[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6222453,"mediaKeyId","3609319-4b10e8fa365b1414605963fb3a824918","parentId",3609319,"title","Board hears detailed preliminary budget briefing; administration projects balanced operational budget but warns numbers may change","audioSeconds",546,"startMs",4406000,"endMs",4952000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3609319-4b10e8fa365b1414605963fb3a824918&start=4406&end=4952","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3609319-4b10e8fa365b1414605963fb3a824918/thumbnail_4406000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6222453/Wisconsin/Board-hears-detailed-preliminary-budget-briefing-administration-projects-balanced-operational-budget-but-warns-numbers-may-change","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222453-85daf0ef801152925f68b1047ed78ad7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770491570&Signature=eGb~PbF0pnFyzbYTV4y1kEu2jrRfdaMxKGrWTBIcwhI1ZBJnPo-zf69BMZo0ikQA8SQ7qeaTpYmC-dzyrOCzI7hY5b~QKDr~z54vFfGbrnjOIDqj13xJmSMbbbA7aKajwBcM1hQq7Lip4R4Vx6S01L-UDLljT1tl4ECkChJsMDauK~ItURH-8JvJZnj1RerZHypU-gKljzBNd23f9PPTZBgufvJyVSU62nzjovHc8YQm50DdSd0qwpN2M6MBv8A5g6g9QlESZA5zISxz-bcuFWTj9lxGpDNHxEthrq~D1j5AtSGUkzohAEDgDN3AZVVbKGoWRJEMiBQKk5OSLolj9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Fond du Lac School District ","date","2025-05-29T13:00:17Z","article","The Fond du Lac School District\u000027s business office presented a detailed workshop on the preliminary 2025\u000026ndash;26 budget at the May 28 meeting, telling the board that the document is a working projection, not a final plan, and that some numbers will change as state aid, enrollment counts and other variables are finalized.

\"I want to assure you that the budget that you have here tonight is not indeed the final budget,\" said the district\u000027s business manager, describing the preliminary budget as a legal vehicle to provide spending authority starting July 1 and an early step in a multi-month process that concludes with audited financials in December. The presentation outlined how Wisconsin\u000027s state-aid formulas, the revenue limit and categorical aids shape local revenue and the practical constraints they place on local budgeting.

Administration emphasized several financial pressures: declining enrollment, the district\u000027s dependence on local revenue limits tied to property wealth, and relatively low state special-education reimbursement rates. The business manager said the district has historically subsidized special education from the general fund and cited an annual shortfall in the millions: \"about $12,000,000 of that was transferred from our general fund to subsidize the lack of funding from the state on the special education reimbursement,\" the presentation said. Board members and administrators discussed enrollment forecasting methods, the difficulty of predicting 4K counts, and policy levers available to local boards (primarily referenda) and the long time horizons of state budget processes.

Board members asked for additional detail on contingency options, potential expense reductions, the effect of possible increases in special-education reimbursement and how reassessment of local property values might affect taxpayers. Several trustees suggested further study of purchase services and consultant contracts; administrators said they will deliver a detailed purchase-services inventory and return with options.

No budget vote was taken at the workshop; the superintendent and business staff told trustees that the board will be asked to approve a preliminary budget at the June 9 meeting to provide spending authority on July 1 and that the legal final budget adoption and tax-levy certification occur later in the fall after state aid is certified.

Ending

Administration said it would return with additional information during scheduled workshops and finance-meeting sessions; trustees asked staff for enrollment, purchase-services and special-education cost breakdowns before the June 9 preliminary-budget action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fond du Lac School District Board Meeting May 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","District finance staff led a May 28 workshop explaining the drivers of the 2025\u000026ndash;26 preliminary budget and warned the draft is provisional until state aid, enrollment and audit work are finalized.","taxTitle","Fond du Lac School District, School Districts, Wisconsin","taxId",38247,"location","Wisconsin","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6222458,"Parents, advocates urge Fond du Lac School Board to restore phonology program cut from 2025–26 budget",505,1103000,1608000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3609319-4b10e8fa365b1414605963fb3a824918&start=1103&end=1608","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3609319-4b10e8fa365b1414605963fb3a824918/thumbnail_1103000.jpg","/articles/6222458/Wisconsin/Parents-advocates-urge-Fond-du-Lac-School-Board-to-restore-phonology-program-cut-from-202526-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222458-34f806d7460ee4a59dd859416bc87625/orig.mp4?Expires=1770491570&Signature=i4sJeAhaZKkeU3kQAKD1-6h3sHNkh3Jwy5D5pi-9XGkUsAkl4XKHQ4yeifSN~GbqKNfL8rnj6JMI2dBJvByAbi~ehzvWO9ysN1REkxcBm5dozIZULhFSWa3v1e~X2DvsW-Jnj5aUbwErzIv2va8hCe0JxQkxQGjb6IebOj~XLPw~5PvkbjcapORaT8Lsu1W8NvatdQ32p7iuVot5UMzVWKvovnuw7t8SE0xoOErH64vKBcyEBwIfrxTRBDufeU2jEIhXiBq7Ekqt8Y6Lfm-IgT3zPSbCBhV0adZI99PqAbZ7yDftlWoHksjugsgKIxXVLb2HOJdWM228L5ZYY7F7qQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parents and caregivers packed the Fond du Lac School District public-comment period on May 28 to press the board to restore a preschool phonology program that was cut from the proposed 2025\u000026ndash;26 budget.

\"This is not a program that our district can afford to lose,\" Tiffany Brault said, describing her daughter Cora\u0000and the gains the child made after attending the program. \"It needs to be restored in the 2025, 2026 budget if we want district students with severe speech impairments to get the best start possible.\" Brault said the program helped her child graduate from the class by December after rapid improvement.

The speakers described the program as a targeted group intervention run by district staff (identified in remarks as \"Mrs. Bebo\" and an aide, \"Mrs. Stafford\") that serves children with severe speech delays in a preschool setting. Amanda Pat said three of her children attended the phonology program and called the decision to cut it \"devastating,\" adding the class \"gave kids the ability to participate in school, to make friends, to succeed academically.\" Brooke Freismuth said her child was about 75% unintelligible before starting the program and \"in less than three months\" staff reported the child became understood most of the time.

Speakers said they had learned of the cut through informal channels rather than formal public notice. One parent told the board she had heard differing explanations for the decision: that it was driven by budget concerns and, alternatively, by a move \"steering away from specialized programs.\" The presiding officer reminded the public that action cannot be taken on an item raised during public comment unless it is placed on a future agenda and legally noticed. Board policy 0167.3 (public comment at board meetings) governs the public-comment process.

Board members did not vote on the phonology program during the meeting. Several board members later said they wanted more detailed information on cost and the rationale for the cut; one asked administration to bring numbers and background for follow-up discussion. Superintendent Matt Steinbarth and business staff were present later in the meeting and said the budget workshop that followed would outline the district\u000027s financial assumptions and that further discussions would be scheduled.

The public speakers requested the board restore the phonology program in the 2025\u000026ndash;26 budget so children with severe speech delays would continue to receive specialized group services in preschool rather than only one-on-one therapy.

Ending

The board took no formal action at the May 28 meeting on the phonology program; parents were told the issue could be raised again at a noticed agenda item or during upcoming budget workshops. Several board members asked staff for follow-up information on costs and the district\u000027s rationale before any decision is made.","Multiple parents and caregivers told the Fond du Lac School Board at public comment that the district\u0000cut a small-group preschool phonology program that they say produced rapid gains for children with severe speech delays and asked the board to reverse the cut in the 2025\u000026ndash;26 preliminary budget.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6222444,"Woodworth Middle School Rocket Club wins regional competition; students seek high-school club support",128,310000,438000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3609319-4b10e8fa365b1414605963fb3a824918&start=310&end=438","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3609319-4b10e8fa365b1414605963fb3a824918/thumbnail_310000.jpg","/articles/6222444/Wisconsin/Woodworth-Middle-School-Rocket-Club-wins-regional-competition-students-seek-high-school-club-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222444-363ae90f264347fc2173f6c84061fc5f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770491570&Signature=kisfge2O-wn5Eh7Olv7fUsHYvgDY0SQUR38QKRApGW2PsW059FR-94NB6bDjyOob2pAWLypqfJQ-tyat0h4UuBzR7iCADK9ci7xZY8qeHUU6YFd3k1MGDqeBDJNwNW5fFPSNCnRTNQ~DBBPKbauApaXJa8EmmhylVJKWnbi7sT418sjB9NohLkl4eH~AvA6jQOpPs0OK1zahWCBi-mKDsOc-ufUoz7sK5vyw4WYYYl9SXgQzEgS21FypV5F4jol09om58Pvdm~VLgiLJlqhI9pSWABGmnuI6ebNsbWotydyS5IVj-c5sD-dInK0AShIJ2K1A8aLcgVxrGR30UUusOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Woodworth Middle School students and their teacher visited the Fond du Lac School Board on May 28 to present their recent first-place finish at the Rockets for Schools secondary launch and to ask for support for a possible high-school Rocket Club.

\"Our team, Electric Shock, earned first place at the Rockets for Schools secondary launch event held May 2025 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin,\" student leader Sam Dremel told the board. Student presenters described their event and engineering work: the club launched a class-1 rocket described as standing 5 feet, 5 inches tall and powered by a CTI 1085 engine with an estimated altitude of about 2,500 feet. Students explained a custom engineered payload they developed that included an Arduino Uno, motor, potentiometer, SD card and a 3D-printed turbine assembly that produced electricity in flight.

Teacher Missus Ludwig (identified in remarks as the group sponsor) introduced multiple students who described their roles: one student spoke about mission-control duties (safety checks and countdowns), another described iterative design changes to the 3D-printed turbine to adapt to side winds and increase propeller count, and club leaders outlined startup costs. Students said a single rocket is \"roughly around $500\" including event entry, and that a new team could begin with about $500 to $1,000 depending on fundraising; past Woodworth fundraisers cited included back-to-school brat fries and grants that covered subsequent years when paperwork was completed.

The students asked the board to consider whether a high-school Rocket Club could be formed; they listed needs including a mentor and startup funds.

Ending

Board members praised the students\u000027 work and several trustees suggested the district explore ways to support expansion to the high school. Administration and trustees said they would consider options and follow up with the club about potential mentorship and funding routes.","Members of Woodworth Middle School\u000027s Rocket Club described winning first place at the Rockets for Schools event and asked the board to consider supporting a high-school rocket club; students and the group lead described the rocket design, custom payload and startup costs.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6222449,"Board approves first reading of third-grade promotion policy required by state Act 20",92,2379000,2471000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3609319-4b10e8fa365b1414605963fb3a824918&start=2379&end=2471","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3609319-4b10e8fa365b1414605963fb3a824918/thumbnail_2379000.jpg","/articles/6222449/Wisconsin/Board-approves-first-reading-of-third-grade-promotion-policy-required-by-state-Act-20","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222449-e9f1e54c23fc465bad1de53d882c90e8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770491570&Signature=g4s8jBvK4y5kK7Lp0Vik1d~tHu3AYew2Q8XlpYySL9HQhMDlIBZCIvycYone0fooWCpouwbFVQIvvT2kn8NyQYhxhltQGeWcb8zyJOf3n-rem~pbGBM1dPCwIpKi3jW1nb8GyGm-g7IuU0iKZAGUKEmjcxWLtMkX1mc5F0t0iTLEKl7BqG-HYNAIzHkVf0QN-hteJpYosn1qrBxQXYQiDtTNtzpl0Zxh4wMjivSq141T7X2eKxKVFTDImOk1xb1gXRhGXkcI79X1nuNvwO9-V5wD0y9D67J3uYszST1TqnVGrg01Y~mIQxIZJgIaov3Kzq1n1cWUq5-KSyV7zXXyAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fond du Lac School District Board of Education voted 7\u000026ndash;0 at its May 28 meeting to approve Policy 05/2011 (third-grade promotion and retention) at first reading, fulfilling a statutory requirement under Wisconsin\u000027s Act 20.

\"The state mandated Act 20 requires all school districts to have a third-grade promotion policy by 07/01/2025, and the policy will be effective 07/01/2027,\" the district\u000027s chief academic officer summarized for the board. The policy measures both fluency and comprehension when determining whether a student meets grade-level standards, and the district will use local tools including I-Ready; the presentation said Research does not support retention as an effective remedy and emphasized teacher-family collaboration and reading plans as supports for students at risk.

A motion to approve the policy at first reading was made and seconded; the roll call vote recorded unanimous approval. Administration invited the public to review the workshop materials and previous discussions for additional context.

Ending

Because this was a first reading, the policy will return for a final vote consistent with board procedure and statutory deadlines. The administration said additional parent and teacher engagement materials are available in recorded workshops for those who want more information.","The school board approved Policy 05/2011 on third-grade promotion and retention at first reading, aligning district practice with Act 20 requirements; the policy will become effective for students beginning July 1, 2027, and uses fluency and comprehension as measures.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board hears detailed preliminary budget briefing; administration projects balanced operational budget but warns numbers may change

Parents, advocates urge Fond du Lac School Board to restore phonology program cut from 2025–26 budget

Woodworth Middle School Rocket Club wins regional competition; students seek high-school club support

Board approves first reading of third-grade promotion policy required by state Act 20