Wisconsin School News - November 2016 by WASB

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T H A N K YO U S P O N S O R S ! DIAMOND PLATINUM November 2016 | Volume 71 Number 4 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 n WASB OFFICERS n

John H. Ashley Executive Director

Stu Olson Shell Lake, Region 1 President

GENERAL SPONSORS

Capt. Terry McCloskey, USN Retired

Three Lakes, Region 2 1st Vice President

Mary Jo Rozmenoski Black River Falls, Region 6 2nd Vice President

Wanda Owens Barneveld, Region 9 Immediate Past President n WASB BOARD OF DIRECTORS n Mike Blecha Green Bay, Region 3

Brett Hyde Muskego-Norway, Region 11

Bill Yingst, Sr. Durand, Region 4

Nancy Thompson Waterloo, Region 12

Rick Eloranta Owen-Withee, Region 5

Rosanne Hahn Burlington, Region 13

Elizabeth Hayes Fond du Lac, Region 7

Terrence Falk Milwaukee, Region 14

Steve Klessig Brillion, Region 8

Ron Frea Pewaukee, Region 15

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

SPECIAL CONVENTION PREVIEW ISSUE

T U E S D AY

W E D N E S D AY

January 17, 2017

January 18, 2017

T H U R S DAY

F R I D AY

January 19, 2017

January 20, 2017

STUDENT SHOWCASE

EXHIBIT HALL

SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE

REGISTRATION FORM

EXHIBITORS

C O L U M N S

Andy Zellmer Montello, Region 10

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 © 2016 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

3 Viewpoint — It Starts With Us 29 Legal Comment — Employment-Based Retaliation Claims 32 Capitol Watch

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EL-SH29-0916

VIEWPOINT

Jo h n H . A s h l e y

THE 2017 STATE EDUCATION CONVENTION:

“It Starts With Us”

he decisions that you make as local school leaders — school board members and administrators — profoundly impact our schools and, ultimately, the learning of our students. It has been well established by research that the work you do in establishing your district’s vision and mission as well as setting policy, budgeting and advocating for your schools is directly connected to the classroom. Hence, the theme of the upcoming 2017 WASB-WASDA-WASBO State Education Convention is “It Starts With Us.” Taking place January 18-20 in Milwaukee, the annual convention, now in its 96th year, provides three days of programming designed specifically for Wisconsin school leaders. Whether you are new to your position or a seasoned veteran, the convention will provide an abundance of learning and networking opportunities. This special issue of Wisconsin School News highlights the many break-out sessions, keynote speakers, special events and opportunities that will take place. I’m proud to announce that our three general session keynote speakers are David Horsager, Liz Murray and Fredi Lajvardi. Mr. Horsager is the bestselling author of “The Trust Edge.” He has worked with companies and organizations around the world and is known for his insightful keynote addresses focused on how to establish trust

personally and as an organization. Ms. Murray brings forth an inspiring message on the power of education. After living as a homeless teenager on the streets of New York City, she was able to turn her life around and get a scholarship to Harvard University because of her dedication and passion for learning. Her memoir, “Breaking Night,” is an international bestseller and the basis of a Lifetime movie, “From Homeless to Harvard.” Mr. Lajvardi is a nationally recognized STEM educator. His story was told in the acclaimed documentary “Underwater Dreams” and the recent major motion picture “Spare Parts.” Both tell the amazing story of how Lajvardi and a team of diverse, migrant students entered a university-level national underwater robotics competition. They not only proved their skills and ability to compete at that level, but they placed first, defeating leading universities, including MIT. The 2017 State Education Convention will also include dozens of timely and informative break-out sessions led by Wisconsin school districts, business partners, and other public education experts and stakeholders. They will cover a wide range of school leadership topics including school finance, board governance, community engagement, student achievement, and much more. You’ll also want to check out our

pre-convention workshops to get even more out of your convention experience. You’ll be able to delve more deeply into school finance, effective board governance, culturally relevant teaching or adolescent mental health issues. In addition, thanks to our generous and committed sponsors, there will be a number of networking opportunities. You will be able to share ideas with school leaders from around the state and learn about possible solutions for some of the complex challenges you are facing. With our inspiring keynote speakers, dozens of break-out sessions, and other special events, there will be something of interest for everyone who attends. This special issue of Wisconsin School News provides a comprehensive overview of the upcoming convention, but it’s not the complete agenda. Watch for updates from the WASB and visit wasb.org/convention for more information on the sessions, speakers, and other events, including the large exhibit hall, which is on pace to be sold out by January. Also, I encourage you to download the complimentary 2017 State Education Convention mobile app when it becomes available later this year. Watch your email and the convention website for a link. In the meantime, make sure to mark your calendars for January 18-20 in Milwaukee. I look forward to seeing you there! n

If you haven’t already, visit wasb.org /convention for updates. Connect with the WASB!

Twitter @wischoolboards

Facebook on.fb.me/1NBrEJq November 2016

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

1 7 , 2 0 1 7

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

 Culturally Relevant Leadership: Strategies for Success for ALL Students

Although culturally relevant teaching has received a lot of attention over the last few decades, individual classroom teachers need the support of their administrators and policy makers. This workshop speaks Dr. Gloria to how administrators and board members Ladson-Billings can cooperate with the tenets of culturally relevant teaching to ensure academic, cultural, and social success for ALL students. Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings is the Kellner Family Distinguished Professor in Urban Education in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Ladson-Billings is known for her groundbreaking work in the fields of culturally relevant pedagogy and critical race theory. She is author of “The Dreamkeepers: Successful Teachers of African-American Children.”



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 decision-making. Leave the session 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 students. DPI School Finance Team and Practicing School Business Officials



Pediatric Brain Development: From Conception to Maturity

The mental health of our students is becoming a growing area of concern for school leaders and policy makers. Dr. Brian

Fidlin, a Milwaukee-based clinical psychologist and nationally recognized speaker on pediatric brain development, substance abuse/dependency and obesity, has a unique way of helping parents and educators gain a better understanding of children, adolescents, and the issues they face. This workshop will be a straight-forward discussion of adolescent brain development and the impact it has on decision-making, emotions and risk taking. Special emphasis will be placed on current trends in adolescent mental health issues and the topic of substance abuse. The discussion will identify the warning signs that a child may be having problems and is in need of professional help. Dr. Brian Fidlin is a clinical psychologist at Milwaukee Psychiatrists & Psychologists Chartered and previously was the director of an adolescent chemical dependency program.

Improving School Board Effectiveness: A Balanced Governance



School boards are under increasing scrutiny by a public that demands high levels of board continuity and effectiveness. At the same time, newspaper accounts of “boards behaving badly” has raised questions over whether locally elected school board Dr. Thomas Alsbury members are qualified to fulfill their role. Thomas Alsbury has been deemed by many as a top expert in school governance and is author of “Improving School Board Effectiveness: A Balanced Governance,” a new and highly effective model for school boards; fast becoming the new standard for district governance. Learn from Dr. Alsbury about how to apply the latest board research so that you can be more effective both individually and as a whole board, avoid the typical political challenges faced by most board members, and better support students. Dr. Thomas Alsbury is Professor of Educational Leadership at Seattle Pacific University, and former teacher, principal, and district administrator. He currently co-directs the National University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA) Center for Research on the Superintendency and District Governance.

| Pre-Delegate Assembly Discussion Tuesday, Jan. 17, 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.

Wisconsin School News

W E D N E S DAY

General Session

J A N U A R Y

10 am – Noon | Wisconsin Center Presiding: Todd Gray, WASDA President, Waukesha School District

1 8 , 2 0 1 7

| David

Horsager

“Without trust, schools and organizations lose productivity, retention of good people, reputation, morale and revenue.”

Todd Gray

Tony Evers

The 96th State Education Convention will open with a performance by the Indian Trail High School and Academy Wind Ensemble from the Kenosha Unified School District. State Superintendent Tony Evers will share his vision for public education in Wisconsin. Presentations will include: administrator and teacher awards as well as the Wisconsin Student Art Award. Keynote Speaker David Horsager will wrap up the general session with an inspiring keynote address on developing trust and making an impact on the lives of students each day.

W E D NE S DAY

K E Y NOT E

Trust is a fundamental, bottom line issue. Without it, leaders lose teams, salespeople lose sales, and organizations lose reputation, retention of good people, relationships and revenue. But with trust, individuals and organizations enjoy greater creativity, productivity, freedom, and results. Through academic research and firsthand experience, David Horsager has learned what it takes to gain — and keep — The Trust Edge. Through a captivating presentation, David combines humor and illustrations with business insight and analysis. He will show you how the little

S P E A K E R

things, done consistently, add up to huge results. David has worked to develop trusted leaders and organizations on six continents, with clients ranging from the New York Yankees to Goodyear and the Department of Homeland Security. David has enjoyed serving in a number of leadership roles, from ethics commissioner to executive producer to director on a variety of boards. David’s newest release, “The Daily Edge: Simple Strategies to Increase Efficiency and Make an Impact Every Day” follows his national bestseller “The Trust Edge.”

W E D N E S D A Y Break-out Sessions PLEASE NOTE: Sessions may be updated or added. For an up-to-date schedule (with times and room numbers), visit wasb.org/convention.  MakerSpaces, Fab Labs, Innovation

and Project-Based Learning

Learn about all aspects of the MakerSpaces movement, and how these tools benefit your students. Find out about the three basic types (and also a fourth mobile option). Explore how to implement MakerSpaces into your classroom, library, and/or community. How do MakerSpaces support learning in a hands-on, inquiry-based environment? Learn about their big impact in the English-language learner communities. Racine Unified School District

and watch videos about how to become more effective leaders, but how much of what we review actually gets turned into quality leadership? This interactive session will highlight key characteristics of effective district leadership, and explore meaningful ways to take what we have learned and make it count. As change leaders in our districts, we must not only be well read and informed, we must understand how to employ the ideals that we so often learn about. Frederic School District

the Achievement Gap Consortium. Learn about ways to address an achievement gap in your district, motivate reluctant learners, find resources for taking students to the next level, and build relationships in your school community. Participants will learn how the collaborative work of public, private and parochial schools have been able to incrementally improve school cultures through professional development and focused leadership development. Brown Deer School District

 Collaboration, Commitment,

and Closing the Achievement Gap

 Financial

 Leadership

We read leadership books and articles,

This dynamic session will address the ground-breaking work of the Closing

Learn more about the financial roles and responsibilities of school board

Journey: Becoming the Leaders We Read About

Roles & Responsibilities of School Board Members

November 2016

W E D N E S D AY | J A N 1 8 members, including the relevant state statutes, as well as policy development and budgeting practices and procedures. WASB  Well, What

Did You Expect?

The relationship between board expectations and student achievement has been well established. Session attendees will discuss how students and fellow board members benefit from expectations or become the victims of them. Without regularly reviewing our expectations, it is easy to become set in our ways. Learn how to set expectations that ultimately result in enhanced student achievement.

 Leadership

Starts with Us: Effective Board & Superintendent Partnerships

Hear from a superintendent, board member, and coach about how to foster effective partnerships between the board and superintendent. Learn how to identify clear, measurable annual goals and structure multiple cycles of progress updating and adjusting to achieve those goals. Superintendents and boards can model for the entire district how to narrow the focus, apply data to decision-making, and celebrate short and long-term successes. Studer Education  Going

to Referendum? What We Learned the Second Time

School District of Stockbridge

After a failed initial referendum, the Durand-Arkansaw School District learned some key C O M P L I M E N T A R Y lessons that led to Morning REFRESHMENTS the eventual passing of a referendum. A light, complimentary breakfast will be available This session will to all convention attendees in the Exhibit Hall focus on the process from 9-10 am on Wednesday, Jan. 18. the district went Sponsored by The Insurance Center and Go 365 by Humana. through to gather the essential data to

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. 18 at 8 am in Ballroom AB of the Wisconsin Center to learn everything you need to know to get the most from your convention experience.

define the scope of the project, the community engagement, the tax impact, and the lessons learned from the first referendum. Durand-Arkansaw School District  Sit

in the Driver’s Seat of Your Next Construction Project

One of the largest and most complex decisions that you will make in your career is hiring the right design and construction team for your district. Understanding which construction delivery system is right for your district will put you in the driver’s seat so that you feel confident in your team selection. This session is for participants interested in learning what options are available for school districts. Somerville, Inc.  Using

Collaboration to Meet Regional Economic Needs

Learn about collaborative efforts between a technical college, local industry, and a rural high school that began with identifying the needs of the local and regional job market, developing relevant curriculum and programming to match the local economic needs, and increasing student participation in college coursework. School District of Bonduel

Your School

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Wisconsin School News

 Here’s The

Data! Now What?

Learn how PBIS and RtI systems can be used together for decisionmaking. Hear about one elementary school’s journey toward effectively integrating academic and behavioral data at the systems level. Through

the use of surveys, shared leadership, and collaboration, participants will walk through writing a School Improvement Plan. Sparta School District  The

Power of All of Us, All in One Place, the WDLC

Come discuss how the state education department, a consortium of districts, an education service agency, and school districts large and small collaborate to create online and blended learning experiences. Through this equitable access called the Wisconsin Digital Learning Collaborative (WDLC) each partner autonomously implements online and blended learning. Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction  We

are All in This Together

Hear how one district reduced its suicide rate in half in three years. Learn about trauma-informed care, which is important not only for students but also staff. Building resilience is the key to a healthy overall environment. Somerset School District  Maximizing Learning for Every

Child, Every Day

Learning improves when teachers truly collaborate in seeing learning through the eyes of their students,

| 2017

helping students take responsibility for their own learning, and believing all students can learn challenging curriculum. Learn how to support teachers, students, parents, and administrators to maximize learning for every child, every day. CESA 7  Taking

Community Engagement to the Next Level

historical data and analyzing where you’ve come from, this presents the opportunity to better understand the ‘what if’ questions. Forecast5 Analytics

C OMING S OON: Convention App

The 2017 Wisconsin State Education Convention mobile app for Android and iPhone will be available soon. The app will include the convention schedule, maps, session descriptions, and more.

After two failed referendums, the Hudson school Sponsored by Baird Public Finance, Delta Dental and WEA Trust board used strategies from the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) to develop a  Continuity and Succession four-stage, community engagement Planning for School Administrators process that was implemented by a team of board members, administraLarge and small districts are chaltors and community members. Learn lenged to sustain programming how this new level of engagement led during transitions of key district to the successful approval of Hudleaders. Districts can prepare for son’s referendum. these changes through proactive Hudson School District planning and leadership capacity. This work should begin at the board  Navigating and Sharing Your level to solidify the mission and District’s Financial Future vision of the district to drive the To be effective as school district search for new administrators. leaders, administrators must be strategists who turn data into information. Learn how one district is maintaining a wide field of view by building a budget and developing a long-term forecast as part of the same exercise. By having organized

WASB Delegate Assembly

St. Francis School District  Preparing Today’s

Students for Tomorrow’s Opportunities

Learn about two initiatives started by neighboring school districts that

| Wednesday, January 18, 1:30 pm — Wisconsin Center

Vote on the policies that will guide the association’s legislative agenda. Delegates will meet in Ballroom AB of the Wisconsin Center at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, Jan. 18. 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. 17 in the Crystal Ballroom at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center Hotel. New delegates are invited to

a Convention/Delegate Assembly orientation meeting in Ballroom AB at 8 am on Wednesday, Jan. 18. 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 member board has one vote.

November 2016

W E D N E S D AY | J A N 1 8 connect students to career and technical education opportunities. The Cambria-Friesland Career Coalition is a K-12 development tool that allows the students of Cambria-Friesland Schools to explore local and regional career path opportunities. The Pardeeville School District brought together public educators, business leaders, and post-secondary professionals to align local career and technical education opportunities to meet regional business employment needs. Cambria-Friesland School District  Why WISELearn? Access

and Equity for all Wisconsin Learners

Participants in this session will walk through a sneak peak of the WISELearn Educator Portal, a digital content repository, being crowdsourced by Wisconsin educators for Wisconsin educators. Learn how to become involved and support educators ready to contribute to a global economy of sharing. CESA 4

Wisconsin School News

 The Art

of Advocacy From a School Board Perspective

Legislation and the relative lack of state funding have influenced the manner in which districts statewide function today. This session will provide tips and ideas on how and why to stay closely connected with legislators to inform them of the impact their decisions have on their local schools and constituents. Howard-Suamico School District  Community

Engagement: 3 Steps to Leverage Social Media

Real engagement is about meeting your community where they are at. When looking around, it doesn’t take long to see that students, teachers and parents direct most of their attention to their smartphones. This session will highlight the three keys to leveraging social media for

NETWORKING Reception Wed., Jan. 18, 4:30-5:30 pm Hilton Milwaukee City Center

Relax with your colleagues and enjoy refreshments courtesy of BoardDocs, Forecast5 Analytics, and Security Health Plan. All attendees and exhibitors welcome.

your school to increase community engagement — content, consistency and community. The actionable steps will be reinforced by real examples used in the Edgar School District. #SocialSchool4EDU  Got Character? How Socio-Emotional

Skills Matter for Achievement

Learn how a diverse school community studied academic ambition and school performance with a growth mindset in an effort to develop life skills that promote enhanced

academic achievement for ALL students. Participants will learn: 1) how student voice develops student agency; 2) the importance of cultural competencies for all staff; and 3) how developing character in your students leads to social justice and closing achievement gaps. Brown Deer School District  SAA

Legislative Update

There is always something going on in the State Capitol that directly impacts school board members and administrators. Learn how the School Administrators Alliance’s (SAA) rationale for change and several components of its new proactive approach to advocacy are working. Time will be provided for questions and answers and informal information sharing. School Administrators Alliance  Data

Privacy Matters: What School Leaders Need to Know

Learn about best practices used in three Wisconsin districts to address the balance of advancing technology and learning goals while ensuring digital privacy, safety and security. Presenters will share relevant national and local policies and the implications they have on Wisconsin

districts as well as some best practices that can be implemented to address them. Stevens Point Area Public School District  Communication is Key:

Before, During and After a Crisis

In the event of a crisis, how you communicate about the situation can be as important as how you manage it. Learn from two school communications professionals who, unfortunately, have amassed experience communicating during various crisis situations. Wisconsin School Public Relations Association  Passing Tax

“New Normal”

Referenda in the

This best practice session provides a comprehensive model for success for school finance elections. The content represents a marriage of research and successful practice, emphasizing systems and strategies. This presentation will be beneficial to school districts planning an initial debt issuance or referendum to exceed the revenue limit, or to those coming back for another try. Springsted Incorporated

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES FOR EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES

Diversity Through Grow Your Own Programs

Over the past two decades, the Verona Area School District (VASD) has undergone significant demographic changes — more than 30 percent of the district’s students are now students of color. VASD has approached these changes as an asset and looks to our community as a resource for diversifying our staff. Learn how to develop and maintain Grow Your Own teacher programs for support staff and high school students. Verona Area School District

R E G IS T R AT ION When arriving at the Wisconsin Center, proceed to the third floor for convention registration (sponsored by BoardDocs).

 Tackling Your Top Three

Healthcare Cost Drivers

The U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other nation with expensive medical conditions — cancer, diabetes and mental health — consistently driving up total healthcare costs. Not only do these conditions directly affect costs of employees and employers, they are often lifetime diagnoses where those affected should have convenient and low-cost care options. Learn how these conditions affect districts and what they can do to address them. WEA Trust  Monitoring

Energy Costs

Count on Balestrieri, the leading specialist in environmental services, for your next project. We offer turn-key solutions, from lead and asbestos abatement to interior demolition and hazardous waste removal. With decades of successful environmental service projects for all types of educational facilities, we understand what it takes to meet and exceed your expectations.

800.453.2965 www.BalestrieriGroup.com

 Improving Teacher

0337-0816

and Managing

This session will cover energy: its history, importance, uses, and production. Learn about energy cost volatility, opportunities to save energy in facilities, and how to identify equipment in need of replacement. Presenters will also discuss when it is appropriate to use an energy model, how to conduct interviews, and how to evaluate energy bills. H&H Energy Services

November 2016

W E D N E S D AY | J A N 1 8 A

Collaborative Approach to Serving Our Youngest Population

Learn about a consortium of rural districts that joined together to address the educational and socio-emotional needs of early childhood students. Presenters will discuss the development of the consortium in addition to the unique service delivery methods, including a parent coaching model, designed to fully address the diverse needs of our youngest students. Barron Area School District  Our

Journey to Reduce Healthcare Costs and Design an Onsite Clinic

The Watertown Unified School District has looked at new ways to create cost-saving measures that will not reduce programs for students nor negatively impact staff. A part of that journey has been to explore how to reduce healthcare costs. Hear about the district’s three-tier insurance plan and the implementation of an onsite clinic. Learn about their successes and failures, and how to get started on pursuing an onsite clinic. Watertown Unified School District  Engaging

Stakeholders for Continuous Improvement

In order for true continuous improvement to occur, every single person must engage in the process — from parents and community members to each member of the staff. In this session, the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District will explain the systems and processes used to engage all stakeholders in goal-setting, goal alignment, action planning, and improvement processes. Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District  Access

to Public Records & Personnel Files

School districts are frequently subject to public records requests, and districts face significant liability if they do not respond in a timely and accurate manner. This session will cover the basics of Wisconsin’s

Wisconsin School News

| Invitation

to Administrative Assistants

The convention registration fee will be waived for school district administrative assistants who attend the State Education Convention. Administrative assistants can attend any of the breakout sessions at the Convention as well as the General Sessions and the Exhibit Hall. Meals and other fee-based events are not included. Eligible individuals must be designated as administrative assistants in the WASB database.

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. WASB  How

Employee Onboarding and Engagement Can Help My Organization

How can you strategically bring on employees so they live your mission? Once on board, how do you know how employees are feeling about their work? Learn how to employ strategies to onboard your new employees and truly listen to and learn from staff concerning how

engaged and satisfied they are with your school district and leadership. Pewaukee School District  Construction

A Basic Primer

Contracting 101:

Have you been part of a school building project, but felt intimidated because you didn’t have a background in construction? Is your board considering a facility project and you need to understand how to manage the risk of such an important expenditure? Learn the basics of contracting with design and construction firms, how a construction project is insured, and the importance of working with the right advisors. Hoffman Planning, Design and Construction, Inc.

Visit the Convention WEBSITE

Check wasb.org/convention for a detailed convention schedule and the latest updates and announcements. The website also includes a customizable itinerary for convention sessions and events.

 Create

a True Professional Learning Community (PLC)

Wondering how to create a school with a collaborative culture and a total focus on students while empowering your teachers at the same time? It all starts with a vision and mission and some courageous staff willing to take the lead. Get ideas, surveys, schedules, and information on becoming a true PLC. Bruce School District

 E3

— HASD’s Journey to Mental Wellness

The Hortonville Area School District’s E3 (Engage, Education, and Empower) program is part of its journey to mental wellness. Students need to feel emotionally safe in order to learn at the highest level. This district developed a comprehensive K-12 collaborative partnership with three agencies as a model for student mental wellness. Hear their story and the statistics on how this program has impacted their district. Hortonville Area School District  Strategic Development of

Teacher Compensation

Human resource directors from four Wisconsin school districts will

M OB IL IT Y Solutions Electric scooters are available for rental from On the Go Mobility, a local Milwaukee company. Call 414-228-7100 or visit onthegomobility.com to make your reservation. Scooters are not provided by the convention center so advanced booking with On the Go mobility is strongly recommended.

present their teacher compensation models, including incentives for increasing teachers’ knowledge and skills, creating professional growth opportunities, and improving student performance. DeForest School District

Providing WISCONSIN SCHOOL DISTRICTS with INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS for more than 35 years.

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920.731.2322

November 2016

T H U R S DAY

General Session

J A N U A R Y

3 – 5 pm | Wisconsin Center Presiding: Stu Olson, WASB President, Shell Lake School District

1 9 , 2 0 1 7

| Liz

Murray

“I started to grasp the value of the lessons learned while living on the streets. I knew after overcoming those daily obstacles that next to nothing could hold me down.”

Stu Olson

The Fort Atkinson High School Jazz Ensemble will kick off the second general session of the 96th State Education Convention. Wisconsin school board members who have served 20, 30, or 40 years will be recognized during a special ceremony. WASB President Stu Olson will reflect on his year as WASB president before handing the gavel onto the next WASB president. Liz Murray, best-selling author of “Breaking Night,” will share her triumphant story of overcoming homelessness at age 15 to graduating from Harvard University on a full scholarship.

T H U R S DAY

K E Y NOT E

Liz Murray’s life is a triumph over adversity and a stunning example of the importance of dreaming big. Murray’s life as the child of cocaineaddicted parents in the Bronx was bitterly grim. By age 15, Murray’s mom had died and she was homeless — living on the streets, riding the subway all night, and eating from dumpsters. Amidst this pain, Murray always imagined her life could be much better than it was. Determined to take charge of her life, Murray finished high school in just two years and was awarded a full scholarship to Harvard University, all while

S P E A K E R

camping out in New York City parks and subway stations. Murray’s story is exhilarating and inspirational. Her delivery is innocently honest, as she takes audiences on a very personal journey where she achieves the improbable. Her memoir, “Breaking Night,” landed on the New York Times best seller list within a week of its release and quickly became an international bestseller. Murray is passionate about speaking on the importance of personal motivation, transforming problems into opportunities, and what it takes to make a difference in people’s lives.

T H U R S D A Y Break-out Sessions PLEASE NOTE: Sessions may be updated or added. For an up-to-date schedule (with times and room numbers), visit wasb.org/convention.  Go Go Gadgets

Have you ever wondered what new technologies are currently being used in schools, as well as what lies ahead for amazing technologies? Some of the technologies that will be featured are: Double Robotics Robot, Myo Armband, Spheros, augmented reality, virtual reality, and many more. Sheboygan Area School District  Building Community Support for

Facilities Starts with Us Muskego-Norway School District administration, board members and key partners will provide participants with the strategies they deployed to engage the community in a compre-

Wisconsin School News

hensive master planning process. Learn about specific communication tools and collaboration strategies that resulted in community support of a referendum. The team will share the effective steps deployed and lessons learned along the way. Muskego-Norway School District

engaging, solutions-based dialogue with school leaders on what can be done to address the social and emotional needs of all students.

 Narrowing and Closing the Achieve-

The welcoming of law enforcement in schools presents additional hurdles and challenges, including an increased risk of liability. This session explores the necessity of contracting with law enforcement for presence in schools, use of surveillance cameras in buildings and on buses, and interrogation of students.

ment Gap Must Begin with Addressing the Social and Emotional Gap

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

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee  Law Enforcement in Schools and

Education Under Arrest

von Briesen and Roper, s.c.

 Open Session on School Law Issues

Ask presenting attorneys any questions related to school law or a policy issue. Feel free to come with your own questions or simply listen to the discussion. Wisconsin School Attorneys Association  Cash Reserve (Fund Balance) and

Long-Term Fiscal Health

Presenters will explain the importance of fund balance and illuminate criteria for why sustaining a strong fund balance is crucial to the fiscal health of a school district. This session will cover the effect of cash reserve on cash flow, and the items of fund balance board policy that should be in place. CESA 1  Strategic

Planning: Strategies for Plan Deployment and Monitoring

Learn about the WASB Strategic Planning Process, which involves community input, administrative leadership, and school board endorsement. The session will also highlight a deployment process for the strategic plan and procedures for monitoring plan progress through the school board’s regular work activities. WASB  How Are Wisconsin School Districts

Preparing for Unwanted Threats?

Panelists will share how they have proactively taken steps to train their administration, staff and students. ALICE Training provides options and bullying awareness provides prevention. Leave motivated to implement safety procedures in your district. Howard-Suamico School District  Beyond

Branding: Living Your Mission and Vision Every Day

Five years ago, the Sheboygan Falls Schools District began a journey to develop its mission, vision and commitments. From staff, to the board, to administration and the community, the district is engaging its stakeholders to help develop the district climate where schools are viewed as the community’s greatest asset. Sheboygan Falls School District

 Hot Topics in Instructional

Leadership

This session will outline three current hot topics related to instructional leadership: future-focused leadership, creating the conditions for instructional success, and the educator as an advocate. Board members and district administrators will be equipped to go back home and understand what they are looking for when they ask the question, “How are we implementing this work?” DeForest School District  High Expectations and Opportunities

for Poverty in Education

Learn how the HOPE (High Expectations and Opportunities for Poverty in Education) Center at CESA 6 works with districts to help them gain key skills and practical strategies for academic success for students living in poverty. Through the HOPE

Center, districts realize the benefits of fully engaged students. CESA 6  Focus on Wisconsin Schools:

How to Fund Energy Efficiency

Learn about Focus on Energy and the Wisconsin Office of Energy Innovation’s Municipal Energy Efficiency Technical Assistance Program. These two statewide entities are helping schools save money through expert advice, educational resources, and financial incentives. Attendees will learn how to utilize funding options and energy-efficient strategies from these two agencies to help implement energy-saving projects in their district. Focus on Energy  Tools & Strategies for Effective

Evaluation in Science/STEM

This session will engage participants in sharing their work in program evaluation, specifically in the contexts of

THURSDAY MEAL & NETWORKING PROGRAMS | WASB Breakfast Program Thursday, Jan. 19, 7-8:30am | Pre-registration required, $36 Crystal Ballroom, Hilton Milwaukee City Center Be a Possibilitarian. In this high-energy, enthusiastic, and sometimes hard-hitting presentation, Dr. JoAnne Owens-Nauslar will share lessons she has learned from being a Possibilitarian — someone who is highly Dr. JoAnne optimistic, every day. Considered one of the nation’s most vocal Owens-Nauslar personalities on the importance of needing to “move to improve,” Dr. Jo talks about how you must take care of yourself before helping others. A former teacher and physical education advocate, Dr. Jo will share four of the most vital parts of being a Possibilitarian … laughing, learning, sharing, and networking. In addition, she will teach us how to adjust our attitudes and cope in this sometimes stressful, high-anxiety world we live in. Her presentation is not only high-energy and powerful, it’s downright fun. Dr. JoAnne Owens-Nauslar has spent 43 years promoting the benefits of healthy active living. She is a past president of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Dr. Jo taught at all levels and was the Director of Professional Development for the American School Health Association.

WASDA Luncheon

WASBO Luncheon

Thursday, Jan. 19, Noon – 1:15 pm Pre-registration required, $38

Hosted by the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators, featuring the 2017 Superintendent of the Year. This is a ticketed event and requires pre-registration.

Join the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials at its annual luncheon. Hear from the 2017 Wisconsin School Business Official of the Year. This is a ticketed event and requires pre-registration.

November 2016

T H U R S D AY | J A N 1 9

2017 Spouse

science and STEM curriculum. Presenters will review two tools to support this work: a self-reflection rubric for STEM programs developed by STEM Wisconsin and an instructional resources review tool for science. Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction  Let’s Go Southern Door! How

Healthcare and School Partnerships Can Engage Students, Staff, and Community in Health and Wellness

The Southern Door County School District partnered with Ministry Medical Center to open a full-service, year-round community clinic at the school in 2016. Learn about this unique model, how you can start your own school-based clinic, and explore opportunities to strengthen engagement of students, staff, and community in healthy lifestyles. Southern Door County School District  Trending: Matching/Vesting to

Improve Recruitment and Retention

Many districts now offer matching and vesting contributions through their 403(b) programs to improve recruitment and retention of quality staff. However, the details of your program and how it’s communicated will determine its success. Hear one district’s experience, including why they made the decision, how the rollout process worked, staff response, and the impact on recruitment and retention. WEA Member Benefits  System Alignment

Improvement

for Continuous

Learn about a process used to collect data at the school and system level to help schools assess the status of critical system supports, to define system targets for intervention and to develop action plans that address observed barriers to successful school improvement efforts. CESA 2  A Unique Program for Students Aged

aged 18-21 with special education needs in a residential environment. Burlington Area School District  Board/Superintendent Relations

and the Importance of the Superintendent Evaluation

Relationships are a cornerstone of an effective school board. This session will provide some key factors and tips in establishing and maintaining a strong working relationship between the school board and superintendent. The presentation will also introduce key components of a superintendent evaluation system that provides feedback focused on continuous improvement and promotes a team building relationship. WASB  Wisconsin School Funding —

Contributing to Educational Opportunity Roadblocks?

A new study released by the Association for Equity in Funding has answers to an important question: “Does the Wisconsin school funding model have a negative impact on student outcome?” The analysis of 10 years of data demonstrate that our school funding model actually contributes to inequity of educational opportunity – and the results impact every school district in the state. Association for Equity in Funding  Using Future Search to Engage

Your Community

Hear how three very different districts engaged their community in a thoughtful and deliberate process. Using a methodology called Future Search, each of these districts brought their whole system together (represented by over 100 citizens). Over three days, they determined a common ground, a shared vision, and specific outcomes that helped to shape the district’s priorities for the next decade. WASDA

18-21 Years Old with Special Needs

 Community, Fab Labs and Kaizen:

Learn how two school districts developed and operate an individualized program to meet the needs of students

Ripon Area School District hosted a kaizen event facilitated by a third

Wisconsin School News

Rethinking Tech Ed in Ripon

EXCURSION Harley-Davidson Museum Thursday, Jan 19 Take a tour of the Harley-Davidson Museum. See the best of American design and culture — seasoned with freedom and rebellion, showcased in a landmark building. Spouse excursion includes lunch at the Harley-Davidson’s Motor Restaurant.

party that brought together industry and educational leaders to plan and design space within a new facility to prepare both students and community members for careers in manufacturing and engineering. Learn how you can tap into the expertise in your district. Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP  Data Leadership with WISExplore

Learn about Wisconsin’s data leadership efforts and the public data sources available to school board members, district staff and the community. Learn how to navigate the WISEdash public portal and about new data. Presentation slides will provide step-by-step instructions and tips to navigate the data dashboards. Department of Public Instruction  Removing Educational Barriers:

Leveraging Video Technology

Are you struggling to hire or retain teachers? Do you wish you could provide more dual-credit opportunities for your students? Is there a need for career training in your school and community? Does your district have a need for a plan to provide more for students with less funding? Remove educational barriers by leveraging video technology. Riverdale School District  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. Department of Public Instruction 

Equalization Aid

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. This session will cover every level of experience. Department of Public Instruction

UNSESSIONS: Share & Gain Ideas 

I Saw it on Facebook

Have you stepped up efforts to “get out the word” about your district only to be attacked, rebuffed or discredited in social media platforms? Attendees are invited to share and talk about strategies they have used to advance positive district messaging and to disrupt or disarm negative social media messaging. Bring ideas and strategies to share and learn from others. Verona Area School District

Board Governance: Roundtable Discussions



Participate in roundtable discussions with experienced school board members and WASB experts on any topic of interest to you. Discuss what you’ve learned in earlier sessions or come with specific questions. Whether you are a new board member or a seasoned veteran, this session will give you the opportunity to get the insight of board members from around the state. WASB

 New Law Update

WASB staff will review legal developments over the last year, including new laws and significant court cases and administrative actions. Topics covered include the Every Student Succeeds Act, Wisconsin laws adopted in 2016, recent guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. WASB  Academic & Career Planning:

How it Started in Mishicot!

While schools have many college and career opportunities in place, random acts of career development do not equal true academic and career planning (ACP). The path to move beyond an elective or add-on experience for some students to an integrated, personalized journey for every student will require a systems approach. Learn about one district’s ACP approach, which moved posthigh school planning from a counselor activity to one that is created and driven by every student. Mishicot School District

Impact of Voucher and Charters on Wisconsin Public Schools



Learn about the effects, issues and concerns about school vouchers and charter schools at the local and statewide levels. Information will be shared about specific local school districts as well as statewide information. WASBO

The New and Evolving Threats to Cyber Security



Presenters will begin with addressing social media risks, strategies to combat those risks, and recommendations for the appropriate use of social media. Special emphasis will be placed on Facebook security settings, the value of Twitter in mass notification, and acceptable use policies. Presenters will also address current cyber extortion threats, such as ransomeware, and shed light on electronic device theft patterns while equipping attendees with

methods and resources to protect those devices. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

RtI Myths and Misconceptions: Our Journey



Hear about the Adams-Friendship Area School District’s journey of RtI implementation. The district started in 2010 with a committee of representatives from all schools with the task of implementing RtI district-wide. The results were sometimes missing the mark. As the district continued its learning, understanding, and experiences of RtI, it learned better practices and enhanced its system to reflect the true essence of RtI. Adams-Friendship Area School District

Effective Governance Processes: Facilitating a Positive and Productive Board Meeting



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

Open Enrollment and the Special Needs Scholarship Statute



School attorneys will discuss the changes to the open enrollment law for students with disabilities and school district responsibilities under the recently enacted Special Needs Scholarship statute. Presenters will provide practical tips for navigating these complex statutes. Davis & Kuelthau, s.c.

The Many Benefits of eGovernance



Learn how real-world examples of eGovernance technology have dramatically increased transparency in district activities while saving

November 2016

T H U R S D AY | J A N 1 9 organizations time and money. Experience firsthand how board management services have enabled thousands of governing bodies nationwide to leverage the power of next-generation, cloud-based services to become more effective. BoardDocs

Youth Mental Health Training Needs and Solutions



Learn how your district can provide mental health training, awareness and services through reasonable cost options. Hear about one district that has sustained a highly utilized free professional counseling program, the Student and Family Assistance Program. This program supports access to professional counseling free of charge for any family members living in the household as well as all staff and their families over four years of age. Green Schools Network

A Salary Model for Model Teachers



The session will offer a summary of the salary model for teachers implemented by the West Salem School District. It will include a review of the process for developing the model, for transitioning from the old model to the new model, an update of current progress, and a summary of goals for moving forward. West Salem School District

Utilizing Coordinated School Health Policy Strategies to Promote Student Achievement and Success in School



This session will include a review of the Centers for Disease Control’s Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Model and discuss how all of the components work towards

E D U C A T I O N

creating a culture of health in the school environment and in the community. Specific examples of how school district and community partners are successfully utilizing this model will be shared. Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Compensation Framework Focused on Effective Teaching



Follow the journey of Marshall Public Schools in the development and implementation of a compensation framework focused on effective teaching and continuous improvement. Learn about the strategic process used to guide the transition from a traditional salary schedule to a compensation framework with purpose. The resulting compensation framework is grounded in effective teacher practice, along with an expectation of continued professional growth. Marshall Public Schools

T O U R

B3 and Beyond: Three Steps to Save Dollars



Find all the hidden places your district could save money without spending it on actual facility improvements. The session will walk through a three-step process from utility analysis and benchmarking, to a closer look at operations and physical building assessments. The process embarks on a mission to save districts money by working with utility representatives, facility experts, and internal staff to save money. LHB

Collaborative Leadership for Future Ready Digital Schools



Come explore the new Wisconsin Digital Learning Plan and the connected Future Ready resources. State leaders and district panel guests will help lead engaging discussions about effective ways to foster innovative learning, review digital learning policies, develop digital leadership capacity, and learn about valuable state resources. Department of Public Instruction

Wisconsin School News

| Milwaukee Public Schools

International Baccalaureate Schools Tour

Thursday morning, Jan. 19, 8:45-11:45am (times subject to change) Pre-registration required, $5 The MPS International Baccalaureate (IB) Schools Tour will feature two of MPS’s seven IB schools. From the primary grades through a diploma program, MPS was the first district in the state to offer its students the opportunity to take advantage of a full IB continuum. IB is “a non-profit educational foundation offering four highly respected programs of international education that develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills needed to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world.” Take a tour of two MPS IB schools to learn more about this highly rigorous and successful program.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Policy Recommendations



There is no such thing as an average learner in the classroom. Any kind of one-size-fits-all classroom instruction will not reach all learners and will actually create learning barriers for some. UDL asks that the curriculum be designed to remove these barriers. This presentation will focus on the UDL concept and how its implementation removes barriers for learning in the classroom, and public policies that encourage UDL implementation in the classroom. CESA 7

Know the Risk: What to Consider When Transporting Students



Due to a statewide shortage of qualified bus drivers and stretched local budgets, districts are considering alternative transportation means for after-school activities. Hear about the different methods of transportation, the risks present to districts, and best practice strategies to ensure that districts, students, and staff are protected. St. Francis School District

Recruiting and Retaining a New Generation of Teachers



In this session, the presenter will discuss: 1) the mindset and motivations of the Millennial generation; 2) specific compensation package ideas to recruit and retain younger teachers while still being able to attract the experienced, hard-to-find specialist educator; and 3) a paradigm shift in management, evaluation and providing benefits to a new generation of teachers. Associated Financial Group

Long-Term Capital Maintenance Planning



School districts are facing many challenges impacting their operating budgets, including aging infrastructure, decreased funding or declining/ increasing enrollments. To meet these challenges, districts may want to develop a long-term capital maintenance plan that can be incorporated into facilities master-planning

efforts. Learn how one district and its project partners began to address its facility challenges by completing a facilities study and 20-year capital maintenance plan. Eppstein Uhen Architects

Transgender Students: School Districts’ Legal Obligations



The presentation will provide an overview of this fast-developing area of the law and will clarify the scope of a school district’s legal obligations to transgender or gender nonconforming students. It will also give practical guidance regarding the appropriate policies and procedures to follow when a request is received, as well as other best practices designed to minimize the risk of liability. ACLU of Wisconsin 

Economic Update

Wisconsin will experience a higher volume of school debt referenda in 2016 as a result of four regular election dates. Many districts will be facing the challenge of borrowing in what has become a very volatile economic market. Get a base understanding of interest rate volatility, market factors that influence the direction of interest rates and controllable factors that can position the district to reduce the interest cost of its borrowing. Baird Public Finance 

50 Million: Strong It Starts with Us

Presenters will share practical applications illustrating how physical education lessons and before- and after-school activities are designed around the five national standards to result in reaching SHAPE America’s goal to have empowered 50 million of today’s students to lead healthy, active lives by 2029. Attendees will witness activity segments and have opportunities to get up and move. Wisconsin Health and Physical Education

Personalized Learning: Ideas + Research + Application = Results



Want to know more about researchbased personalized learning practices, research findings, and local results that

are used to meet all learners’ needs? Intrigued by the concept of personalized learning, but unsure about the goals or results? Attend this session for a reflective presentation and dialog and walk away with strategic ideas and approaches to transforming the learning experience for all learners. CESA 1 Institute for Personalized Learning

The Value of Measuring Staff and Parent Satisfaction



There is a direct correlation between staff engagement, parent satisfaction and how your community perceives your district. Therefore, quantifying staff and parent satisfaction and engagement is critical. Join the School Perceptions team as they discuss using their indexes to easily identify strengths as well as areas of focus as you work to become the school district of choice. School Perceptions 

Excellence Gaps in Education

In contrast to traditional achievement gaps, which focus on minimal proficiency, excellence gaps represent differences in rates of advanced achievement. Whereas some minimal proficiency gaps have narrowed, income and racial/ethnic excellence gaps have exploded. This session will provide a quick overview of national excellence gaps before getting into specific detail on Wisconsin and district-specific gaps. Attendees will be provided with a template for how to compute their own gaps and ideas for how to mitigate them. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Educator Effectiveness: Increasing Impact



Learn how to engage in educator effectiveness work in a meaningful way. Hear specific lessons learned across the past three years and learn how to use those findings to support your districts. Engage with brand new DPI resources and tools designed specifically for district administrators and school boards. Department of Public Instruction

November 2016

F R I DAY

General Session

J A N U A R Y

10:30 am – 12:15 pm

2 0 , 2 0 1 7

| Fredi

Wisconsin Center Presiding: Patrick Finnemore, WASBO President, Kenosha Unified School District

Lajvardi

“A classroom needs to be a reflection of what’s going on in society if it’s going to be relevant to the kids.”

Patrick Finnemore

FR I DAY

Gov. Scott Walker

The Bay Port High School Wind Ensemble from the Howard-Suamico School District will open the final session of the 96th State Education Convention. Governor Scott Walker has been invited to discuss his priorities concerning public education in Wisconsin. Nationally recognized STEM educator Fredi Lajvardi will share his inspiring story that emphasizes the importance of STEM education across all cultures of students.

K E Y NOT E

For more than two decades, high school science teacher, Fredi Lajvardi has engaged, motivated and challenged students by making science fun and introducing them to the field of robotics. With countless hours spent after school, mentoring and investing in the underserved students at Carl Hayden Community High School, Lajvardi drew national attention in 2004, when he entered his diverse high school team in a university-level national underwater robotics competition, where they placed first, defeating leading universities, including MIT. First covered by Wired magazine, their inspiring story drew attention from

S P E A K E R

local and national media outlets and led to the acclaimed documentary, “Underwater Dreams.” In March 2015, the film was selected by President Obama to screen at the White House in honor of National Robotics Week. Their story was also adapted into the major motion picture, “Spare Parts”, starring actor and comedian, George Lopez as Lajvardi. With an effective leadership philosophy, incredible story and a spirited passion for teaching, Lajvardi offers valuable and inspiring insight on fostering teamwork, sparking creativity and helping individuals realize and maximize their potential.

F R I D A Y Break-out Sessions PLEASE NOTE: Sessions may be updated or added. For an up-to-date schedule (with times and room numbers), visit wasb.org/convention.  Your

Marketing Pitch: How to Knock It Out of the Park

Hear about one district’s grand slam efforts in developing a new website, launching a district app, creating a district promotional video, and successful marketing strategies to pass an operational referendum. Hear from district leaders on how you can inspire community trust through marketing and public relations. Jefferson School District  Helping

Students SOAR: A Personalized Approach to RTI

Learn about the Swallow School District’s SOAR intervention and extension program to provide personalized learning opportunities to all students in a K-8 environment. Stu-

Wisconsin School News

dents are flexibly grouped, receive personalized instruction, set prioritized individual SMART goals, and meet regularly with faculty members to discuss their learning journey. Swallow School District  “Underwater

Dreams”: A Documentary Screening

Written and directed by Mary Mazzio, and narrated by Michael Peña, “Underwater Dreams” is an epic story of how the sons of undocumented Mexican immigrants learned how to build an underwater robot from Home Depot parts and defeat engineering powerhouse MIT in the process. This documentary screening features Friday’s keynote speaker, Fredi Lajvardi. WEA Trust

 Is

Free Speech Free in 2017? From Tinker to the Internet

How far do the arms of school boards reach? When does student speech invade the rights of others? The Supreme Court has recognized that school districts have competing concerns between ensuring order, discipline and safety for an optimal educational environment, and refraining from infringing on students’ free speech rights. Salem School District  Get

Real! Implementing Personalized Learning

Elementary school teachers from Baldwin-Woodville will share their journey as they began incorporating components of personalized learning.

Highlights will include: establishing voice and choice in a K-4 setting, encouraging a growth mindset, fully including special education staff and learners into a regular education classroom, and more. Baldwin-Woodville Area Schools  Search

Services

and Leadership Transition

This session will provide board members with an outline of search services offered by the WASB to assist a school board in conducting a quality superintendent search and provide tips to ensure an effective leadership transition occurs in the school district and community. WASB  Business-Education Partnerships

for Community Growth

Business-education partnerships have created and strengthened opportunities for students and families in the Baraboo School District by establishing shared goals, financial supports, and stronger career pathways. School and community leaders will share how they formed partnerships with a common vision for individual and economic growth. Baraboo School District  Employee

Engagement: The ONE Thing That can Improve EVERYTHING in Your School

Current research shows that only 30 percent of employees are engaged. See the data and research behind employee engagement and witness the story of how the St. Croix Central School District has increased engagement, correlating to improved achievement and growth. St. Croix Central School District  Effective

Responses to Student Mental Health Issues

In Wisconsin, approximately 20 percent of youth and workingage adults have some type of mental health condition. School and community leaders can help. Learn how in this fast-paced and informative program. Port Washington-Saukville School District

 Assessment

of Facilities

This presentation will discuss the various components of a comprehensive facilities assessment as well as research-based standards to assist in the evaluation of the current use and usefulness of facilities. WASB  Implementing an International

Student Program

Learn how one school district established international partnerships to provide student cultural enrichment experiences and bring in new revenue. This session will provide the steps needed to establish such a program, including how to create international connections, how to finance the program, and how to create a network of host families. Marshfield School District  Legislative

Update

Get an up-to-date briefing on how the election will affect the agendas of the Senate and Assembly Education Committees. Learn what the WASB hopes will be included in the governor’s 2017-19 budget proposal as well as what we expect will be included. WASB  Positive

and Productive Engagement Through Parent Leadership

The School District of South Milwaukee has established a parent leadership team that cultivates authentic involvement in district-wide initiatives. Find out how their unique structure promotes student success and well-being by fostering positive dialogue among families, teachers, administrators, community members, and legislators. South Milwaukee School District  Implementing

of Education

the Business

The income achievement gap indicates that only 8 percent of students who live in poverty are likely to graduate from college compared to 80 percent of middle- or upperincome students. This presentation will provide a call to action and offer

a system to change the culture of leadership, stewardship and practice. KCMG International LLC  Teacher

Development Institute — Rethinking Staff Development

Presenters will dialogue with participants on the challenges faced by districts to provide ongoing professional development. Specifically, the presenters will share their journey to develop and implement a specially designed staff development program that directly embraces the goals of the district. Sheboygan Area School District.  Community-Based

Leadership

Servant

Through the hard work of community and school advocates, a network of servant leaders of all ages are being formally trained. These leaders are working corroboratively to expand supports and improve the quality of life for the students and residents of the Cashton area. Cashton School District  Creating

a School: The Visioning, Challenges Celebrations

In the fall of 2013, the Altoona School District opened a new school, not a physical building but a new concept school: Altoona Intermediate School, a fourth- and fifth-grade, multi-age, project-based learning school. Learn how this school was opened with no extra grant money, using the sweat of hard work by all stakeholders. Altoona School District  Creative

Curriculum Curation: Leveraging Our Learning

Hear how one district is taking an innovative approach to curriculum by using digital practices and resources to collaboratively allow teachers to curate and update curricular resources to provide continuity across the district. This has not only allowed the district to model digital learning practices, it has helped the district to fiscally shift how it’s investing in tools that support learning as well as the planning of powerful learning experiences. New Berlin School District

November 2016

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

Celebrating Our Students 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 music groups presented in partnership with the Wisconsin School Music Association and the WASBO Foundation.

WEDNESDAY | Jan. 18, General Session Indian Trail High School and Academy Wind Ensemble Ken Wiele, Director, Kenosha Unified School District THURSDAY | Jan. 19, General Session Fort Atkinson High School Jazz Ensemble Anthony Kading, Director, School District of Fort Atkinson

FRIDAY | Jan. 20, General Session Bay Port High School Wind Ensemble Luther Appel, Director, Howard-Suamico School District

STUDENT ART CONTEST

STUDENT CONVENTION VIDEO TEAM

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 2017 State Education Convention.

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 2017 State Education Convention.

Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Insurance

We are seeking a team of students

For more information, visit wasb.org/convention. Select “Request for Proposals” and then “Convention Student Video Team.” Entry forms are due Nov. 11.

Wisconsin School News

EXHIBIT HALL

Meet With Business Partners 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, and 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. 18), from 9-10 am. Sponsored by Go 365 (Humana) and The Insurance 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: Twitter for School Leaders; Podcasting and Videocasting, and Growing Your Professional Learning Network. Sponsored by Unesco. |

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 2017 convention. |

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. |

Dedicated Exhibit Hall Times

There is always a lot to do and see at the State Education Convention. We encourage you to visit the Exhibit Hall and utilize the services and activities described above and visit with our many vendors who help support the State Education Convention. The following times are designated breaks so attendees can visit the Exhibit Hall.

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. Participating school district’s include: Elkhorn Area School District (K-12 STEM program), Kenosha Unified School District (Kenosha School of Technology Enhanced Curriculum), Juda School District (Introduction to Engineering & Problem Solving), Chilton Public School District (musical theater program), Fort Atkinson School District (green initiatives), and Greendale Schools (district garden). |

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 for hands-on demonstrations, knowledgeable experts, informative presentations and take-home resources. During the dedicated Exhibit Hall hours, stop by for a short presentation exclusive to the Pavilion: · Creating a Culture of Energy Efficiency (Focus on Energy) · Top Components of Wellness Programs (WEA Trust) Pavilion sponsored by Focus on Energy, Green & Healthy Schools Wisconsin, WEA Trust, and North Wind Renewable Energy.

 W E D N E SDAY,

JAN. 18 9 – 10 am Complimentary morning refreshments sponsored by Go 365 (Humana) and The Insurance Center.

Noon – 1:30 pm; 2:30 – 3:30 pm  T H U R SDAY,

JAN. 19 9:45 – 10:45 am; 11:45 am – 1:45 pm

November 2016

AT- A - G L A N C E

[ note :

convention sessions and events are subject to change

]

2017 CONVENTION S C H E D U L E T U E S D AY | J A N U A R Y

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

1 7

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

c 8 am - 6 pm REGISTRATION Wisconsin Center (Note: Pre-Convention Workshop attendees register at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee beginning at 1 pm.)

c 7 - 8:30 am WASB BREAKFAST Hilton Milwaukee City Center Dr. JoAnne Owens-Nauslar speaker (Sponsored by AT&T)

c 1 - 5 pm CONVENTION BOOKSTORE Wisconsin Center c 2 - 5 pm PRE-CONVENTION WORKSHOPS Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

c 8 am - 3 pm REGISTRATION; WASB BOOKSTORE c 8:45 - 9:45 am BREAK-OUT SESSIONS

c 7 - 8 pm PRE-DELEGATE ASSEMBLY DISCUSSION Hilton Milwaukee City Center W E D N E S D AY | J A N U A R Y

1 9

c 8:45 - 11:45 am EDUCATION TOUR (times subject to change) c 9 am - 2 pm EXHIBIT HALL

1 8

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

c 9:45 - 10:45 am DEDICATED EXHIBIT HALL TIME

c 7 am - 5 pm REGISTRATION

c 10:30 am - 2 pm SPOUSE EXCURSION (times subject to change)

c 8 - 9 am BREAK-OUT SESSIONS Including CONVENTION/DELEGATE ORIENTATION

c 10:45 - 11:45 am BREAK-OUT SESSIONS

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 morning refreshments sponsored by Go 365 (Humana) and The Insurance Center.

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 9 am - 4:30 pm EXHIBIT HALL c 10 am - Noon GENERAL SESSION David Horsager, keynote speaker (Sponsored by UnitedHealthcare); State Superintendent Tony Evers, speaker; Indian Trail High School and Academy Wind Ensemble, music showcase

c 3 - 5 pm GENERAL SESSION Liz Murray, keynote speaker (Sponsored by Focus on Energy); WASB President Stu Olson, speaker; Fort Atkinson High School Jazz Ensemble, music showcase

AWARD PRESENTATIONS Educators and administrators of the year; Wisconsin Student Art Award

SCHOOL BOARD SERVICE AWARDS F R I D AY | J A N U A R Y

c Noon - 1:30 pm LUNCH; DEDICATED EXHIBIT HALL TIME

2 0

All events take place at the Wisconsin Center.

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

c 8 - 9 am BREAK-OUT SESSIONS c 9:15 - 10:15 am BREAK-OUT SESSIONS

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

c 10:30 am - 12:15 pm GENERAL SESSION Fredi Lajvardi, keynote speaker (Sponsored by WEA Trust); Governor Scott Walker; Bay Port High School Wind Ensemble, music showcase

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)

Hampton Inn and Suites*

InterContinental Milwaukee*

414-345-5000, ambassadormilwaukee.com

800-426-7866, hamptonmilwaukee.com

414-276-8686, Intercontinentalmilwaukee.com

Courtyard Marriott Milwaukee Downtown*

Hilton Milwaukee City Center

Ramada City Centre*

800-321-2211, marriott.com

414-271-7250, hilton.com

414-272-8410, ramadacitycentre.com

Doubletree by Hilton Milwaukee Downtown*

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

Springhill Suites Milwaukee Downtown

414-273-2950, doubletree.hilton.com

888-421-1442, milwaukee.hyatt.com

888-236-2427, marriott.com

Fairfield Inn & Suites Milwaukee Downtown* 414-224-8400, fairfield.marriott.com

* Complimentary shuttle service provided by Lamers Bus Lines will run between the Wisconsin Center and these convention hotels

on Wednesday, Jan. 18 and Thursday, Jan. 19. Visit the Convention website (wasb.org/convention) for details about reservation blocks — including pricing requirements, reference codes, and direct links.

Wisconsin School News

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

CONVENTION 2017

Wisconsin State Education Convention

January 18–20, 2017 • 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 Teacher

M Administrative Asst.

M CESA Administrator

M Other:

M Board Member

M Principal

M Buildings/Grounds

M Superintendent

C ITY / STATE / Z IP

TEL EPH O N E

EM A IL A D D R ESS

m Dietary Restrictions (if selecting a meal)

To opt out of convention-related emails from exhibitors, check here:

M Please specify restrictions: ______________________________________________

(NOTE: This opt out does not apply to post-convention emails resulting from an attendee allowing an exhibitor to scan his/her badge on site.)

M Requested for (name): ___________________________________________________



m Complimentary Spouse Registration Spouse registration is complimentary, but meals and special events must be purchased separately.

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 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. 9, 2016 REGULAR – Friday, Jan. 6, 2017 Meal Reservation Deadline – Jan. 6, 2017

No refunds will be given unless cancellation is received by 5 pm, Friday, Jan. 6, 2017

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. 9, 2016

REGULAR Fee Payments received AFTER Dec. 9, 2016

________ 2 $210 4 $__________ ________ 2 $245 4 $__________

S P E C I A L

E V E N T S

M WORKSHOP: Improving School Board Effectiveness: A Balanced Governance

M WASDA LUNCHEON Noon, Thursday, Jan. 19 ________ 2 $ 38 4 $__________

M WASBO LUNCHEON Noon, Thursday, Jan. 19 ________ 2 $ 38 4 $__________

General Registration, Special Events, Meals

PRE-CONVENTION WORKSHOPS, TUESDAY, JAN. 17 M WORKSHOP: Culturally Relevant Leadership: Strategies for Success for ALL Students ________

M E T H O D

2 $ 65 4 $ M CHECK FOR

________ 2 $ 65 4 $__________

M WORKSHOP: Pediatric Brain

Development: From Conception to Maturity ________

F U N C T I O N S

M WASB BREAKFAST 7 am, Thursday, Jan. 19 ________ 2 $ 36 4 $__________

2 $ 65 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 $ 65 4 $__________ C R ED IT C A R D N U M B ER

CONVENTION TOUR, THURSDAY, Jan. 19 M International Baccalaureate Schools ________ 2

$ 5 4 $__________

SU B M ITTED B Y

EX P. DAT E

VER IFIC ATIO N CODE

SPOUSE EXCURSION, THURSDAY, Jan. 19 M Harley Davidson Museum & Lunch

________ 2 $ 45 4 $__________

WASB OFFICE USE ONLY Date Rec’d_________________________

SI G N ATU RE DAT E

P.O. #_________________

Check #__________________ Amount $__________________

What Can You Do With WASB BoardDocs?

As a WASB Member, You Can Do a Lot WASB BoardDocs web applications eliminate paper and streamline the processes used to manage board packets, access information and conduct meetings. You’ll save time, improve your board’s effectiveness and receive a specially discounted price for being a WASB member. If your decisions affect the lives of others, call us. We’ll help you do what you do best, even better.

It’s their future. It’s your choice.

BoardDocs.com 800. 407.0141

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 2017 State Education Convention Guide.  WASB Service Associate  2017 Convention Sponsor

Administrative Software and Integration Tools Agile Administrative Software and Integration Tools Agilex Business Solutions, LLC AT&T  BoardBook BoardDocs  CESA 7 CMS4Schools and SEEDs Edoctrina Frontline Technologies Group LLC. Heartland Business Systems 2017 Infinite Campus OASYS, LLC Renaissance Learning SchoolToday School Software Group Skyward, Inc.  Stanley Security Solutions Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Wisconsin OPEB Trust/Alumni Nation WISEdash Local

Associations, Non-Profits, and Government Agencies Alumni Nations Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin BoardBook CESA 6 Department of Financial Institutions, Office of Financial Literacy Focus on Energy  Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission Instructional Communications Systems (ICS) Milwaukee Public Museum NWEA 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 Nurses Wisconsin Association of School Personnel Administrators Wisconsin Department of

Public Instruction Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletics Association Wisconsin OPEB Trust/Alumni Nation Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance Wisconsin School Music Association Wisconsin School Public Relations Association WISEdash Local

Athletics: Equipment, Seating, Surfacing Allied Powers LLC AstroTurf Athletic Field Services, Inc. Balestrieri Environmental & Development, Inc. Baseman Bros., Inc. Carroll Seating Company CESA Purchasing Fisher Tracks, Inc. Gerber Leisure Products Gopher Gym Boys LLC J W Industries, Inc. Kiefer Specialty Flooring Lee Recreation, LLC Marshfield Book & Stationery, Inc. Miller & AssociatesSauk Prairie, Inc. Nevco, WI Office ProStar Surfaces Schmidt Custom Floors Stalker Sports Floors

Audio, Video, Multimedia Equipment and Design Creative Learning Systems Instructional Communications Systems (ICS) IPEVO Inc Karges-Faulconbridge, Inc. Presidio

Awards and Recognition Programs Wisconsin Health and Physical Education, Inc.

Business Services #SocialSchool4EDU Agilex Business Solutions, LLC AT&T  CCAP Alert.com

CEL Marketing | PR | Design CenterPoint Energy Grasshopper Company MidAmerica Administrative & Retirement Solutions, Inc. NOVO Health/Physician Lead Healthcare Parallel Education Division REALiving ServiceMaster Recovery Services Siemens Building Technologies Sustainable Schools Pavilion United Mailing Services

Distance and Online Learning Services BYU Independent Study Instructional Communications Systems (ICS) Milwaukee Public Museum OASYS, LLC VLN Partners, LLC

Educational Management and Consulting and/or Research Alumni Nations CESA 5 CESA 6 CESA 10 Ehlers & Associates, Inc. Frontline Technologies Group LLC. NEOLA, Inc. OASYS, LLC Parallel Education Division Pearson Renaissance Learning Studer Education  VLN Partners, LLC Wisconsin Association of School Boards

Enrichment Programs and Curricular Programs Concordia University Wisconsin Creative Learning Systems Dream Flight USA Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission Meemic Insurance Company Pearson Project Lead the Way School Software Group Viterbo University Wisconsin School Music Association Wisconsin Virtual School/CESA 9

Facilities: Architecture, Design, Engineering Abacus Architects, Inc. Architects Group Limited Architectural Design Group ARCON Associates, Inc. Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin ATS&R Planners/Architects/ Engineers Ayres Associates Bray Associates Architects, Inc.  Custofoam Corporation DSGW Architects Eppstein Uhen Architects, Inc. FEH Design Gerber Leisure Products Groth Design Group, Inc. H&H Energy Services Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc  HSR Associates, Inc. ICS Consulting, Inc. ISG JSD Professional Services Kapur and Associates, Inc. Karges-Faulconbridge, Inc. Keller, Inc. Kraus-Anderson Construction Co. Kulp’s of Stratford, LLC LHB, Inc. McKinstry MEP Associates, LLC Nexus Solutions  OPN Architects, Inc. Performance Services, Inc. Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP  Point of Beginning, Inc. Rettler Corporation Samuels Group Schneider Electric SDS Architects, Inc Somerville, Inc. Techline America TSP Architects & Engineers Zimmerman Architectural Studios, Inc.

Facilities: Construction, Construction Management, and/or Consulting ARCON Associates, Inc. Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin C.D. Smith Construction, Inc. Carroll Seating Company

November 2016

EXHIBITORS CG Schmidt, Inc Custofoam Corporation Eppstein Uhen Architects, Inc. Gilbane Building Company Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc  ICS Consulting, Inc. ISG J.H. Findorff & Son, Inc.  J.P. Cullen & Sons, Inc.  Keller, Inc. Kraemer Brothers, LLC Kraus-Anderson Construction Co. Kulp’s of Stratford, LLC L & A Crystal Market & Johnson, Inc. McKinstry Miron Construction Co., Inc. Moore Construction Services, LLC Nexus Solutions  Nicholas & Associates, Inc. Performance Services, Inc. Point of Beginning, Inc. Rettler Corporation Samuels Group Scherrer Construction Company, Inc. 

[continued]

Schneider Electric ServiceMaster Recovery Services Techline America Trane-Wisconsin Virco Manufacturing Corp. VJS Construction Services, Inc. 

Facilities: Flooring and Wall Coverings AstroTurf Baseman Bros., Inc. Baseman Floors, Inc. Kiefer Specialty Flooring L & A Crystal ProStar Surfaces Schmidt Custom Floors Shaw Sports Turf Stalker Sports Floors

Facilities: Furnishings and Shelving Alexander Furnishings Specialists, Inc. Carroll Seating Company CESA Purchasing

Frank Cooney Company Lowery McDonnell Co. Samuels Group Scholastic Equipment Company, LLC Steelcase Education Techline America Virco Manufacturing Corp.

Facilities: Hardware, Doors, Windows, Lab Equipment 3M Window Films/Interwest Distribution LaForce, Inc. Pella Windows & Doors Stanley Security Solutions Trane-Wisconsin

Facilities: Lighting Energy Performance Lighting H&H Energy Services Musco Sports Lighting TSP Architects & Engineers Zimmerman Architectural Studios, Inc.

Facilities: Mechanical Systems, Energy Services 3M Window Films/Interwest Distribution Ameresco Inc. ATS&R Planners/Architects/ Engineers Complete Control, Inc. Focus on Energy  H&H Energy Services ISG Karges-Faulconbridge, Inc. McKinstry MEP Associates, LLC MEP Solutions  Nexus Solutions  North American Mechanical, Inc. Performance Services, Inc. Schneider Electric Sodexo Somerville, Inc. Trane-Wisconsin TSP Architects & Engineers Zimmerman Architectural Studios, Inc.

Convention at your fingertips. The Wisconsin State Education Convention mobile app provides information and resources for school leaders attending the 2017 State Education Convention. This easy-to-use app brings you up-to-date information on all convention activities. Search “2017 WI Education Convention” in the iTunes or Google Play store. Sponsored by:

WI State Education Convention | Jan. 18-20, 2017 | Milwaukee | Visit wasb.org/convention

Wisconsin School News

Facilities: Roofing Accella Roofing Solutions ARCON Associates, Inc. Custofoam Corporation Kraus-Anderson Construction Co. Kulp’s of Stratford, LLC

Financial Services, Consulting and Accounting Agilex Business Solutions, LLC American Deposit Management Co. Asset Control Solutions Baird Public Finance   Hutchinson, Shockey, Erley & Co. MidAmerica Administrative & Retirement Solutions, Inc. PMA Financial Network, Inc. Springsted Incorporated  WEA Member Benefits  Wisconsin 529 College Savings Program Wisconsin Association of School Boards Wisconsin OPEB Trust/Alumni Nation Wisconsin Public Finance Professionals, LLC

Food Service Management, Equipment and Products A’viands Food & Services Management ARAMARK K-12 Education Arbor Management, Inc.

CESA Purchasing Chartwells School Dining Services Scholastic Equipment Company, LLC School Nutrition Association of Wisconsin SFE - Southwest Foodservice Excellence Sodexo Taher, Inc.

Higher Education Concordia University Wisconsin Steelcase Education Viterbo University Wisconsin 529 College Savings Program

Information Management Services and Consulting AT&T  BoardBook Forecast5 Analytics, Inc.  Heartland Business Systems 2017 Presidio Technology Resource Advisors, Inc. WISEdash Local

Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, LTD, Life and Long-Term Care 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  First Agency, Inc. Humana  Liberty Mutual Insurance  M3 Insurance   Marsh & McLennan Agency National Insurance Services 2017  Network Health Securian Financial Group, Inc. Security Health Plan of Wisconsin, Inc.  Student Assurance Services, Inc. The Insurance Center  The Standard Tricor Insurance, Inc.  UnitedHealthcare   WEA Member Benefits Individual Long-Term Care Insurance Program  WEA Trust  WPS Health Insurance

Insurance: Property and Casualty Associated Financial Group  EMC Insurance Companies  Marsh & McLennan Agency R&R Insurance  The Insurance Center  WEA Member Benefits 

Insurance: Third-Party Administration Arthur J Gallagher Risk Mgmt Services  Community Insurance Corporation/ WCA Group Health Trust  Diversified Benefit Services, Inc. First Agency, Inc. Humana  Meemic Insurance Company Securian Financial Group, Inc. Security Health Plan of Wisconsin, Inc.  Student Assurance Services, Inc. The Insurance Center  Tricor Insurance, Inc.  UnitedHealthcare   WPS Health Insurance

Insurance: Workers Compensation Associated Financial Group  Marsh & McLennan Agency R&R Insurance  Risk Administration Services, Inc.

Janitorial Services, Cleaning Supplies and Equipment ARAMARK K-12 Education Baseman Bros., Inc. Dashir Management Services, Inc. GCA Services Group, Inc. Hillyard Sodexo

Legal Services Boardman & Clark LLP Davis & Kuelthau, S.C. Strang Patteson Renning Lewis & Lacy, s.c.  von Briesen & Roper, S.C. Wisconsin Association of School Boards

Management, Consulting and/or Research #SocialSchool4EDU BeneCo of Wisconsin, Inc. Capacity Unlimited LLC Key Benefit Concepts, LLC  NWEA OPN Architects, Inc. Springsted Incorporated  UW-Madison Applied Population Laboratory Wisconsin Association of School Boards

November 2016

EXHIBITORS Market Place

[continued]

Professional Development #SocialSchool4EDU Boardman & Clark LLP Brookhill Institute of Mathematics Capacity Unlimited LLC CESA 7 Dorreen Dembski Communication Services, LLC NWEA REALiving School Software Group Steelcase Education Viterbo University Wisconsin Association for Language Teachers Wisconsin Association for School Boards Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Wisconsin Health and Physical Education, Inc. Wisconsin School Music Association

Cella’s Jewelry

Office and School Supplies and Equipment Scholastic Equipment Company, LLC School Specialty Virco Manufacturing Corp.

Photography, Yearbooks and ID Systems Lifetouch (Photo Booth) 

Playground and Sporting Equipment Boland Recreation, Inc. Lee Recreation, LLC Miller & Associates Sauk Prairie, Inc. Northland Recreation

Security and Alarm Systems Consulting and Design

Policy Services Boardman & Clark LLP NEOLA, Inc. Wisconsin Association of School Boards

3M Window FIlms / Interwest Distribution CCAP Alert.com

Teaching Services

Complete Control, Inc. Heartland Business Systems 2017 LaForce, Inc. SecureTech Systems, Inc. Stanley Security Solutions

CESA 5 Frontline Technologies Group LLC. Teachers On Call - TOC 24/7, Featuring Aesop Technology Teachers-Teachers.com VLN Partners, LLC Wisconsin Association for Language Teachers Wisconsin Health and Physical Education, Inc.

Strategic Planning, Management Consulting CenterPoint Energy FEH Design Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc.  J.H. Findorff & Son, Inc. MEP Solutions  Moore Construction Services, LLC Studer Education  UW - Madison Applied Population Laboratory Wisconsin Association of School Boards

Theater Supplies, Services and Productions Mainstage Theatrical Supply, Inc. Schmidt Custom Floors

Transportation Products and Services AngelTrax CCAP Alert.com Dairyland Buses, Inc.  Lamers Bus Lines, Inc.  Mid-State Truck Service, Inc. Nelson’s Bus Service, Inc. Wisconsin Bus Sales, LLC

Survey Services LifeTrack Services, Inc. School Perceptions  Studer Education  Teachers On Call - TOC 24/7, Featuring Aesop Technology

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LEGAL COMMENT

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

Employment-Based Retaliation Claims

chool district employees are covered by a wide variety of federal and state statutes which, among other things, prohibit discrimination based upon membership in protected classes. Not only do these statutes and their governing regulations provide substantive employment rights to district employees, they also contain provisions which prohibit a district from retaliating against an employee for exercising rights under them. There are well over 40 such federal statutes with anti-retaliation provisions, and similar provisions are found in Wisconsin’s employment statutes. The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces a number of federal employment statutes which prohibit retaliation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the Equal Pay Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The EEOC recently issued an updated Enforcement Guidance (Guidance) on retaliation issues under its jurisdiction, noting in particular that the percentage of private sector and state and local government charges filed with the EEOC has doubled since 1998 and that retaliation claims are now the most frequently alleged basis of discrimination in all sectors.1 Given the new Guidance and the proliferation of retaliation charges filed with the EEOC, this Legal Comment will focus on the EEOC’s enforcement of the federal statutes under its jurisdiction

which are similar, if not identical to, other federal employment statutes enforced by other federal agencies and Wisconsin employment statutes that are enforced by the Equal Rights Division of the Department of Workforce Development. This Legal Comment will review the components of employment-based retaliation claims and address issues which frequently confront districts with respect to such claims.2 | Nature and Elements

of a Retaliation Claim Retaliation claims arise when an employee who has sought the protection of or exercised a right governed by statute suffers a negative employment action because of exercising that right. As noted by the EEOC, the enforcement of employment laws depends on the willingness of employees to challenge an employer without fear that such challenge will have adverse consequences. On the other hand, not every employee complaint or disagreement with an employer should shield an employee from appropriate discipline or adverse employment action. Courts have consistently held that employers remain free to discipline or terminate employees for legitimate reasons even if the employee has engaged in some form of activity protected by statute.3 The challenging part for a district is knowing when and how to impose discipline on an employee who has engaged in activity protected by the anti-retaliation statutes.

In practice, retaliation claims usually do not arise from an employer’s conscious decision to punish an employee because that employee has filed a complaint with the EEOC or other enforcement agency. Rather, retaliation claims frequently arise from indirect circumstances in which an employer’s action toward an employee is perceived negatively by the employee, the employee has in the past engaged in activity that protects the employee from retaliation, and the employee believes the employer’s action is linked to the employee’s previous statutorily protected behavior. Therefore, it is important for a district to understand the risk of a potential retaliation claim before undertaking an employment action which could be perceived negatively by an employee. In order to undertake that assessment, a district needs to know what an employee must prove to be successful in a retaliation claim; namely, three basic elements:

b The employee engaged in protected activity;

b The employee suffered an adverse employment action; and b There is a nexus between the protected activity and the adverse employment action.

The anti-retaliation provisions outline two types of conduct which are considered “protected activity.” One occurs when an employee actually files a complaint with a governmental agency or testifies, assists, or participates in any manner in the

Because employees are frequently exercising their rights under a variety of employment statutes, districts face a significant potential of having a retaliation claim filed against them if one of those employees is subject to an adverse employment action.

November 2016

LEGAL COMMENT investigation of a proceeding before that agency. This is commonly referred to as the “participation clause” of retaliation statutes. Significantly, the employee’s “participation” constitutes protected activity even if the employee does not have a reasonable, good faith belief that the activity complained about was unlawful. Protected activity also covers an employee’s “oppositional activity,” that is, when an employee opposes an unlawful employment practice under statute. This type of activity can include, for example, the following: b Complaining or threatening to complain about alleged discrimination against oneself or others; Providing information in an b employer’s internal discrimination investigation; Refusing to obey an order b believed to be discriminatory; b Advising a supervisor on employment rights; b Requesting a reasonable accommodation for a disability; and

b Inquiring or discussing issues related to compensation.

While the “opposition clause” brings into consideration a broader scope of conduct than the “participation clause,” in order to give rise to a valid retaliation complaint, the oppositional activity must be founded on a reasonable, good faith belief that the underlying conduct was unlawful. For example, if a female employee complains to her supervisor that she was not promoted due to her gender because a male got the job, she has a good faith belief to complain about gender discrimination and, as such, her conduct would be within the scope of protected activity. If, however, she lacked a required license or prerequisite for the position and no candidates lacking that requirement were considered for the job, and she nevertheless makes the allegation, the EEOC likely would not consider her discrimination complaint to be reasonable and, therefore, not protected. An employee’s conduct also does not become protected “oppositional”

Wisconsin School News

[continued]

activity unless it involves conduct prohibited by an employment statute containing an anti-retaliation provision. For example, if an employee complains to a supervisor that a co-employee refuses to interact with her, but does not assert that the coemployee’s conduct is because the employee is a member of a class protected by Title VII (e.g., race, color, gender, etc.), the employee’s complaint does not constitute “protected activity” under the anti-retaliation provisions of Title VII. To prove discrimination, an employee must show an adverse employment action. An “adverse employment action” covers more than just discharge and discipline. The United States Supreme Court has held that an adverse employment action includes any employer action that, in light of all the circumstances, “might well deter a reasonable employee from complaining about discrimination.”4 Some examples of conduct which courts have found to be adverse employment actions include not only the obvious, such as termination, suspension, warnings, and demotion, but also denial of benefits, work-related threats, transfers, failure to give a bonus or raise, negative or lower evaluations, disparaging comments to others or the media, heightened workplace scrutiny, and removal of supervisory responsibilities. Anti-retaliation provisions, however, do not “protect against petty slights, minor annoyances, and bad manners [and a]n employee must suffer something more disruptive than a mere inconvenience or an alteration of job responsibilities.”5 One example in the Guidance involves an employee who files a formal complaint with the EEOC alleging that she was denied a promotion because of her gender. One week later, her employer invited several employees in her office to lunch, but excluded her. The EEOC notes that this likely would not constitute an adverse employment action. However, if the supervisor regularly took all employees to lunch and

began to exclude the complaining employee after the complaint was filed, this would constitute an adverse employment action. Another example set forth in the Guidance involves an employer who directs other employees to watch an employee who had engaged in protected activity for violations of company rules. The EEOC would consider this type of surveillance to be an adverse employment action. The final element that an employee must prove is whether there is a causal link between the protected activity and the adverse employment action. Most often, this causation element is satisfied by showing one or more of the following: Employer comments or documents. For example, statements by an employer that he would “get back to those who supported a charge of discrimination” clearly establish a retaliatory motive, as does a statement to an African-American employee who filed a charge that the employee was “playing the race card.”6 A close correlation in time between the protected act and the alleged adverse employment action. Courts have varied under the circumstances of each case as to how close in time the protected activity and the adverse employment action must be to establish the nexus. Obviously, the longer the gap, the less likely a court would be to find the causal connection, but if the opportunity to retaliate does not arise for some time, such as a year, a nexus could be established. Differential treatment of an employee who engaged in protected activity. This arises when a complaining employee is treated differently than other employees who have not engaged in protected activity. A common example of this is when an employer chooses to enforce a workplace rule against the complaining employee and the employer has not consistently enforced the rule against other employees. Inconsistent employer statements explaining the reason for the employment action.

| District Defenses A district may avoid liability for retaliation in several ways. First, it can disprove any of the three elements that an employee is required to establish. Second, in order to violate the prohibition against retaliation, an employer must have a belief that the person claimed to have been retaliated against is raising some kind of claim that discrimination is occurring. This requires that the person who authorized the adverse employment action knew that the employee had engaged in protected activity. If the decision-maker did not have such a belief, the adverse employment action could not have occurred “but for” the protected activity. Finally, a district can also avoid liability under a retaliation complaint by establishing a legitimate, non-retaliatory basis for the employment action (e.g., the employee is performing poorly in his or her job duties or engaged in some form of misconduct that warrants discipline). | Practical Implications Districts can reduce their exposure to retaliation claims by engaging in three key activities: (1) developing a stand-alone anti-retaliation policy; (2) training supervisors and other employees to properly implement the policy; and (3) understanding the context in which adverse employment actions are made. The EEOC recommends that anti-retaliation policies include the following:

b A prohibition against retaliatory conduct;

b Examples of what constitutes

protected activity and adverse employment actions;

b Proactive steps for avoiding

actual or perceived retaliation;

b A reporting mechanism for employee concerns about retaliation; and b A declaration that an employee who engages in retaliation can

be subject to discipline up to and including termination. Training employees regarding retaliation should focus on the policy adopted by the board, send the message the retaliation is not permitted, outline factors that give rise to retaliation, provide examples of conduct that is retaliatory, and identify the specific complaint processes and procedures. Finally, districts should understand the situations that lead employees to file retaliation complaints. One of the key factors is the timing of adverse employment actions. Before implementing an adverse employment action, it is important for districts to consider whether the employee has engaged in protected activity which could lead that employee to an inference that the employment action was the result of the employee’s protected activity. If that consideration reveals that the employee has engaged in protected activity, the district will need to make sure that any adverse employment action is supported by appropriate, verifiable, and contemporaneous documentation so that if the employee files a retaliation charge, the district can establish a legitimate, non-discriminatory basis for its employment action. In addition, in cases where a district decision-maker has knowledge that the employee who is going to be subject to an adverse employment action has engaged in protected activity, the district should consider whether to take steps short of adverse employment action, such as a non-disciplinary letter of instruction or a last chance agreement. This is particularly effective in situations in which an employee is likely to run afoul of the employer’s admonitions in the future. Another effective practice is to have the adverse employment action reviewed and signed off by another district supervisory employee who does not have knowledge of that activity. This will allow the district to argue that

even if the initial decision-maker could have had an improper motivation in implementing the action, it would have happened anyway because the decision was ratified by someone without such motive. | Conclusion Because employees are frequently exercising their rights under a variety of employment statutes, districts face a significant potential of having a retaliation claim filed against them if one of those employees is subject to an adverse employment action. This risk is evident in the number of charges filed with the EEOC asserting a claim of retaliation and is one of the reasons the EEOC has recently updated its Guidance on retaliation. Districts should be cognizant of this risk and review or adopt a policy governing retaliation, train their employees on this issue, and consider the circumstances involved when undertaking adverse employment actions to be able to take steps to minimize the risk of a retaliation claim. | End Notes 1. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Enforcement Guidance, “Retaliation and Related Issues” (August 25, 2016). The Guidance can be found at: https://www.eeoc.gov/ eeoc/newsroom/release/8-29-16.cfm 2. This Comment will not address retaliation claims arising from employee actions brought under the United States and Wisconsin Constitutions. Those claims, however, have the same basic framework and analysis as retaliation claims arising from federal and state employment statutes. 3. Benes v. A.B. Data, Ltd., 724 F.3d 752 (7th Cir. 2013). 4. Burlington Northern & Sante Fe Ry. v. White, 548 U.S. 53 (2006). 5. Boss v. Castro, No. 14-2996, slip op. at 11-12 (7th Cir. March 18, 2016). 6. Burnell v. Gates Rubber Co., 647 F.3d 704 (7th Cir. 2011). This Legal Comment was written by Michael J. Julka and Steven C. Zach of Boardman & Clark LLP, WASB Legal Counsel. In last month’s column we highlighted several education agenda items likely to be embraced by Republican lawmakers who control the State Assembly.

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 2016

C A P I T O L W AT C H

D an R o s s m i l l e r & C h r i s K u l o w

Evers, DPI Readying 2017-19 State Budget Request Request will likely address funding equity and ask for more state support for education

n last month’s column, we highlighted several education agenda items likely to be embraced by Republican lawmakers who control the State Assembly. This month, we’ll examine proposals State Superintendent Tony Evers is likely to include in the Department of Public Instruction’s (DPI) 2017-19 budget request to the governor. Our observations are based on recent speeches and news releases as well as conversations with key DPI staff.

| Funding The current 2015-17 state budget included minimal increases in state aid for schools along with no perpupil adjustment to revenue limits, so it would be surprising if the DPI does not propose significant funding reforms. The 2017-19 budget request likely will call for a guaranteed minimum aid and weighting of per-pupil aid to reflect differences in student learning needs. Evers is also expected to ask for reinvestments in special education to counteract a decade of flat funding and more resources for students learning English. | Support for Summer

Learning The budget request likely will propose reforming funding to boost support for summer learning. Proposed changes may include improving funding by allowing districts to fully count summer school students, expanding access by increasing the transportation reimbursement rates, and expanding dual enrollment opportunities for students to take advanced coursework in person or online. Evers will also seek

Wisconsin School News

to simplify reporting requirements to reduce schools’ administrative work for summer learning programs. | Addressing Funding Equity In his Sept. 15 State of Education Address, Evers spoke about how funding equity is being lost as schools become more and more dependent on referenda. He shares the WASB’s concern that even though citizens throughout the state have passed a high percentage of referenda questions, there are some districts that cannot pass operating referenda and those districts will fall further behind. To lessen the need for districts to rely on referenda, the DPI budget request likely will ask for more state support to increase budget resources for schools either through per-pupil adjustments to revenue limits and additional general aid, additional per-pupil aid, or a combination of both approaches. | Staffing Issues The supply of quality teachers is a key issue for many districts, particularly smaller, more rural districts. Evers has said his budget request will call for “additional resources for rural schools to compete on a level playing field for teachers.” While the DPI recently promulgated emergency rules intended to reduce staffing hurdles for districts without sacrificing the quality of the teaching profession, the department acknowledges that long-term solutions that address the status and pay of educators will be required. Additionally, both enrollment in and graduation from Wisconsin educator preparation programs are down when compared to 2009 levels.

| Mental Health Resources Evers has indicated the DPI will advance policies to put more mental health services in schools, especially in high-need areas, and provide more training for school staff in mental health first aid, screening, trauma-informed care, and brief interventions. Part of his budget request also will include finding ways to co-locate mental health services in schools. | Achievement Gaps Finally, Evers has pledged to address Wisconsin’s achievement gaps by encouraging innovation, including exploring the “Districts of Innovation” model used in Kentucky. Kentucky’s model was aimed at preparing students for college and career success, but Evers also wants to channel innovation to reduce Wisconsin’s achievement gaps. It is hoped that by “re-thinking” what schools might look like, districts will be able to redesign student learning so as to engage and motivate more students and thereby improve student achievement. Districts would map out what innovations they wish to implement, then apply to the DPI indicating which existing statutory provisions and administrative rules they want to be exempted from in order to implement their innovation. Basically, districts would tell the DPI what restrictions they want removed and why. The DPI’s budget request is expected to be submitted in mid-November. n Dan Rossmiller is the WASB director of government relations. Chris Kulow is the WASB government relations specialist.

Educational Services And Products 2 0 1 6 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. 920-459-4200 mwolfert@brayarch.com brayarch.com Architecture, interior design, planning, referendum support

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DLR Group 612-977-3500 gdavenport@dlrgroup.com dlrgroup.com Architecture, engineering, planning, interiors, construction management

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Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc. 800-236-2370 spigeon@hoffman.net hoffman.net Planners, architects and construction managers

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Plunkett Raysich Architects LLP 414 359-3060 skramer@prarch.com prarch.com Architectural and interior design services

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Computer Hardware, Software, Consulting

Skyward, Inc. 800-236-7274 ben@skyward.com skyward.com Developer of student, budgetary and human resource administrative software exclusively for K-12 school districts.

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Construction Management, Contracting, Consulting

J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. 608-257-5321 cmlsna@findorff.com findorff.com

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With offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Findorff is one of Wisconsin’s leading builders. J.P. Cullen & Sons Inc. 608.754.6601 jvl.hr@jpcullen.com jpcullen.com J.P. Cullen is a family-owned, fullservice construction management firm that specializes in budgeting, planning and constructing the tough jobs.

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Scherrer Construction Company, Inc. 262-539-3100 customsolutions@scherrerconstruction.com scherrerconstruction.com Scherrer Construction has been partnering with school districts for over 88 years to deliver successful, quality projects that positively impact students and communities today and for years to come. 

VJS Construction Services 262-542-9000 cbathke@vjscs.com vjscs.com A top-10 construction company in southeastern Wisconsin with 65 years of experience.

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Employee Benefits, Risk Management

Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services 608-828-3740 kristina_winterfeldt@ajg.com ajgrms.com Specializing in serving the risk management and insurance needs of public schools.

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Associated Financial Group 608-259-3666 Al.Jaeger@associatedfinancialgroup.com 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. 

Key Benefit Concepts LLC 262-522-6415 info@keybenefits.com keybenefits.com Actuarial and employee benefit consulting services.

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M3 Insurance 800-272-2443 marty.malloy@m3ins.com 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.

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National Insurance Services of Wisconsin, Inc. 800-627-3660 slaudon@nisbenefits.com NISBenefits.com

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We’ve been a specialist in public sector benefits since 1969. Our insured products include: health, dental, disability, life and long-term care insurance. Our financial solution products include: health reimbursement accounts, OPEB trusts (fixed or variable), special pay plan and flexible spending accounts.

| Energy Services Midwest Energy Procurement (MEP) Solutions, LLC 608-273-4464 steve.grams@mepsolutions.org mepsolutions.org MEP Solutions is a Wisconsin-based energy procurement and consulting firm, which provides clients with comprehensive energy procurement analysis and solutions.

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Banking, |Financing, Consulting Robert W. Baird & Co. 800-792-2473 BBrewer@rwbaird.com rwbaird.com/publicfinance Robert W. Baird & Co. provides school finance solutions through its Public Finance team and business office consulting services through its School Business Solutions team.

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Springsted Incorporated 414-220-4250 jdudzik@springsted.com springsted.com Advisors to the public sector in finance, human resources and management consulting services.

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| Insurance Community Insurance Corporation 800-236-6885 khurtz@aegis-wi.com communityinsurancecorporation.com Dedicated to providing school districts with the tools they need to economically and efficiently address today’s changing insurance and risk management environment.

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EMC Insurance Companies 262-717-3900 philip.lucca@emcins.com emcins.com Property and casualty insurance

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R&R Insurance 262-574-7000 bill.hattendorf@rrins.com myknowledgebroker.com Our 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.

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TRICOR Insurance 877-468-7426 john@tricorinsurance.com tricorinsurance.com We now insure over 150 public schools. Our School Practice Team is made up of a diverse group of experienced individuals who are extensively trained and specialized in school insurance products, risk management, support services, loss control, human resources and claims advocacy.

| Leadership Consulting 

Studer Education

850-898-3949 info@studereducation.com studereducation.com We support the critical work of school district leaders through coaching around an Evidence-Based Leadership framework to increase student achievement, employee engagement, parent satisfaction, district support services, and financial efficiency.

| Legal Services Buelow Vetter Buikema Olson & Vliet LLC

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262-364-0300 cbuelow@buelowvetter.com buelowvetter.com We have decades of experience in representing school boards across Wisconsin. We advise school boards and administrators on a variety of issues from labor and employment to student discipline and expulsion. Strang, Patteson, Renning, Lewis & Lacy, s.c.

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844-626-0901 kstrang@strangpatteson.com strangpatteson.com We provide legal counsel on a full range of issues that school and higher education institution clients confront on a regular basis. 

von Briesen & Roper, s.c.

414-287-1122 aphillips@vonbriesen.com vonbriesen.com We’re 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.

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UnitedHealthcare 414-443-4094 cecelia_hopkins@uhc.com uhc.com Our mission is to help people live healthier lives by providing access to high quality, affordable healthcare. We are committed to improving the healthcare 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.

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|School/Community Research 

School Perceptions, LLC

262-299-0329 info@schoolperceptions.com schoolperceptions.com An independent research firm specializing in conducting surveys for public and private schools, educational service agencies, communities and other state-level organizations.

| Transportation 

Dairyland Buses, Inc.

262-544-8181 mjordan@ridesta.com ridesta.com School bus contracting provider, managed contracts, training, maintenance.

SUPPORTING, PROMOTING AND ADVANCING PUBLIC EDUCATION

96th

2017 State Education Convention Registration Open! • Inspiring Keynote Speakers • Informative Sessions & Workshops • Hundreds of Exhibitors • Special Networking Events WISCONSIN STATE EDUCATION CONVENTION January 18-20, 2017 • Wisconsin Center • Milwaukee

For more information, visit wasb.org/convention.