduates and engage your community. These connections provide long-term advocacy, engagement, talent and funding opportunities. Howard-Suamico School District 

Roadmap to Referenda Success

Randolph School District leaders and a referendum communications consultant will present a case study on how their district developed a roadmap to pass a referendum in their small, rural community even in the face of a major taxpayer impact. JP Cullen

How a Strategic Plan Process Supports the Work of School Boards

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The new Key Work of School Boards has five components that support student achievement. Learn the elements of a comprehensive strategic planning process that supports all five elements critical to student success as identified in the Key Work of School Boards. Learn how the Pewaukee School District has used the strategic planning process as the foundation for its commitment to continuous improvement and has seen improved student achievement results with this alignment. Pewaukee School District

Funds 41 & 46: Manage Your Budget and State Equalization Aid

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School districts have few options to address long-term capital projects beyond simply borrowing the money. One of the options, Fund 41 (Capital Expansion Fund) has been available for several years; and another, Fund 46 (Long Term Capital Improvement Trust Fund) was recently created. Each of these tools has its own requirements, processes and impacts on a district’s budget and state equalization aid. Learn about the important

factors a district should consider when weighing its options to implement long-term capital projects. Department of Public Instruction 

Why Character Education?

In this age of continuous improvement, find out how one district created a school-community partnership around common goals to improve student achievement and create safe and respectful schools. Learn about the short- and long-term benefits of character education and how it supports rigor and high expectations. South Milwaukee School District

Grading for Learning: Communicating Student Achievement

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Learn how the School District of Poynette utilizes its Grading for Learning (standards-based grading) initiative to change how teachers M E A L

teach, students learn and progress is communicated with parents. Presenters will share the district’s data-driven journey as it moves to a research-based, best practice methodology of instruction and grading. Poynette School District

A Perfect Storm — A Case Study of Wisconsin’s Rural Schools

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Since the economic recession of the mid-2000s, poverty increased more significantly in rural counties than metropolitan counties. More recently, legislation is affecting rural districts disproportionately from urban and suburban districts due to decreasing enrollment, rising costs, and teacher retention. Learn how these issues are affecting rural school districts now and their potential future impact. University of Wisconsin-Madison Applied Population Laboratory

N E T W O R K I N G

P R O G R A M S

| WASB Breakfast Program Thursday, Jan. 21, 7-8:30am | Pre-registration required, $36 Crystal Ballroom, Hilton Milwaukee City Center The Faces of Change: A Clarion Call for Policymakers Dr. Janie Hatton Begin the day with a passionate and enthusiastic discussion about the shifting demographics and the role public school policy makers play in sustaining the integrity of democracy. Dr. Janie Hatton, a renowned Milwaukee Public Schools principal and the first National Principal of the Year, will inspire you and challenge you as a public school policy maker. Using real-life vignettes, emerging trends, and her own animated and heartfelt drive, Dr. Hatton will put forth a theory of action for policy makers to shift from “what was” to today’s contemporary needs across rural, suburban and urban schools. Dr. Janie Hatton retired from Milwaukee Public Schools in 2005 after a long and distinguished career serving as Deputy Superintendent for Leadership and Operations, principal at several high schools, a French teacher and guidance counselor. During her career, she earned numerous awards for leadership and distinguished service for her work on behalf of Milwaukee Public Schools and the Milwaukee community. Dr. Hatton was recognized as the first National Principal of the Year in 1993 by President Clinton. She currently provides coaching and consulting services.

| WASDA Luncheon Thursday, Jan. 21, Noon – 1:15 pm Pre-registration required, $38 Hosted by the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators, featuring the 2016 Superintendent of the Year. This is a ticketed event and requires pre-registration.

| WASBO Luncheon Thursday, Jan. 21, Noon – 1:15 pm Pre-registration required, $38 Join the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials at its annual luncheon. Hear from the 2016 Wisconsin School Business Official of the Year. This is a ticketed event and requires pre-registration.

November 2015

T H U R S D AY | J A N 2 1

2016 Spouse

EXCURSION Teaching Teachers and Students Through The Design Process

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Introducing elementary students to the design process provides an essential skill set that transcends all disciplines. With the introduction of the Next Generation Science Standards, comes the evolution of moving engineering from an abstract, foreign, and untouchable subject to the scaffold upon which problem solving, creativity, collaboration, presentation skills, and argument is hung. Elkhorn Area School District

Leadership Transition/ Superintendent Search

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The school board is responsible to the community to ensure a smooth leadership transition during the selection and orientation of a new superintendent of schools. Learn how a search firm should assist school board members in wading through the technical and legal aspects of a quality search, which will include steps necessary for an effective school district leadership transition for the community. WASB

Important Benefit Trends — What Your District Needs to Know for 2016

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This presentation will focus on a district approach to private exchange concepts and defined contributions as well as trends in human resources, including virtual office visits, telephone and video conferencing with doctors, ACA reporting and human resources information systems. The presenters will use the current multiple carriers and multiple plan designs offered employees at Madison Metropolitan School District as a practical model of a current multiplan, employee-choice “Exchange” to provide opportunity for discussing the administration of this approach. M3 Insurance

Transforming the Teaching Profession by Changing the System

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Learn how one school district used

Wisconsin School News

a business model as a structure for creating transformational change in the areas of: embedded professional development; congruent and integrated teaching; expanded intervention services; and empowered professional learning communities. Belleville School District

Freedom Within Fences — Leading for High Student Achievement

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The Howard-Suamico School District is one of the lowest spending, yet highest achieving districts in Wisconsin. The district continually scores well above the state average on standardized tests and 90 percent of graduates move on to higher education. Learn how through clear, proactive delegation of expectations and authority as well as a unique monitoring process, you can lead your district to success and ensure the most important outcome of board leadership — student achievement. Howard-Suamico School District

Evolution of Innovation in Elementary School Design

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Join the education-design team from Lake Mills School District and Eppstein Uhen Architects as they share first-year experiences and outcomes of building an innovative new elementary school. Presenters will provide illustrations and examples of designs that promote learning in and outside of the classroom and opened opportunities for students and teachers not previously possible. Lake Mills’ administrators will also share first-year experiences, goals and metrics for evaluation. Eppstein Uhen Architects

Employment and School Law Update

Milwaukee Art Museum Thursday, Jan 21 Take a tour of the impressive Milwaukee Art Museum in the morning and enjoy lunch. With more than 40 galleries of art from antiquity to the present rotated regularly, the Museum’s far-reaching collection includes some of the best in the nation on American decorative arts, German Expressionism, folk and American art after 1960. Use the Convention Registration to sign up.

will cover the latest developments in employment and school law, providing up-to-date guidance on the rules governing handbook and board policy development. WASB

How 21st Century Learning is Impacting Your Schools

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What should you incorporate in to your facilities today to make them ready for tomorrow? Learn about the impact of technology, data and telecommunications, security, evidence-based design, classroom space, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, and the many other topics that ultimately affect 21st century learning spaces. Somerville Architects/Engineers

Board Governance: Ask the Experts Roundtable Discussions

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This special session gives you the opportunity to engage in small, roundtable discussions about the school governance issues of your choice with experienced board members and WASB experts.

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WASB

New laws, administrative rulemaking and court decisions create an ever-evolving legal landscape in which school boards and administrations must operate. Employee handbooks and policies must be constantly updated to keep pace with changing laws. This session

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Academic & Career Planning — Educating for the Future

Beginning in fall 2017, Wisconsin law will require school districts to provide academic and career planning (ACP) services to students in grades 6 through 12. This past year, 25 school districts have been piloting

the ACP process to assist the Department of Public Instruction in refining implementation guidance and training. Get an overview of ACP requirements and the lessons learned from a local school district incorporating required ACP service delivery. Department of Public Instruction

How Nutrition Programs Affect Hunger, Performance & Revenue

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Learn about best practices utilizing federal nutrition programs to address student hunger in high-need areas, and how these programs are being implemented while increasing revenue for schools and districts. Presenters will discuss the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), an innovative program that makes it easier for highneed schools to serve free meals to all students. Learn how your district can help feed your students. Hunger Task Force

Narrowing and Closing the Achievement Gap Must Begin with Addressing the Social Emotional “Gap”

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Dr. Gary Williams of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has dedicated his career to the theory and practice of educating minority and disadvantaged students. This session will include a brief, formal presentation by Dr. Williams followed by an engaging, solutions-based dialogue with school leaders on what can be done to address the social and emotional needs of all students. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Effective Governance Processes: Facilitating a Positive and Productive Board Meeting

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The session is designed for superintendents and board members who share responsibility for achieving meaningful and productive outcomes to board meetings on behalf of the school communities they serve. The work of school board governance is complex and challenging. Learn strategies and techniques to structure a board meeting so that group learning, discussions, problem solving

and decision-making are effective and productive for all involved. WASDA

The Brown Deer Way: Promoting Positive & Respectful Values

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Learn how the award-winning programs of the Brown Deer Schools in both character education and PBIS has provided a platform to transform the school culture. By engaging students, parents, and the entire community in this process, everyone has a voice in the positive outcomes of this unique program. Brown Deer School District

A Successful Partnership and Ways to Build Your Own

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Learn about the partnership between Project Lead the Way (PLTW), Carthage Collage, and the Kenosha School of Technology Enhanced Curriculum (KTEC). Students are immersed in the KTEC curriculum and culture by taking math and science methods classes at KTEC, collaborating with staff particularly in the areas of STEM, and working directly with other students. Kenosha Unified School District

Special Education Staff Shortage: What Should Districts Do?

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A shortage of specialized staff can cause significant legal and fiscal challenges to schools, as well as adversely affecting the relationship with parents of students with disabilities. Presenters will share statewide data about shortages and how a group of stakeholders came up with a guidance document suggesting to schools what to do when facing a shortage of speech and language pathologists. Learn about statewide trends evolving in speech and language along with an overview of recent IDEA state complaints regarding the provision of speech and language services. CESA #7

The Convenient Secret — How to Control Employee Health Costs

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Convenient health care models like

retail clinics and telehealth are rising in popularity for both employees and employers. And the secret? For minor/acute health issues, convenience often costs less than traditional care settings. Discover what convenient care looks like for school districts in different areas of Wisconsin, and learn from an alternative on-site clinic case study. WEA Trust 

Attitude Makes the Difference

As school leaders, what we say and how we act matters. Leaders with negative attitudes drain everyone’s energy and block creativity and community support. Set yourself and your district up for success by learning to become an even stronger role model for everyone. Learn about five specific, research-based techniques that can be used to increase our success as leaders. Port Washington-Saukville School District

Making the Grade — Improving the Energy Efficiency of Your School District

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The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that as much as 30 percent of Wisconsin school districts’ energy usage may be inefficient. Learn how to minimize construction budgets, utilize the expertise of energy advisors, and ensure new buildings are energy efficient. Hear about the benefits of Focus on Energy’s statewide utility program, and how to get efficient equipment at a lower cost by taking advantage of financial incentives. Focus on Energy

Hot Topics for Policy-Minded School Leaders

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Learn about several school board policy topics that have been affected by recent law changes and that have generated numerous inquiries to WASB policy staff. Topics will include student assessments, high school graduation policies, homeschool student participation in activities, annual notice requirements, and school board vacancies and

November 2015

T H U R S D AY | J A N 2 1 conflicts of interest. Attendees can ask questions and share their own local policy decisions/options in these areas.

and the practices in your classroom to accurately reflect current technologies and how students will use them.

WASB

Waukesha School District

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Earning Your Community’s Trust for Referendum Support

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Closing the Participation in AP Gap

WASB

Harnessing momentum gained from years of effective communication and dozens of community meetings, the DeForest Area School District (DASD) successfully passed a $41 million referendum in April 2015. If you’re not currently talking to your district’s stakeholders, attend this session to learn how to start now. Find out the early steps DASD took to engage their community and how they stayed in front of community members during the referendum process.

The Verona Area High School has nearly closed the participation gap for students of color and other underrepresented students participating in Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Hear about the district’s many challenges and successes in this journey. Learn about specific strategies used, which ones didn’t work and which ones have.

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DeForest Area School District

Using International Benchmarks to Drive Improvement

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In today’s technology-rich world, graduates are working in a global society. How do your students measure up? Learn how one district is using international benchmarks to drive improvement while building student and staff engagement.

Verona Area School District

Stakeholder-Driven Strategic Planning, Facilities Planning and Financial Planning

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High-level school board performance requires a written plan that embodies community values, educational best practice and an unrelenting focus on student learning. The WASB Master Planning/

E D U C A T I O N

Strategic Thinking process will be explained in this session by defining the elements of stakeholder-driven strategic planning, facilities assessment, and financial assessment.

A Holistic and Regional Approach to Experiential Learning

Experiential, or work-based, learning is proven to provide students a deeper understanding of core content. But what does it really look like in practice and what barriers exist to implementation? Students are often forced to choose between experiential learning opportunities and those perceived to be more valuable. Learn about these issues through a case study of the New Berlin School District. New Berlin School District

An Inside-Out Approach to Reduction in AODA Use by Youth

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Learn how one district reduced self-reported drug and alcohol use, at-risk behaviors and general mental

T O U R

Kettle Moraine School District

Creating Collaborative Cultures — When Every Child is Yours

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The State Personnel Development Grant, funded by the Office of Special Education Programs, is working with 24 schools from around the state using professional learning communities as a framework to support systems change focused on improving outcomes for students with disabilities and, in turn, improving outcomes for all learners. This year, districts are focused on scaling up and developing policies, procedures and practices that will sustain the work that is currently supported by the grant. Department of Public Instruction

Sustaining 1:1 Initiative — Using Tech to Leverage Achievement

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Learn how to transform your district

Wisconsin School News

| Sustainable Schools

Education Tour

Thursday morning, Jan. 21 Pre-registration required, $5 The Education Tour will feature two Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) noted for their green initiatives. Highland Community School is a MPS charter school serving toddlers through upper elementary grades. In addition to their environmental education programming and community-related outreach activities, they have raised-bed agriculture, natural play equipment, a greenhouse, fruit trees and are constructing a bioswale. Milwaukee Environmental School is a year-round MPS K5 charter school with an academic program guided by the Expeditionary Learning philosophy. The school’s storm water diversion system was the first of its kind in MPS — featuring clear PVC pipe in the science room with a water-quality sampling port. The school also incorporates raised beds, a cistern, and planned, native landscaping into their school campus.

health issues among its students. Hear about the district’s unique inside-out approach to AODA and other related issues. What began as a school district framework has expanded to encompass the community. Menomonie Area School District

Impact of Voucher/Charters on Wisconsin Public Schools

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Learn about the effects, issues and concerns about school vouchers at the local and statewide levels. Information will be shared about specific local school districts as well as statewide information. Racine Unified School District

What to Take Away from Your Fiscal Audit

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Open Session on School Law Issues

Ask presenting attorneys any questions related to school law or policy issues. Feel free to come with your own questions or simply listen to the discussion. Wisconsin School Attorneys Association 

Affordable Care Act

Hear an update on the latest reporting requirements for the Affordable Care Act and learn about strategies school districts can employ to maintain compliance with limited resources. Associated Financial Group 

Transgender Issues in Schools

Gain a thorough understanding of the financial audit process and the role board members play in this process. School administrators will share experiences through the board member and business manager lens to give board members a solid foundation on their responsibilities in response to the audit process.

This presentation focuses on the question of why gender identity issues matter; emerging legal issues, such as responsibilities of school district employees; access and accommodation; student records; and obligations regarding student issues, such as dress codes, co-curricular activities, and athletics. This session will also provide guidance on policy development to ensure your district is protected.

Clinton Community School District

von Briesen & Roper, s.c.

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Collaborative Approach to Alternative Teacher Compensation

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Using an interest-based problem solving approach, the Wausau School District enlisted a team of school board members, teachers and administrators to develop a new teacher compensation model that supports its mission to advance student learning, achievement and success.

Learn the key characteristics of an effective internal and external communication plan, identify priority publics in your community, conduct a brief needs assessment, review effective communication techniques, and begin the development of a communication plan. Leave this session with new ideas and the confidence to develop a communication plan or improve an existing one.

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Wausau School District

Offering Your Community More Without A Referendum

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Hear about alternatives to referendum and learn about one district that enhanced key community-used spaces, created a highly unique district clinic, and applied some outside-the-box thinking to accomplish it all. Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc.

Ramp Up Your School Communications Plan — A Process that Works

Edgerton School District

Lessons Learned: Leadership Practices for Improved Student Learning

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Learn about two programs focused on providing leadership to help districts improve student achievement and boost college and career readiness. The lead facilitators for both of these

statewide programs will highlight common themes, key components, and areas of concern gathered and refined in working with leaders across Wisconsin to date, findings that can inform similar efforts in your district. Wisconsin RtI Center 

Value of School Boards

Recent research from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee demonstrates a link between school boards’ use of best practices and improved student performance. Dr. Michael R. Ford will explain his research and offer his insight on why locally elected public school boards remain valuable. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Effective Strategies for EarlyCareer School District Leaders

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This session is designed for school district superintendents, executive coaches and WASDA mentors engaged in the ongoing professional learning cycle of Wisconsin superintendents in their first three years of experience in the role. Current leadership challenges will be identified by participants as well as the session facilitators. In-depth collegial discussion and sharing will provide a range of strategies, systems and practices that can be utilized by superintendents to effectively respond to the many challenges inherent in the responsibilities of system leadership. WASDA

Trust Building through Community-Based Advisory

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Learn about the Oconomowoc Area School District’s “Building Our Future” advisory committee — a 60-member group comprised of parents, seniors, business and municipal leaders, and staff. Presenters will lead an interactive discussion about the power of trust-building, the value of collective wisdom and the ongoing journey of OASD’s citizen committee. Eppstein Uhen Architects

November 2015

F R I DAY J A N U A R Y

2 2 , 2 0 1 6

Friday General Session

10:30am – 12:15pm | Wisconsin Center

Lehmann keynote speaker

| Chris

A renowned author and educator, Chris Lehmann is recognized for his work in developing innovative schools that incorporate technology in new ways and engage students in real world issues. He is the founding principal of the Science Leadership Academy, an inquiry-driven, projectbased, 1:1 laptop school high school in Philadelphia that is considered to be one of the pioneers of the School 2.0 movement nationally and internationally. In his new book, Building School 2.0: How to Create the Schools We Need, Lehmann and co-author Zac

Chase discuss and explore how education and physical school spaces should change to meet the evolving nature of our lives brought on by new technologies. Lehmann has received many awards and recognitions including being named the 2014 winner of the McGraw Prize in Education. In June 2013, he was named Outstanding Leader of the Year by the International Society of Technology in Education. In September of 2011, Chris was honored by the White House as a Champion of Change for his work in education reform.

F R I D A Y Break-out Sessions Wisconsin School Districts Preparing for Unwanted Intruders

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More and more schools are being affected by unwanted intruders. No one is exempt. What steps has your school district taken to train your first responders? Panelists will share how they have proactively taken the steps to train their administration, staff and students. WASBO 

Collaborative Engagement: The 3 Cs

Utilizing experiential learning activities, participants will enhance achievement of goals through understanding their own language (communication dynamic) as well as the language of the other; and understand and develop effective strategies for communication, collaboration and change. Baraboo School District

Personalizing Your Professional Development

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The day-to-day operations tend to

Wisconsin School News

impede administrators’ opportunity to grow and learn in their position. This session provides a road map for administrators to take ownership of their learning while still leading the work done at the building level. Fall Creek School District

new career ladder consists of five distinct steps that reward increased responsibility and leadership, and incorporates career factors such as experience and teacher effectiveness. Monona Grove School District

A District Approach to Implementing Character Education

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Improving Student Achievement at the High School Level

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Learn how one high school has undertaken several efforts to improve student achievement, including: implementing a flexible schedule with built-in collaboration time for professional learning communities, and adding a Tier 2 behavioral and academic plan and rigorous coursework. New Glarus School District

Alternative Teacher Compensation: A Career Ladder Approach

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Learn how one district developed a career ladder framework to replace the previous step and lane salary schedule structure for teachers. The

Gain a comprehensive road map for beginning and sustaining character education within your own school district. Presenters will share the positive impact character education has made throughout their school community. River Falls School District

Using Project-Based Learning in a STEAM program

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Project-based learning research has indicated that it is the best format to engage, differentiate, and add higher order thinking to a classroom environment. Learn about what project-based learning is and what it is not, how it allows for individualized and differen-

      GENERAL SESSION HIGHLIGHTS                       Presiding: Bob Avery, WASBO President, Beaver Dam Unified School District The Kenosha Tremper High School Chorale will open the final session of the 95th State Education Convention. Governor Scott Walker will discuss his priorities for public education in Wisconsin. Educator Chris Lehmann will discuss strategies for developing innovative learning opportunities for students.

Bob Avery

Gov. Scott Walker

F R I D A Y Break-out Sessions [continued] tiated instruction, and how to implement it in a STEAM classroom.

practices, collaborate with evaluators, and facilitate training sessions.

provide tips to effectively navigate the period of leadership change.

Racine Unified School District

Wausaukee School District

WASB / WASDA

How to Manage Your Processes So They Don’t Manage You

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Welcome to the Family!

Hiring and retaining quality staff members is one of the surest ways to improve your schools. As the long ingrained “rules” of teacher contracts and salary models are evolving, districts find themselves competing for personnel in a way never before spoken of in public education. Black River Falls School District

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Some may think poor results are due to people. In fact, most people come to work wanting to do a great job, but they don’t have clear processes to guide good work. Learn the basics of process management — how to design, measure, deploy and improve your processes to make your school system operate more effectively.

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Playbook on 21st Century Leadership Development

Pewaukee School District

Learn how to design, evaluate and refine a Leadership Development Playbook, which has been proven to increase student achievement, improve culture and climate and engage the entire community. The playbook centers on creating a team of stakeholders that are team oriented, enthusiastic, flexible and love to be around kids.

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Hayward Community School District

Successful Educator Effectiveness Implementation in a Rural District

Putting It All Together

Hear about the Neenah Joint School District’s continuing journey toward technology ubiquity, where curriculum standards and goals are integrated into technology, technology is integrated into instruction, and infrastructure supports learning goals. Learn how the district accomplished this and stayed with its budget allocation. Neenah Joint School District

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Presenters will provide tools and resources to enhance or supplement the educator effectiveness implementation in your district through the utilization of coaches. Educator effectiveness coaches can help distribute the leadership capacity in the following ways: attend leadership meetings and coaching courses to stay apprised of next steps and best

School District Departure/ Separation in a Principled Manner

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School district leadership change driven by differences in philosophy or organizational approach occurs often in this challenging education environment. School board members and superintendents would do well to use a principled approach to the separation process. This session will address issues that may surface and

Going Outside the Box: Partnerships, Student Success & CTE

Learn how one rural district partnered with a local technical college to develop programs that give students a jumpstart to their futures, while providing a balanced high school experience. Pardeeville Area School District

Engaging Fathers/Father Figures in our Schools

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There are more than 20 million children living in a home without the physical presence of a father. Learn how engaging fathers/father figures at Greenville Middle School through WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) has had positive impacts on children academically, emotionally and socially. Hortonville School District 

WASB Legislative Update

The 2015-16 Legislature is heading into the last leg of its session. Learn what is at the top of the legislative agenda for K-12 education and what you can do to speak up for your district and its students. This session will include an update on bills likely to be voted on by lawmakers in the closing days of the session, a close look at the work of two key Assembly task forces on urban education and youth workforce readiness, and any late-breaking developments school leaders need to know about. WASB

November 2015

S T U D E N T S H OW C A S E

Celebrating the Arts Talented student music groups and the work of student artists from around the state will proudly be on display at the State Education Convention. STUDENT MUSIC PERFORMANCES

STUDENT ART CONTEST

Student music groups presented in partnership with the Wisconsin School Music Association and the WASBO Foundation.

WEDNESDAY | Jan. 20, General Session Edgar High School Jazz Ensemble Dennis Webb, Director, Edgar School District

View Award-Winning Student Art. In partnership with the Wisconsin Art Education Association, the WASB holds an annual art contest showcasing the work of Wisconsin student artists. Award-winning pieces will be displayed at the 2016 State Education Convention. Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Insurance

STUDENT CONVENTION VIDEO TEAM

THURSDAY | Jan. 21, General Session Rice Lake High School Wind Ensemble Aimee Pashby, Director, Rice Lake Area School District

We are seeking a team of students to capture the convention experience on camera. The WASB is taking applications from interested student teams. One team will be selected to attend at least one day of the Convention and produce a short video highlighting some of the activities, speakers and events that will make up the 2016 State Education Convention. FRIDAY | Jan. 22, General Session Kenosha Tremper High School Chorale Polly Amborn, Director, Kenosha Unified School District

Wisconsin School News

For more information, visit wasb.org/convention. Select “Request for Proposals” and then “Convention Student Video Team.” Entry forms are due Nov. 27.

EXHIBIT HALL

Find Innovative Ideas in the Exhibit Hall

he Exhibit Hall at the Wisconsin State Education Convention features hundreds of businesses and organizations that are focused on providing products, services, and support to public schools. Attendees are encouraged to visit the Exhibit Hall, interact with experienced school partners, learn about innovative, new products and services available to schools.

• • • • • • • • Look for these Exhibit Hall Attractions • • • • • • • • |

Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Hall

Complimentary juices, coffee, and a selection of breakfast foods will be available in the Exhibit Hall on Wednesday morning (Jan. 20), from 9-10 am. Sponsored by Nexus Solutions. |

Cafeteria

The Exhibit Hall features a cafeteria with a full menu of lunch and snack items. Grab lunch or a snack without having to leave the action in the Wisconsin Center. |

Internet Café / Charging Station

Computers with Internet access are available in the Internet Café. Stop by during the dedicated Exhibit Hall hours for special presentations exclusive to the Internet Café: Twitter for School Leaders; Owning Your Learning with Digital Tools; Growing Your Professional Learning Network. Sponsored by Unesco. |

WASB Commons

The WASB encourages members to stop by the WASB Commons and say hello and learn about the numerous services and products designed to help you lead your school district.

School Fair

Hear about innovative programs from educators and students. These special booths allow for hands-on experiences and show how districts are bringing learning to life. |

NEW! Sustainable Schools Pavilion

Interested in learning more about how to make your schools Green & Healthy schools? Visit the Sustainable Schools Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall. The Pavilion will feature hands-on demonstrations, knowledgeable experts, informative presentations and take-home resources, including information on: recycling and waste reduction, indoor environmental health, transportation, health and wellness, and water conservation. During the dedicated Exhibit Hall hours, stop by for a short presentation exclusive to the Pavilion: · Breathing Life into Education Without Wasting Energy (H&H Energy Services)

Lifetouch Photo Booth

The Lifetouch Photo Booth has become a favorite tradition of attendees over the years. Stop by and get your photo taken with your colleagues for free. Capture your memories from the 2016 convention. |

· How to Build Resiliency in Your Schools (WEA Trust) · Performance-Based Building Design (LHB, Corp.) Drop off your Sustainable Schools Pavilion card from the Regional Meetings for a chance to win a complimentary State Education Convention registration. Pavilion sponsored by Ameresco, H&H Energy Services, Instructional Communications Systems (ICS), LHB, inc., Performance Services, WEA Trust, WI Farm to School, and Green & Healthy Schools Wisconsin.

Dedicated Exhibit Hall Times  WEDNES DAY,

JA N. 2 0

9 – 10 am (complimentary morning refreshments sponsored by Nexus Solutions)

Noon – 1:30 pm; 2:30 – 3:30 pm  THURS DAY,

JA N. 2 1 9:45 – 10:45 am; 11:45 am – 1:45 pm

November 2015

AT- A - G L A N C E

[ note :

convention sessions and events are subject to change

]

2016 CONVENTION S C H E D U L E T U E S D AY | J A N U A R Y

1 9

c 8 am - 6 pm REGISTRATION Wisconsin Center

(Note: Pre-Convention Workshop attendees register at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee beginning at 1 pm.)

c 1 - 5 pm CONVENTION BOOKSTORE Wisconsin Center

T H U R S D AY | J A N U A R Y

2 1

All events take place at the Wisconsin Center unless otherwise noted.

c 7 - 8:30 am WASB BREAKFAST Hilton Milwaukee City Center Dr. Janie Hatton, speaker (Sponsored by Studer Education)

c 2 - 5 pm PRE-CONVENTION WORKSHOPS

c 8 am - 3:00 pm REGISTRATION; BOOKSTORE

c 7 - 8 pm PRE-DELEGATE ASSEMBLY DISCUSSION

c 8:45 - 9:45 am BREAK-OUT SESSIONS

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

Hilton Milwaukee City Center

c 9 - 11:30 am EDUCATION TOUR (times subject to change) c 9 am - 2 pm EXHIBIT HALL

W E D N E S D AY

JA N UA RY

2 0

All events take place at the Wisconsin Center unless otherwise noted.

c 7 am - 5 pm REGISTRATION c 8 - 9 am BREAK-OUT SESSIONS

Including CONVENTION/DELEGATE ORIENTATION

c 8 am - 5 pm BOOKSTORE c 9 - 10 am DEDICATED EXHIBIT HALL TIME

MORNING REFRESHMENTS in the Exhibit Hall Kick-off the convention with complimentary morning refreshments sponsored by Nexus Solutions.

c 9 am - 4:30 pm EXHIBIT HALL c 10 am - Noon GENERAL SESSION

Luis Cruz, keynote speaker (Sponsored by WEA Trust) State Superintendent Tony Evers, speaker Edgar High School Jazz Ensemble, music showcase

AWARD PRESENTATIONS Educators and administrators

c 9:45 - 10:45 am DEDICATED EXHIBIT HALL TIME c 10:30 am - 2 pm SPOUSE EXCURSION (times subject to change)

c 10:45 - 11:45 am BREAK-OUT SESSIONS c 11:45 am - 1:45 pm LUNCH;

DEDICATED EXHIBIT HALL TIME

c Noon - 1:15 pm WASDA LUNCHEON; WASBO LUNCHEON Hilton Milwaukee City Center

c 1:45 - 2:45 pm BREAK-OUT SESSIONS c 3 - 5 pm GENERAL SESSION John Medina, keynote speaker (Sponsored by UnitedHealthcare)

WASB President Wanda Owens, speaker Rice Lake High School Wind Ensemble, music showcase SCHOOL BOARD SERVICE AWARDS

of the year; Wisconsin Student Art Award

c Noon - 1:30 pm LUNCH;

DEDICATED EXHIBIT HALL TIME

c 1:30 pm DELEGATE ASSEMBLY Refreshments sponsored by Meemic Insurance Company.

F R I D AY | J A N U A R Y

2 2

All events take place at the Wisconsin Center.

c 8 - 9 am BREAK-OUT SESSIONS

c 1:30 - 2:30 pm BREAK-OUT SESSIONS

c 9:15 - 10:15 am BREAK-OUT SESSIONS

c 2:30 - 3:30 pm DEDICATED EXHIBIT HALL TIME

c 10:30 am - 12:15 pm GENERAL SESSION

c 3:30 - 4:30 pm BREAK-OUT SESSIONS c 4:30 - 5:30 pm NETWORKING RECEPTION Hilton Milwaukee City Center

Sponsored by BoardDocs, Forecast5 Analytics, and Security Health Plan

Chris Lehmann, keynote speaker (Sponsored by Focus on Energy)

Governor Scott Walker Kenosha Tremper High School Chorale, music showcase

O N L I N E R E G I S T R AT I O N I S O P E N : SAVE TIME! Register online at wasb.org/convention 22

Wisconsin School News

R E G I S T R AT I O N F O R M

CONVENTION 2016

Wisconsin State Education Convention

January 20–22, 2016 • Wisconsin Center • Milwaukee, WI

F U L L NAME

SC H O O L D ISTR IC T

F I R ST N AME F O R B AD G E

A D D R ESS

m Your Title for Badge

PLEASE CHECK ONLY ONE

M Administrator

M Business Official

M Superintendent

M Administrative Asst.

M CESA Administrator

M Teacher

M Board Member

M Principal

M Other:

M Buildings/Grounds

C ITY / STATE / Z IP

TEL EPH O N E

m Dietary Restrictions (if selecting a meal) M Please specify restrictions: ______________________________________________

EM A IL A D D R ESS

Exhibitors receive an attendee contact list.

Check here to opt-out. N

M Requested for (name): ___________________________________________________ m Other Considerations If you have a disability or other need that requires special provisions or services, please check this box and explain below. M Yes, I would like assistance for (please explain):

m Complimentary Spouse Registration Spouse registration is complimentary, but meals and special events must be purchased separately. M Yes, please register my spouse

SPO U SE’S N A M E

SEND COMPLETED FORM TO: ATTN: Convention Registration Wisconsin Association of School Boards 122 W. Washington Ave., Suite 400 Madison, WI 53703 info@wasb.org | fax 608-257-8386 G E N E R A L

R E G I S T R AT I O N D E A D L I N E S

C A N C E L L AT I O N S

EARLY BIRD – Friday, Dec. 11, 2015 REGULAR – Friday, Jan. 8, 2016 Meal Reservation Deadline – Jan. 8, 2016

No refunds will be given unless cancellation is received by 5 pm, Friday, Jan. 8, 2016

R E G I S T R AT I O N

# PEOPLE

FEE

M E A L TOTAL

EARLY BIRD Discounted Fee WITH FULL PAYMENT ONLY Must be received BY Dec. 11, 2015

REGULAR Fee Payments received AFTER Dec. 11, 2015

________ 2 $200 4 $__________ ________ 2 $235 4 $__________

S P E C I A L

E V E N T S

for Extracurricular Athletics & Activities

M WASBO LUNCHEON Noon, Thursday, Jan. 21 ________ 2 $ 38 4 $__________

M E T H O D

________ 2 $ 60 4 $__________

M WORKSHOP: The Intersection Of Board Governance And School District Leadership ________ M WORKSHOP: Legal Considerations

M WASDA LUNCHEON Noon, Thursday, Jan. 21 ________ 2 $ 38 4 $__________

General Registration, Special Events, Meals

PRE-CONVENTION WORKSHOPS, TUESDAY, JAN. 19 M WORKSHOP: The Power and Promise of Modeling Transformational Leadership

F U N C T I O N S

M WASB BREAKFAST 7 am, Thursday, Jan. 21 ________ 2 $ 36 4 $__________

M CHECK FOR 2 $ 60 4 $__________

________ 2 $ 60 4 $__________

O F

GRAND TOTAL $ PAY M E N T

$ __________ enclosed, payable to WASB.

M BILL THE DISTRICT using PO #________________________________ CREDIT CARD: M MASTERCARD M VISA M DISCOVER M AM EX

M WORKSHOP: School Finance Puzzle ________ 2 $ 60 4 $__________ C R ED IT C A R D N U M B ER

CONVENTION TOUR, THURSDAY, JAN. 21 M Sustainable Schools

________ 2

$ 5 4 $__________

SU B M ITTED B Y

EX P. DAT E

VER IFIC ATIO N CODE

SPOUSE EXCURSION, THURSDAY, JAN. 21 M Milwaukee Art Museum

________ 2 $ 45 4 $__________

WASB OFFICE USE ONLY Date Rec’d_________________________

SI G N ATU RE DAT E

P.O. #_________________

Check #__________________ Amount $__________________

reasons to buy WEA Trust health insurance

1 #1 rated health insurance carrier for customer service in Wisconsin.

2 Wisconsin

company serving only public sector employers and producing Wisconsin jobs. 3 Reduced ACA fees compared to competitors. with deep provider discounts.

4 Extensive statewide network

5 Telehealth 24/7/365.

compared to competitors.

6 Lower administrative fees

7 Robust health & wellness offering.

8 Individualized medical management, including shared decision making. 9 Decisions made for our customers and members, not for Wall Street. 10 Not-for-profit

For more information, call 800.279.4000 or 608.661.6667 and ask for Jon Klett

Wisconsin School News

EXHIBITORS NOTE: This is a complete listing of Exhibitors as of press time. Visit wasb.org/convention for an updated listing of exhibitors, or reference the 2016 State Education Convention Guide.  WASB Service Associate  2016 Convention Sponsor

Administrative Software and Integration Tools BoardBook BoardDocs  CESA 7 Cisco Systems CMS4Schools and SEEDs CrisisGo Diversified Benefit Services, Inc. Forecast5 Analytics, Inc.  Frontline Technologies Group LLC. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Infinite Campus Marcia Brenner Associates, LLC OASYS, LLC School Software Group Skyward, Inc.  TeacherMatch Wisconsin OPEB Trust/Alumni Nation Associations, Non-Profits, and Government BoardBook Central States Terrazzo Association CESA 5 CESA 6 CESA 7 Department of Financial Institutions, Office of Financial Literacy Instructional Communications Systems (ICS) Milwaukee Public Museum National Archery in the Schools Program - DNR Service Center National School Boards Association School Nutrition Association of Wisconsin US Army Wisconsin 529 College Savings Program Wisconsin Art Education Association Wisconsin Association of School Boards Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators Wisconsin Association of School Personnel Administrators Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction – School Nutrition Team Wisconsin Health and Physical Education, Inc.

Business Services

Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletics Association Wisconsin OPEB Trust/Alumni Nation Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance Wisconsin School Music Association Wisconsin School Public Relations Association Wisconsin Virtual School/CESA #9

CenterPoint Energy Core Vision IT Solutions Focus on Energy  MidAmerica Administrative & Retirement Solutions, Inc. Prudential REALiving ServiceMaster Recovery Services

Athletics: Equipment, Seating, Surfacing

Distance and Online Learning Services

Anderson Ladd AstroTurf Athletic Field Services, Inc. B.R. Bleachers Balestrieri Environmental & Development, Inc. Baseman Bros., Inc. Baseman Floors, Inc. Beacon Athletics Boland Recreation, Inc. C&C Courts INC. DBA – Sport Court North Carroll Seating Company CESA Purchasing Commercial Recreation Specialists E.T. Paddock Enterprises, INC Fisher Tracks, Inc. Gerber Leisure Products Gopher Gym Boys LLC Haldeman Homme Inc J W Industries, Inc. Kiefer Specialty Flooring Lee Recreation, LLC Marshfield Book & Stationery, Inc. Miller & Associates – Sauk Prairie, Inc. Nevco, WI Office Northstar Equipment, LLC Schmidt Custom Floors Scholastic Equipment Company, LLC Stalker Sports Floors

BYU Independent Study Cisco Systems Compass Learning Instructional Communications Systems (ICS) Milwaukee Public Museum OASYS, LLC Wisconsin Virtual School/CESA #9

Audio, Video, Multimedia Equipment and Design All Covered Arrow AV Group Cisco Systems Creative Learning Systems CrisisGo Instructional Communications Systems (ICS) LightSPEED Technologies, Inc. Netech Corp

Educational Management and Consulting and/or Research All Covered CESA 5 CESA 6 CESA 10 Creative Learning Systems CrisisGo Ehlers & Associates, Inc. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt NEOLA, Inc. NWEA OASYS, LLC Renaissance Learning Social School 4 Edu  Springsted Incorporated  Studer Education  Wisconsin Association of School Boards Enrichment Programs and Curricular Programs AAA Driver Training Achieve3000 All Covered Compass Learning Department of Financial Institutions, Office of Financial Literacy Dream Flight USA Key Benefit Concepts, LLC  Meemic Insurance Company  National Archery in the Schools Program - DNR Service Center Project Lead the Way School Software Group

Viterbo University Wisconsin Health and Physical Education, Inc. Wisconsin School Music Association Facilities: Architecture, Design, Engineering Abacus Architects, Inc. Architects Group Limited Architectural Design Consultants, Inc. Architectural Design Group ARCON Associates, Inc. Armstrong Commercial Flooring ATS&R Planners/Architects/ Engineers Bray Associates Architects, Inc.  Central States Terrazzo Association Custofoam Corporation Eppstein Uhen Architects, Inc. Gerber Leisure Products Groth Design Group, Inc. Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc.  HSR Associates, Inc. ICS Solutions Group, INC Innovative Modular Solutions ISG (I+S Group) J.P. Cullen & Sons, Inc.  JSD Professional Services Kapur and Associates, Inc. Karges-Faulconbridge, Inc. Keller, Inc. Kraus-Anderson Construction Co. LaForce, Inc. LHB, Inc. McKinstry MEP Associates, LLC Nexus Solutions  Nicholas & Associates, Inc. OPN Architects, Inc. Performance Services, Inc. Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP  Point of Beginning, Inc. Rauch Clay Sales Corporation RenewAire Rettler Corporation SDS Architects, Inc Somerville, Inc. Spancrete TSP Architects & Engineers Facilities: Construction, Construction Management, and/or Consulting ARCON Associates, Inc. AstroTurf

November 2015

EXHIBITORS Carroll Seating Company CG Schmidt, Inc Corporate Contractors, Inc. Custofoam Corporation Gilbane Building Company Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc.  HSR Associates, Inc. ICS Solutions Group, INC Innovative Modular Solutions ISG (I+S Group) J.H. Findorff & Son, Inc.  J.P. Cullen & Sons, Inc.  Keller, Inc. Kelmann Restoration Kiefer Specialty Flooring Kraemer Brothers, LLC Kraus-Anderson Construction Co. Market & Johnson, Inc. McKinstry Miron Construction Co., Inc. Moore Construction Services, LLC Nicholas & Associates, Inc. Performance Services, Inc. Point of Beginning, Inc. Rauch Clay Sales Corporation Rettler Corporation Scherrer Construction Company, Inc.

[continued]

ServiceMaster Recovery Services Spancrete Trane-Wisconsin Virco Manufacturing Corp. VJS Construction Services, Inc.  Facilities: Flooring and Wall Coverings Anderson Ladd ARAMARK K-12 Education Armstrong Commercial Flooring AstroTurf Baseman Bros., Inc. Central States Terrazzo Association Kiefer Specialty Flooring ProStar Surfaces Rauch Clay Sales Corporation Stalker Sports Floors Facilities: Furnishings and Shelving Alexander Furnishings Specialists, Inc. Carroll Seating Company CESA Purchasing Lowery McDonnell Co. Marshfield Book & Stationery, Inc. Virco Manufacturing Corp.

Wynn O. Jones & Associates, Inc. Facilities: Hardware, Doors, Windows, Lab LaForce, Inc. Nicholas & Associates, Inc. Pella Windows & Doors Trane-Wisconsin Wynn O. Jones & Associates, Inc. Facilities: Lighting Energy Performance Lighting Focus on Energy  Karges-Faulconbridge, Inc. MEP Associates, LLC Musco Sports Lighting TSP Architects & Engineers US Lamp, Inc. Facilities: Mechanical Systems, Energy Services Ameresco Inc. ARAMARK K-12 Education ATS&R Planners/Architects/ Engineers Complete Control, Inc. Focus on Energy 

H & H Energy Management ISG (I+S Group) Karges-Faulconbridge, Inc. McKinstry Nexus Solutions  North American Mechanical, Inc. Performance Services, Inc. RenewAire Schneider Electric Sodexo Somerville, Inc. Trane-Wisconsin TSP Architects & Engineers Unesco  Facilities: Roofing ARCON Associates, Inc. Coating & Foam Solutions Custofoam Corporation Kraus-Anderson Construction Co. Sodexo Financial Services, Consulting and Accounting American Deposit Management Co. AXA Advisors, LLC Baird Public Finance 

Legislative Update Stay up-to-date on the latest state and national legislative news by following the WASB Legislative Update website. This mobile-friendly site is updated regularly by WASB staff and features a “follow” tool so you can receive email updates when a new item is posted. Visit the WASB Legislative Update website at wasb.org. Select “Advocacy & Government Relations” and then “Legislative Update”.

Advocacy & Government Relations | 608-257-2622 | 877-705-4422 | Visit wasb.org

Wisconsin School News

Forecast5 Analytics, Inc.  MidAmerica Administrative & Retirement Solutions, Inc. Patient Care PMA Financial Network, Inc. Prudential Springsted Incorporated  State Trust Fund Loan Program WEA Member Benefits  Wisconsin 529 College Savings Program Wisconsin OPEB Trust/Alumni Nation Wisconsin Public Finance Professionals, LLC Food Service Management, Equipment and Products ARAMARK K-12 Education Arbor Management, Inc. A’viands Food & Services Management CESA Purchasing Chartwells School Dining Services School Nutrition Association of Wisconsin SFE - Southwest Foodservice Excellence Sodexo Taher, Inc. Fundraising Programs and Services Wristband Resources

Higher Education Concordia University Wisconsin UW-Madison Applied Population Laboratory Viterbo University Wisconsin 529 College Savings Program Information Management Services and Consulting Blackboard  BoardBook Core Vision IT Solutions Creative Learning Systems Key Benefit Concepts, LLC  Netech Corp Solarus Technology Resource Advisors, Inc. Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, LTD, Life and Long-Term Care American Fidelity Assurance Ansay & Associates, LLC Arthur J Gallagher Risk Mgmt Services  Associated Financial Group  BeneCo of Wisconsin, Inc. Community Insurance Corporation/WCA Group Health Trust  Dean Health Plan Delta Dental of Wisconsin Humana  Liberty Mutual Insurance 

M3 Insurance   Meemic Insurance Company  Minnesota Life National Insurance Services  Network Health Patient Care R&R Insurance  Security Health Plan of Wisconsin, Inc.  Student Assurance Services, Inc. The Standard TIC, INC Tricor Insurance, Inc.  UnitedHealthcare   WEA Trust  WPS Health Insurance Insurance: Property and Casualty Associated Financial Group  EMC Insurance Companies  Kelmann Restoration R&R Insurance  WEA Member Benefits  Insurance: Third-Party Administration American Fidelity Assurance Arthur J Gallagher Risk Mgmt Services  Community Insurance  Corporation/WCA Group Health Trust Delta Dental of Wisconsin Diversified Benefit Services, Inc. Employee Benefits Corporation

First Agency, Inc. Humana  Liberty Mutual Insurance  M3 Insurance   Meemic Insurance Company  MidAmerica Administrative & Retirement Solutions, Inc. Minnesota Life Network Health Security Health Plan of Wisconsin, Inc.  TIC, INC Tricor Insurance, Inc.  WPS Health Insurance Insurance: Workers Compensation R&R Insurance  Janitorial Services, Cleaning Supplies and Equipment Baseman Bros., Inc. Dashir Management Services, Inc. GCA Services Group, Inc. Hillyard Jani-King of Milwaukee Professional Supply Legal Services Strang Patteson Renning Lewis & Lacy, s.c.  von Briesen & Roper, S.C.  Wisconsin Association of School Boards Management, Consulting and/or Research BeneCo of Wisconsin, Inc. Chartwells School Dining Services OPN Architects, Inc. Social School 4 Edu  Springsted Incorporated  UW-Madison Applied Population Laboratory Wisconsin Association of School Boards Market Place Cella’s Jewelry Music Programs, Instruments and Products Pearson

November 2015

EXHIBITORS Office and School Supplies and Equipment Core Vision IT Solutions Enovative Technologies Lowery McDonnell Co. School Specialty Vanguard Computers, Inc.  Virco Manufacturing Corp. Wristband Resources Photography, Yearbooks and ID Systems Lifetouch (Photo Booth)  Playground and Sporting Equipment Beacon Athletics Boland Recreation, Inc. Commercial Recreation Specialists Enovative Technologies Gerber Leisure Products Gopher Haldeman Homme Inc Lee Recreation, LLC Miller & Associates Sauk Prairie, Inc. Northland Recreation Northstar Equipment, LLC

[continued]

Professional Development Brookhill Institute of Mathematics CESA 6 CESA 7 Department of Financial Institutions, Office of Financial Literacy Houghton Mifflin Harcourt NWEA Pearson REALiving Renaissance Learning School Software Group Studer Education  TeacherMatch Viterbo University Wisconsin Association for Language Teachers Wisconsin Association of School Boards Wisconsin School Music Association Wisconsin Virtual School/CESA #9 Security and Alarm Systems Consulting and Design ATS&R Planners/Architects/ Engineers LaForce, Inc.

Signs and Scoreboards Beacon Athletics Nevco, WI Office Strategic Planning, Management Consulting BeneCo of Wisconsin, Inc. Corporate Contractors, Inc. Forecast5 Analytics, Inc.  Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc.  HSR Associates, Inc. ICS Solutions Group, INC Kelmann Restoration Nexus Solutions  OPN Architects, Inc. ServiceMaster Recovery Services Studer Education  UW-Madison Applied Population Laboratory Wisconsin Association of School Boards Survey Services LifeTrack Services, Inc. School Perceptions Teachers On Call - TOC 24/7, Featuring Aesop Technology

Teaching Services AAA Driver Training Compass Learning Milwaukee Public Museum NWEA Renaissance Learning Wisconsin Association for Language Teachers Theater Supplies, Services and Productions Mainstage Theatrical Supply, Inc. Schmidt Custom Floors Transportation Products and Services Dairyland Buses Inc Hoglund Bus and Truck Insight FS Lamers Bus Lines, Inc.  Mid-State Truck Service, Inc. Nelson’s Bus Service, Inc. Wisconsin Bus Sales, LLC Wristband Resources

Get the app. The WASB’s new mobile app provides education news and resources for school leaders. This easy-to-use app delivers education updates and other information at your fingertips. • Education News • Legislative Update • Event Information • Resources for school leaders and much more Search “WASB” in the iTunes or Google Play store. App designed and created by Parentlink.

The WASB Mobile App | 608-257-2622 | 877-705-4422 | Visit wasb.org

Wisconsin School News

LEGAL COMMENT

B oa r d m a n & C l a r k LL P

Unemployment Benefits Under the New “Misconduct” and “Substantial Fault” Standards

he passage of 2013 Wisconsin Act 20 (“Act 20”) ushered in significant changes to Wisconsin unemployment compensation law. One change was the creation of new statutory definitions of “misconduct” and “substantial fault” for consideration in determining an employee’s eligibility for unemployment benefits. These new standards frame the analysis of a discharged employee’s eligibility for unemployment benefits and provide additional grounds for challenging such eligibility. This Legal Comment will review the new “misconduct” and “substantial fault” standards and administrative agency decisions which have addressed these standards in determining a discharged employee’s eligibility for unemployment benefits.* | Employee Eligibility

for Benefits An employee discharged from employment is eligible for unemployment benefits unless the discharge was for, among other reasons, “misconduct” or “substantial fault” by the employee connected with the employer’s work. Under either a “misconduct” or “substantial fault” finding, the employee will be ineligible for benefits for the week of the discharge and for seven weeks after the end of the week of the discharge. The employee must also have earned wages in covered employment

performed after the week of discharge equaling at least 14 times the employee’s weekly benefit rate had the discharge not occurred. If an employee is discharged for “misconduct,” base period wages for work for the employer prior to the discharge will be excluded from any computation of the employee’s maximum benefits. If there is a finding of “substantial fault,” however, base period wages are not excluded from the computation of maximum benefits. | “Misconduct” and

“Substantial Fault” Prior to the passage of Act 20, “misconduct” derived its meaning through judicial and administrative agency decisions. As a result, whether an employee engaged in “misconduct” was a source of confusion and frustration for districts due to inconsistent benefit eligibility rulings and the high threshold established by those decisions to prove “misconduct.” In addition to defining “misconduct,” Act 20 also established a new “substantial fault” standard, which provides districts additional grounds to challenge an employee’s application for unemployment benefits. The Labor and Industry Review Commission (“LIRC”) is an independent Wisconsin administrative agency which reviews the unemployment compensation eligibility decisions of the Department of Workforce

Development’s Unemployment Insurance Division. In analyzing whether a discharged employee is eligible for unemployment benefits under the new standards, LIRC follows a three-step approach. LIRC will first review whether an employee was discharged for “misconduct” by engaging in any of the specific types of conduct enumerated in the new Act 20 standards.1 Under those standards, if an employee commits any of the following acts, the employee will be deemed to have engaged in “misconduct”:

b If a district has a reasonable

b b b b

written policy concerning the use of alcohol beverages or controlled substances or analogs, the employee has actual knowledge of the policy, and the employee admits to the alcohol or controlled substance use, refuses to take a test for their presence or tests positive for their presence. Theft of district property or services with the intent to permanently deprive the district of the property or services; Theft of any amount of money; Felonious conduct connected with the employee’s district employment; Intentional or negligent conduct which causes substantial damage to district property; Conviction of a crime or other offense subject to civil forfeiture,

These new standards frame the analysis of a discharged employee’s eligibility for unemployment benefits and provide additional grounds for challenging such eligibility.

November 2015

LEGAL COMMENT

b b

while on or off duty, if the conviction makes it impossible for the employee to perform district duties; One or more threats or acts of harassment, assault, or other physical violence instigated by the employee at the district; Absenteeism by an employee on more than two occasions within the 120-day period before the date of the employee’s termination, or absenteeism in violation of other attendance rules adopted by the district in an employment manual received by the employee, provided the employee has given the district notice of the absences and one or more valid reasons for them; Excessive tardiness by an employee in violation of a district policy communicated to the employee if the employee does not provide the employer notice of, and one or more valid reasons for, the tardiness. Falsification of district business records, unless directed by the district; and, A willful and deliberate violation of a written and uniformly applied standard or regulation of the federal, state, or tribal government which standard or regulation has been communicated by the district to the employee and which violation would cause the district to be sanctioned or to have its license or certification suspended by the governmental agency, unless the employee was directed to act in this regard by the district.

If the discharged employee’s conduct does not fall within any of these statutory categories, LIRC moves to the second step of its analysis and evaluates whether the employee’s actions constitute “misconduct” as originally defined by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in Boynton Cab Co. v. Neubeck2 and now codified by statute.3 Under the Boynton Cab definition, “misconduct” includes

Wisconsin School News

[continued]

“one or more actions or conduct evincing such willful or wanton disregard of an employer’s interests as is found in deliberate violations or disregard of standards of behavior which an employer has a right to expect of his or her employees.” The definition further provides that “misconduct” includes behavior which is “careless or negligent to such a degree that it manifests culpability, wrongful intent, or evil design of equal severity to such disregard.” Lastly, an employee that shows an “intentional and substantial disregard of an employer’s interests or of his or her duties and obligations to the employer” will have engaged in “misconduct.” Under the Boynton Cab statutory standard, an employer generally is required to provide an employee with notice that the employee’s conduct is not acceptable to the employer and to give the employee an opportunity to correct the conduct and comply with the employer’s expectations. If an employee engages in conduct of a serious, egregious nature, however, the requirement that prior warning be given is not necessarily required. Finally, if LIRC concludes that the discharged employee’s conduct does not constitute “misconduct,” under the first two steps in its analysis, LIRC then examines whether the discharge was for “substantial fault” connected with the employee’s work.4 “Substantial fault” is defined to include those employee acts or omissions over which the employee exercised reasonable control and which violate the employer’s reasonable requirements. The statute sets forth specific examples of employee behavior that will not constitute “substantial fault”: b One or more minor infractions of rules, unless the infractions are repeated after the employer warns the employee; b Failure to perform work because of insufficient skill, ability or equipment; and, b One or more inadvertent errors by an employee in connection with the employee’s work.

A district need not issue a formal warning to the employee that the employee’s job is in jeopardy before a finding of “substantial fault” can be made. Rather, any form of notice is sufficient if it reasonably conveys the district’s expectations so that the employee knows of that expectation at the time of the conduct giving rise to discharge. | Recent Wisconsin Decisions While the statutory definitions of “misconduct” and “substantial fault” are relatively new, recent LIRC decisions addressing these standards provide guidance on how LIRC will apply them. A good example of how LIRC works through its three-step process is Visger v. Northwood School District.5 In that case, an employee left work prior to the end of her shift without notice to the employer. The employee did so after previously signing a document requiring her to remain at work until the end of her shift. LIRC determined that the employee’s conduct was not “misconduct” under the first two steps in its analysis. Further, LIRC concluded that there were mitigating circumstances surrounding the employee’s decision to leave without permission. In particular, the employee left work early because of an illness, which in LIRC’s judgment precluded a finding of “misconduct.” LIRC then moved to the third step of its analysis to determine whether the discharge was for “substantial fault.” It first analyzed the employer’s requirement that the employee receive permission to leave before the end of her shift, and found the requirement to be reasonable. LIRC then concluded it was reasonable to infer that the employee should have been able to call her employer’s administrative office before she opted to leave the workplace almost two hours early. Finally, LIRC determined that since the employee left the workplace without notice after she had previously received a warning for doing so, her conduct did not fall within the minor infraction exclusion of the “substantial fault”

standard. Therefore, LIRC concluded the employee was discharged for “substantial fault.” Visger demonstrates the importance of warning employees about minor infractions prior to discharge if a district ultimately seeks to challenge the employee’s eligibility for unemployment compensation. Had Visger not been previously warned by the district, LIRC may have concluded she fell within the “minor infraction” exception. Other unemployment compensation decisions involving school districts under the new standards include: b An employee who refused to turn over necessary medical records for a doctor to complete the employee’s independent medical exam was discharged for “misconduct” and not entitled to unemployment benefits. The district had legitimate concerns that the employee was delusional and unfit to work with vulnerable students unless that exam was completed. Refusal to complete that exam constituted insubordination.6 b A paraprofessional employed by a district for over eight years was discharged for “substantial fault” when she threatened to break the fingers of a special needs child who had bent the employee’s fingers back. The district had a reasonable expectation that employees would not threaten to harm students. The employee’s actions violated the reasonable requirements of the district.7 b An employee’s disregard of her employer’s instructions to accompany on a school bus a recently hospitalized student who relied on a ventilator to assist with respiration because it had concerns for the student’s health and safety, but who had not received any prior warnings, constituted “substantial fault.”8 b An employee was repeatedly counseled and warned con-

cerning her refusal to clean all of the bathrooms in the school. The employee was also told to prioritize cleaning the bathrooms over all other aspects of her job. Despite these warnings, the employee left work numerous times without cleaning the bathrooms. As a result, her supervisor was required to call in replacement staff to ensure that her cleaning tasks were completed. LIRC determined that the employee displayed a “willful and substantial disregard of the employer’s interests” and of the standards of conduct that the employer had a right to expect. Therefore, the employee was discharged for “misconduct.”9 b An employee was taking excessively long break times in violation of the district’s policy manual. While LIRC stated that it was sympathetic to the employer’s concerns about the excessive break time, it highlighted numerous factors that prevented issuing a finding of “misconduct” or “substantial fault.” The employee had been told by the district that he was permitted to take longer breaks if his work was done and, in fact, had been taking longer breaks for over 10 years. The district also never told the employee of any concerns about his break times, nor was the employee counseled about not completing his duties. Finally, the employee never hid the fact that his break times were longer and, in fact, other workers took longer breaks with him. After considering each of these facts, LIRC concluded that the district had not established that the employee’s conduct in taking longer breaks than allotted under the employer’s written policy constituted “misconduct” or “substantial fault.” As a result, the district employee was eligible for unemployment compensation benefits.10

| Conclusion Understanding LIRC’s three-step review process will assist districts in assessing whether to challenge a discharged employee’s claim to unemployment compensation benefits. The new definitions of “misconduct” and “substantial fault” also provide districts with a broader and more favorable standard to challenge a discharged employee’s eligibility for unemployment benefits. In addition to establishing clearer and more specific criteria to establish “misconduct,” Act 20’s creation of a “substantial fault” standard provides districts with the ability to challenge unemployment benefits for a discharged employee’s failure to follow district rules, provided the district communicates those rules and expectations to the employee. Thus, it is important for a district to communicate to employees district policies and expectations, to properly counsel them when they do not meet them, and to document those communications. | Endnotes 1. Wis. Stat. ss. 108.04(5)(a)-(g). 2. Boynton Cab Co. v. Neubeck, 237 Wis. 249 (1941). 3. Wis. Stat. s. 108.04(5)(intro). 4. Wis. Stat. s. 108.04(5g). 5. Visger v. Northwood School District, LIRC Hearing No. 142011129EC (July 31, 2014). 6. Butts v. Wis. Sch. For the Deaf, UI Dec. Hearing No. 14004203MW (May 29, 2015). 7. Hazeltine v. New Richmond Public Schools, LIRC Hearing No. 14201253EC (September 22, 2014). 8. Van Straten v. Green Bay Public School District, LIRC Hearing No. 14401194AP (July 2, 2014). 9. Perkins v. Milwaukee Public School, LIRC Hearing No. 14604860MW (October 21, 2014). 10. Keleher v. Waunakee Community S.D., UI Dec. No. 1500232MD (March 6, 2015). This Legal Comment was written by Michael J. Julka, Steven C. Zach and Ashley Y. Rouse of Boardman & Clark LLP, WASB Legal Counsel.

Legal Comment is designed to provide authoritative general information, with commentary, as a service to WASB members. It should not be relied upon as legal advice. If required, legal advice regarding this topic should be obtained from district legal counsel.

November 2015

L E G I S L AT I V E U P D AT E

Fall Session Update

ith the fall legislative floor period winding down in early November, the WASB Government Relations (GR) team would like to take this opportunity to give brief summaries and the status of selected K-12 educationrelated initiatives. For more in-depth and timely information on these proposals and more, visit the WASB Legislative Update Blog at wasb.org (click on Legislative Update under “Advocacy and Government Relations”).

| Restrictions on School

Referenda Rep. Michael Schraa (R-Oshkosh) & Sen. Duey Stroebel (R-Cedarburg) This proposal would require school district referenda ballot dates to coincide with a regularly scheduled spring or fall general election and prevent a school board from bringing a new referendum request for two years if a referendum is voted down. This bill has not yet been introduced at this writing. (WASB: Oppose) | Allow School Board Members

to Serve as Volunteer Coaches (Senate Bill 217) Sen. Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) & Rep. Nancy VanderMeer (R-Tomah) This bill creates a statutory exception to the common law doctrine of incompatibility of offices to expressly allow a school board member to act as a volunteer coach or supervisor for an extracurricular activity if it is an unpaid position, the member abstains from voting on issues directly or substantially related to the activity, and the member submits to a criminal back-

ground check. This bill passed the legislature with bipartisan support and is expected to be signed into law soon. (WASB: Support) | Eliminating the Energy Efficiency

Revenue Limit Exemption Rep. Adam Neylon (R-Pewaukee) & Sen. Frank Lasee (R-De Pere) This proposal would end the school district revenue limit exemption for energy efficiency projects. Currently, a school board may adopt a resolution to increase the revenue limit by an amount spent on a project to implement energy efficiency measures or to purchase energy efficiency products. This bill has not yet been introduced at this writing. (WASB: Oppose) | Exempt Contractor-

Purchased School Building Materials from Sales Tax (SB 227/AB 313) Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) & Rep. Bob Kulp (R-Stratford) Under current law, school districts are exempt from paying sales and use taxes on purchases of building materials for school construction projects. However, a construction contractor hired by a district may not receive the exemption for materials they purchase on behalf of the district. This bill would make these purchases exempt from sales and use taxes under both circumstances. These bills have not been taken up by either house at this writing. (WASB: Support) | Make State Superintendent

Appointee of Governor Rep. Joe Sanfelippo (R-New Berlin)

This proposed constitutional amendment would convert the state superintendent of public instruction from a nonpartisan elected position to a political appointee of the governor. A proposed constitutional amendment requires approval by the Legislature in two consecutive sessions and ratification from statewide voters to be adopted. No proposal has yet been introduced as of this writing. (WASB: Oppose) | Filling School Board Vacancies

(Assembly Bill 325) Rep. Tom Weatherston (R-Caledonia) & Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) This bill, as amended, allows the school board president of the Racine Unified School District to unilaterally fill a vacancy that has existed for at least 60 days. This authority ends in April 2016. Under the bill, every school board must adopt a policy by July 1, 2016, on how the board will fill a vacancy if the remaining members cannot fill it within 60 days. This bill passed the Assembly on Sept. 24 on a party-line vote and is awaiting Senate action. (WASB: Neutral) The GR team will provide a more in-depth legislative update at the WASB Legislative Advocacy Conference in Stevens Point on Saturday, Nov. 7. WASB members are encouraged to attend. By then, we will be able to report on how each of these proposals fared in the fall floor period and let you know about any other emerging legislation. As always, to view all state legislation affecting K-12 education and the WASB’s position on those bills, please check the WASB bill tracking chart: bit.ly/wasbbilltracking. n

For more in-depth and timely information on these proposals and more, visit WASBLegUpdate.wordpress.com.

Wisconsin School News

Quality Educational Services And Products 2 0 1 5 WA S B S E RV I C E A S S O C I AT E S ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, PLANNING, INTERIORS AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT BRAY ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS INC. 1202A N. 8th St., PO Box 955 Sheboygan, WI 53082-0955 Phone 920-459-4200 www.brayarch.com Architecture, Interior Design, Planning, Referendum Support

DLR GROUP 520 Nicollet Mall, Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55420 Phone 612-977-3500 www.dlrgroup.com Architecture, Engineering, Planning, Interiors, Construction Management

HOFFMAN PLANNING, DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION, INC. 122 E. College Ave. PO Box 8034 Appleton, WI 54911 Phone 800-236-2370 www.hoffman.net Planners, Architects and Construction Managers

VJS CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

ENERGY SERVICES

KEY BENEFIT CONCEPTS, LLC

10701 W Research Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53226 Phone 414-443-4094 www.uhctogether.com/schoolsinWI www.uhc.com

M3 INSURANCE

UnitedHealthcare’s mission is to help people live healthier lives by providing access to high quality, affordable health care. We are committed to improving the health care experience of K-12 teachers, staff, retirees and their families in the state of Wisconsin by providing Better Information, to drive Better Decisions, to help Improve Health.

CONTINUUM ENERGY 113 South Main Street #200 Lodi, WI 53555 Phone 608-576-3592 www.seminoleenergy.com Retail natural gas services into all Wisconsin utility companies, including national and commercial customers.

FINANCE, BANKING, CONSULTING SPRINGSTED INCORPORATED 710 Plankinton Ave., Suite 804 Milwaukee, WI 53203-1100 Phone 414-220-4250 www.springsted.com Advisors to the Public Sector in Finance, Human Resources and Management Consulting Services.

INSURANCE ARTHUR J. GALLAGHER RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES

11000 W. Park Pl. Milwaukee, WI 53224 Phone 414-359-3060 www.prarch.com Architectural and Interior Design Services

1289 Deming Way, Suite 208 Madison, WI 53717 Phone 608-828-3741 Fax 608-828-3757 www.ajgrms.com

SKYWARD INC. 5233 Coye Dr. Stevens Point, WI 54481 Phone 715-341-9406 www.skyward.com Developer of student, budgetary and human resource administrative software exclusively for K-12 school districts.

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, CONTRACTING, CONSULTING J.H. FINDORFF & SON INC. 300 S. Bedford St. Madison, WI 53703 Phone 608-257-5321 www.findorff.com Construction Services

J.P. CULLEN & SONS INC.

financial solution products include: Health Reimbursement Accounts, OPEB Trusts (Fixed or Variable), Special Pay Plan and Flexible Spending Accounts.

N19 W24133 Riverwood Dr. Suite 300 Waukesha, WI 53188 Phone: 800-289-0260 www.humana.com Insurance Company

PLUNKETT RAYSICH ARCHITECTS LLP

COMPUTER HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, CONSULTING

HUMANA

W233 W2847 Roundy Circle Dr. Pewaukee, WI 53072 Phone 262-542-9000 www.vjscs.com Construction Services

Gallagher specializes in serving the risk management and insurance needs of public schools.

ASSOCIATED FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC 8040 Excelsior Dr. Madison, WI 53717 Phone 608-259-3666 Al.Jaeger@associatedfinancialgroup.com www.associatedfinancialgroup.com Our focus is financial security options that protect and assist growth. We go beyond simply protecting against the loss of assets and property.

COMMUNITY INSURANCE CORPORATION 18550 W. Capitol Dr. Brookfield, WI 53045 Phone 800-236-6885 www.communityinsurancecorporation.com Community Insurance Corporation is dedicated to providing school districts with the tools they need to economically and efficiently address today’s changing insurance and risk-management environment.

EMC INSURANCE COMPANIES

PO Box 1957 Janesville, WI 53547-1957 Phone 608-754-6601 www.jpcullen.com

16455 W. Bluemound Rd. PO Box 327 Brookfield, WI 53008 Phone 262-786-1800 www.emcins.com

General Contractor

Property and Casualty Insurance

2717 N. Grandview Blvd., Suite 205 Waukesha, WI 53188 Phone: 262-522-6415 www.keybenefits.com Actuarial and employee benefit consulting services. 3113 W. Beltline Hwy. Madison, WI 53713 Phone 800-272-2443 M3ins.com At M3 Insurance, we stay smart so you stay smart. We’ll keep you educated on risks, costs, and changes so you can focus on the important work of increasing student achievement. As a proud partner of nearly 45% of Wisconsin school districts, we continue to demonstrate our dedication to education.

MARITIME INSURANCE GROUP 832 Niagra Ave. Sheboygan, WI 53082 Phone 920-457-7781 Fax 920-459-0251 mmrdjenovich@hubinternational.com www.hubinternational.com

R&R INSURANCE 1581 E. Racine Ave. Waukesha, WI 53186 Phone 262-574-7000 www.myknowledgebroker.com R&R Insurance’s School Practice Group has more than 25 years of educational institution experience and a dedicated Resource Center designed with school district’s risk and claims management needs in mind.

TRICOR INSURANCE

2001 W. Beltline Hwy., Suite 201 Madison, WI 53713 Phone 877-468-7426 john@tricorinsurance.com www.tricorinsurance.com TRICOR now insures over 150 public schools. TRICOR’s School Practice Team is made up of a diverse group of experienced individuals who are extensively trained (30+ years experience) and specialized in school insurance products, risk management, support services, loss control, human resources and claims advocacy

NATIONAL INSURANCE SERVICES OF WISCONSIN, INC. 250 South Executive Dr., Suite 300 Brookfield, WI 53005-4273 Phone 800-627-3660 slaudon@nisbenefits.com www.NISBenefits.com National Insurance Services has been a specialist in public sector benefits since 1969. Our insured products include: Health, Dental, Disability, Life and Long-Term Care Insurance. Our

UNITED HEALTHCARE

WILLIS OF WISCONSIN, INC. 400 N. Executive Dr., Suite 300 Brookfield, WI 53005 www.willis.com Public sector practice

LEGAL SERVICES BUELOW VETTER BUIKEMA OLSON & VLIET LLC 20855 Watertown Rd., Suite 200 Waukesha, WI 53186 Phone: 262.364.0300 www.buelowvetter.com The attorneys at Buelow Vetter have decades of experience in representing school boards across the State of Wisconsin. We advise school boards and administrators on a variety of issues from labor and employment to student discipline and expulsion.

VON BRIESEN & ROPER, S.C. 411 E Milwaukee Ave Ste 1000 Milwaukee, WI 53202 Phone: 414-287-1122 www.vonbriesen.com The Government Group at von Briesen & Roper is dedicated to ingenuity and creativity in helping schools solve their most complex legal and organizational problems. Challenge us to help you challenge the status quo.

STRANG, PATTESON, RENNING, LEWIS & LACY, S.C. 660 W. Washington Ave, Ste 303 Madison, WI 53703 Phone: 844-626-0901 www.strangpatteson.com We provide legal counsel on a full range of issues that school and higher education institution clients confront on a regular basis.

SOCIAL MEDIA CONSULTING #SOCIALSCHOOL4EDU 208 N. Columbia St New Auburn, WI 54757 Phone: 715-205-0429 www.socialschool4edu.com Servicing schools with media implementation, management, training and speaking.

SUPPORTING, PROMOTING AND ADVANCING PUBLIC EDUCATION

Registration Open! Network with colleagues. Learn from state and national experts. Get inspired and re-energized. Celebrate public education.

Attend the WASB/WASDA/WASBO State Education Convention

For more information, visit wasb.org/convention.