Despite in-person school closure, Heights has to think about possible referendum

In addition to wrestling with an online model for the fall, the Wisconsin Heights School Board talked about the tenability of putting a referendum question on the fall or spring ballot. The District has been looking at a roughly $30 million facilities upgrade. At the August 10 meeting, board members Mary Beth Schall and Gary Damaschke expressed concern about asking taxpayers for more money right now. Board member Cindy Beuthin noted that putting a referendum question on the ballot would allow the district to get a good idea of where the residents stand on the question. During public input, two parents spoke about the potential of having fall sports. Both supported having sports, and one noted that “things in life involve risk.”  Their comments were met with applause by those at the meeting. The administration discussed the plan for online schooling in more detail. An email was sent out to parents after the meeting, outlining expectations and resources. Middle School/High School principal Liz Dostal noted that last spring’s curriculum and model was a “crisis response,” but this fall is a “planned response.” Class will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with online attendance counting as regular in-person attendance. The District emphasizes that when a student doesn’t log on for a day, parents should do the same as they did before and contact the school and teacher. There will be no regularly scheduled art and music classes for the time being, but they will be offered as an option. With the September 1st start date, the District is preparing for those students who need in-person assistance. The administration outlined the disinfection protocols for in-person attendance as well. As far as emotional and social support, students can meet in person with a social worker, as well as receive online assistance.