School Board Meeting - 10/12/2026

Summary

The West Bend School District Board held its public meeting on October 12, 2026. Five board members were present, two were absent and excused, and the superintendent participated by phone. The board approved the agenda and consent agenda. No public comment cards were submitted.

Student Reports

Student representatives introduced new freshman representatives from East and West high schools. They reported on a career-readiness fair with more than 30 vendors, homecoming activities, school clubs and performances, and athletics.

West beat East in varsity volleyball (3–0), boys soccer (4–1), and football (49–7). Students also highlighted strong cross-country finishes and upcoming performances and events.

Curriculum Committee

The committee reviewed the proposed middle-school model, the high-school course planning guide, student travel requests, and the process for reviewing the human growth and development curriculum. The course guide and trip proposals were included in the approved consent agenda.

Construction Update

Facilities and Technology Director Tim Harter reported that construction at Jackson Elementary was progressing on schedule. The new section was being enclosed, with interior framing and mechanical work underway.

The district was also preparing for high-school construction, expected to begin in the spring and proceed in phases over two years.

Proposed Middle-School Model

The board discussed a redesigned program for Badger Middle School, which will serve grades 6–8 starting in the 2027–28 school year. The model prioritizes protected core instructional time, including additional time for math and support for reteaching, while reducing transitions.

Sixth graders would sample a range of electives. Seventh graders would have some choices, including music or world language, and eighth graders would have broader elective choice through a point system.

Board members asked about music instruction, continuity for students already taking world language, and ways for students to enter programs later. Staff said existing pathways and possible “on-ramps” were being addressed. The proposal will return for formal board consideration after further course development.

Human Growth and Development Advisory Committee

The board approved the proposed committee process and member-selection process for the district’s curriculum review. State law requires an advisory committee when a district provides this instruction.

Community applications will be solicited, with committee membership expected to be set in November and meetings to begin afterward.

Future Business

The board requested a future discussion of the timeline for selecting new school colors and a mascot. District staff said a final selection is targeted for January.

Executive Session

The board voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss employee compensation and base-wage negotiations.

Presenters and Contributors

Student representatives Bella DS, Clara Minty, and Grace Pzel; Curriculum Committee Chair Melanie Ergot; board member Joe Pickler; Facilities and Technology Director Tim Harter; Director of Curriculum and Instruction Kelly Dones; and Curriculum and Instruction Program Administrator Adrienne Schneider. The superintendent also participated remotely.