The Fort Atkinson School District Board of Education on Jan. 16 approved a resolution designating that no special education open-enrollment spaces are available for the 2025-26 school year while stating it will not deny new regular-education open-enrollment applications based on space. The board also approved issuing two-year administrative employment contracts that run from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, and accepted the verified candidate filings for the April school board election.

Board members approved the consent agenda early in the meeting; the consent agenda included minutes from the Dec. 19, 2024 regular meeting, approval of 4K provider contracts, mid-year compensation adjustments, budget transfer requests and payment of district bills. A motion to approve the consent agenda carried on roll call.

On open enrollment, administration (Mrs. Hollenberger, director of pupil services and special education) presented the DPI process used to determine available seats. The board read and adopted a resolution that states: “Will not deny any new regular education open enrollment applications for the 2025-26 school year based on available space at any grade level. Be it further resolved that the Board of Education designates that there are no available special education spaces for the 2025-26 school year for new open enrollment applicants.” The motion was moved and seconded and carried.

On administrative contracts, the board approved issuance of individual employment contracts for administrative staff beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027. Administration said two new associate principals, one at the middle school and one at the high school, will be included so all administrators share the same contract cycle. The motion passed on roll call.

The board clerk reported that the filing deadline for declarations of candidacy was Jan. 7, 2025. Three electors filed for two open seats; the names and ballot order presented to the board were: 1) Robin Celli; 2) Kurt P. Lewis Jr.; and 3) Siobhan N. Bowen. Because three candidates filed for two seats, no primary is required; the general election is Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The newly elected board members will take office on Monday, April 28, 2025. The board also scheduled invitations for the candidates to speak at the Feb. 20 board meeting.

The meeting concluded with routine items for future agendas and an adjournment motion that carried. The board did not take further formal action related to the budget presentation at this meeting.