MTSD Momentum Newsletter

Thank you to all staff members, families, and community members who participated in the MTSD Community Survey regarding the budget crisis and possible operating referendum. Please click here for a presentation of the survey results. You’ll see that survey results are broken down into three categories:

1. All Respondents: Includes 1,117 residents who completed the survey.

2. Comparison Group: Includes 484 residents who are not current parents of preschool or school-aged students, employees, or students.

3. Weighted Group: 30% weight given to affiliated community members, 70% weight given to non-affiliated community members (the comparison group).

Notably, 47% of respondents in the weighted group would “definitely-probably” support a $30 million referendum over the course of four years. 64.5% support using funds to maintain facilities and equipment, and 64% support using funds to maintain competitive salaries and benefits for employees.

As a next step in the zero-based budgeting process, the district’s administrative team will be presenting a draft budget at the MTSD Board of Education’s next meeting on Monday, June 3 at 6:00 p.m. in the Range Line Community Center conference room. All are welcome to attend in-person or virtually via Zoom.

MTSD regularly seeks engagement opportunities with all stakeholders to build strong relationships and trust across the school community. One of the methods used to engage stakeholders and gain input to inform decisions includes the use of surveys. To inform our continued planning and improvement as we approach the end of the 2023-24 school year, we asked all of our families to complete the Spring Family Pulse Survey. The purpose of this short survey was meant to gain input regarding our families’ experience with MTSD, perceptions regarding communication and safety, and our students’ educational experience thus far in the school year.

We are pleased to report that the overall results were very positive and the overwhelming majority of respondents are grateful for MTSD’s quality of education, excellence of our teachers and staff members, and sense of community and positive environment. Key takeaways include:

• 502 total responses, representing 14% of students at MTSD

• Family Net Promoter Score: 52

• 92% of respondents feel well-informed of important updates from the district

• 92% report that their child feels safe at school

• 69% report that their child sets goals for the school year

• 88% agree that the skills their child is learning in school will help them to be successful in life

• 75% report that their child always or usually feels challenged by their classes

A comprehensive survey report will be posted on the MTSD website soon. Thank you for everything that you do to make us Proud to be MTSD!!

As we approach the end of the 2023-24 school year, we are already planning for the technology needs of our incoming freshmen - the Class of 2028. Please know that all incoming 9th-grade students will receive a brand new Chromebook on the first day of school, Tuesday, September 3, 2024. It is not necessary to purchase new laptops or Chromebooks for your incoming freshman student.

Not only do MTSD-issued Chromebooks meet all of the academic digital needs of our students, but they are used for all future standardized testing, including the pre-ACT, ACT, and Advanced Placement (AP) assessments. Again, please do not purchase a new laptop or Chromebook for your student, as the Homestead-issued Chromebook will serve them well.

The Mequon-Thiensville Board of Education held one working meeting, one closed session, two policy committee meetings, one legislative committee meeting, and one regular business meeting this month.

May 6 Working Meeting & Closed Session

• The Board heard a Zero-Based Budgeting update from Sarah Viera, Executive Director of Business Services & Operations and Don Sovey of School and Municipal Advisory Services.

• The Board heard a presentation on a proposed solar panel project related to Homestead High School from Kyle Thompson, Director of Maintenance & Operations.

• The Board heard a presentation on a forthcoming increase in district facility rental fees from Kyle Thompson, Director of Maintenance & Operations.

• The Board engaged in a Board Governance check-in.

• The Board convened into Closed Session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(e) for the purpose of Deliberating or Negotiating the Purchasing of Public Properties, the Investing of Public Funds, or Conducting other Specified Public Business, whenever Competitive or Bargaining reasons require a closed session (teacher negotiations).

May 8 Policy Committee Meeting

• Policies discussed included: #6235 - Fund Balance, #3139 - Staff Discipline, #9210 - Parent and District Support Organizations, #6920 - Fundraising on Behalf of the District, #6910 - Gifts, Planned Giving, and Bequests, #0155 - Organization - School Board Committees

May 16 Legislative Committee Meeting

• The committee engaged in planning, review of 2023 WASB Resolutions, and next steps in legislative advocacy.

May 20 Regular Business Meeting

• The Board took action to approve employee transactions, including the hire of Mr. Jeff Haubenreich as the next principal of Lake Shore Middle School.

• The Board approved the HHS Student Debate trip to Des Moines, IA from June 16-June 22 for the National Speech & Debate Tournament.

• The Board heard the Treasurer’s report, PTO report from Donges Bay PTO representatives, the Superintendent’s report, and Legislative Committee report.

• The Board heard public comment regarding impacts on a proposed schedule change for middle school band.

• The Board took action to approve the 2024-2025 calendar of meetings.

• The Board took action to approve the Homestead High School Solar Panel Project.

• The Board heard a presentation of MTSD Community Survey Results from Perry Hibner of the Donovan Group and engaged in subsequent discussion.

• The Board took action to approve the creation of a district fundraising guide.

• The Board heard first readings of policies #6235 - Fund Balance, #3139 - Staff Discipline, and #0155 - Organization - School Board Committees.

• The Board recognized anonymous gifts made to the Homestead High School National Honor Society Banquet and the Homestead High School Boys Volleyball program, both in the amount of $1,000.

May 22 Policy Committee Meeting

• Policies discussed included: #6235 - Fund Balance, #3139 - Staff Discipline, #0155 - Organization - School Board Committees, #TBD - Parent Rights in Relation to District Programs/Activities and Student Privacy, #TBD - Library Materials Selection, #0111 - Official Description - Name, and #0111.1 - Official Description - Legal Status of the School District.

All Mequon-Thiensville community members, MTSD families, and staff members are encouraged to attend meetings of the MTSD Board of Education. As a reminder, all Board of Education meeting agendas and video recordings of past meetings can be found on the MTSD Board of Education website. For detailed agendas and PDFs of Board presentations, please visit BoardDocs.