
MTSD Momentum Newsletter
March 23, 2023

Coming Soon: Online Registration for the 2023-24 School Year
MTSD Budget Update & Legislative Advocacy
During the March Board of Education meetings, Sarah Viera, MTSD’s Executive Director of Business Services, has been sharing updates regarding the budget development process for the 2023-2024 school year and how our planning work is being impacted by the development of the Wisconsin State Biennial Budget for 2023-2025.
Across four different scenarios that we have generated, two scenarios would result in a budget deficit that falls somewhere between $1.3 million and $2.2 million districtwide. While we usually find a way to “make it work” despite a historic record of underfunding, the reality of our budget situation for next year is that it is going to be much more difficult to operate at the level our community has come to expect without increased funding.
With this in mind, district leaders have been engaging in purposeful communication opportunities to share MTSD's financial needs with the broader community. Earlier this month, Dr. Joynt, MTSD's Superintendent of Schools, met with state lawmakers at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison to outline MTSD’s specific budgetary needs and projected challenges due to historical inflationary increases.
Subscribe to an MTSD Calendar Feed
Did you know that there is a way to add the events on any MTSD school calendar to your own personal calendar feed? Get all of your scheduled events in one place by following these 3-step directions to add the the MTSD event's calendar, Board of Education meeting calendar, District calendar, or any MTSD school calendar to your iCal, Google, Outlook, or another online personal scheduling platform.
Update on WI State School Vaccine Mandates
In the February Momentum newsletter, we shared some updates to school vaccine requirements as put forth by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). Following a hearing on immunizations at the state level earlier this month, the DHS is suspending those updates until further notice. Please read more about the suspended updates here. MTSD recommends following the guidance of your child's healthcare provider and Wisconsin State Health Department regarding all age-appropriate immunizations.
Lightning Detection System Installed at Homestead High School
The MTSD buildings and grounds team has recently implemented an Earth Networks lightning detection system that will be activated when a cloud-to-ground lightning strike occurs within a 10-mile radius of Homestead High School.
The detection system will activate a warning strobe light and outdoor siren that will sound for 15 seconds. The strobe light at the press box will continue to blink until we are lighting-free for 30 minutes. When the system is activated, outdoor fields and activities should be suspended for thirty(30) minutes to allow the danger to pass and keep our students, rentals, and community safe.
Corresponding signage (pictured) will soon be placed near all our outdoor fields that will help communicate what to do should the siren activate.
Sunsetting MTSD's COVID-19 Testing Location
Due to the conclusion of the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19, MTSD's state-supported COVID-19 testing site will close after testing concludes on Friday, April 14th.
Homestead Robotics Fundraiser
The Homestead High School Robotics Team 8680, Kraken Pinion, took first place as a result of an 8-0 record in matches in the First Tech Challenge state competition earlier this month in Green Bay, WI. As a result, they have earned the ability to compete in the 2022-23 FIRST Tech Challenge World Championships at the end of April in Houston, Texas. With this exciting news, MTSD has kicked off our first Classmunity crowdfunding fundraiser event for the Robotics team! Classmunity is a crowdfunding platform dedicated solely to fundraisers approved and managed by MTSD. We look forward to adding events to this site as our schools and school groups encounter more opportunities to raise funds in support of our students.
Save the Date: MTEF's Off to the Races Derby Bash
Nominate an Outstanding Educator for the MTEF Excellence in Education Awards!
ONE DAY LEFT!
This is the last week to recommend educators for MTEF’s Excellence in Education Awards. All nominees receive a congratulatory note and your nomination form! Four winners each receive $1,000. Details and simple nomination form at www.mtef.org.
M-T Recreation Department News
Register Now for Summer Programming!
Registration is now open for summer program opportunities through the Mequon-Thiensville Recreation Department. Course registrations are filling fast, so don't wait! There are so many great options across all types of interests, and for all ages! Whether you are looking to finely tune a skill, take up a new hobby, learn something new, or stay active, there is something for everyone!
Take advantage of two great summer opportunities through the Mequon-Thiensville Recreation Department!
Summer Academy - Designed for students entering 4K-9th grade, Summer Academy features two week-long sessions of educational enrichment courses, taught by MTSD educators!
Summer Camp - Returning for its second year, Summer Camp is a fun-filled 10-week program open to kids ages 5-12 that includes activities involving physical activity, social interaction, educational opportunities, and leadership-building.
Register by April 18 for the VIP Spring Dance
This annual event is a great opportunity for your child to take their Very Important Person out for a fancy evening of dinner and dancing! Be sure to pre-register by April 18 at the Rec. Department website.
Board Briefs
The Mequon-Thiensville Board of Education held one working meeting, one regular business meeting, one policy committee meeting, and two closed sessions this month.
March 6 Working Meeting
The Board discussed an update on the 2023-2024 budget development as provided by Sarah Viera, Executive Director of Business Services
March 6 Closed Session
The Board of Education convened into Closed Session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) for the purpose of discussing the annual Superintendent’s Evaluation.
March 15 Policy Committee Meeting
Policies discussed included: #6920 - Fundraising on Behalf of the District, #9270 - Participation of Resident Students, and #8330 - Student Records
March 20 Regular Business Meeting
The Board heard a Student Report from Homestead senior, Abigail Horwitz
The Board heard a PTO presentation from Donges Bay PTO representative, Meggan Thompson-Brengel
Dr. Matthew Joynt presented the Superintendent’s Report
The Board approved the Homestead High School Robotics trip to the World Champion in Houston, Texas from April 18 - 23, 2023, as presented by Assistant Principal Matt Zavada
The Board approved a resolution and accompanying agreement authorizing an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement with the School District of Whitefish Bay, Pursuant to Wis. Stat. 66.0301
The Board approved policies #6920 - Fundraising on Behalf of the District and #9700 - Access to Students by External Organizations
The Board heard a first reading of policy #9270 - Participation of Resident Students, as presented by Policy Committee member, Paula Taebel
The Board heard and discussed an update on the 2023-2024 Budget Development as presented by Sarah Viera, Executive Director of Business Services
March 23 Closed Session
The Board of Education convened into Closed Session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) for the purpose of discussing the annual Superintendent’s Evaluation.
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.
Thank you for your service, Board Member Hollander
The Monday, March 20 Board of Education meeting marked Dr. Erik Hollander's last business meeting as a Board member, as he is not seeking reelection in the upcoming spring election. Dr. Hollander's thoughtful approach in decision-making and respect and support for differing perspectives has made us all better leaders. His passion for education, focus on students, staff members, and our families, and willingness to help us grow as learners in alignment with better practices for continuous improvement has had a significant and positive impact on our Board leadership. On behalf of the students, families, staff members, and administrators of the Mequon-Thiensville School District, thank you for your service!
Employment Opportunities
Like many organizations both locally and nationally, the Mequon-Thiensville School District and some of our contracted services providers are experiencing challenges related to staffing shortages. Please take a moment to review the employment opportunities below and spread the word about working at MTSD!
Bus Drivers
Access to consistent and timely bus transportation is extremely important to the success of our student academics, athletics, and co-curricular activities. Please help to minimize transportation disruptions for our students and consider applying to become a bus driver for MTSD and GO Riteway. Spread the word about how important this career is to our entire school community!
Substitute Teachers
Everyone knows a teacher or someone who loves children. Do you love working with kids? Become a Substitute Teacher and start making a difference in the lives of children! Teachers On Call is a substitute staffing company specializing in recruiting and retaining qualified staff who are willing to step into a classroom with minimal direction. There are many opportunities to sub at the schools in our district.
Featured Opportunities
Certified Staff:
Research & Digital Learning Specialist - Steffen Middle School
Support Staff:
Special Education Paraprofessional - Oriole Lane
Rental Coordinator - Districtwide
Substitute Teachers and Paraprofessionals - flexible job!
Connect With Us! 💻
Throughout the school year, be sure to check out the great things going on at your school building by following your school's page on Facebook, as well as the MTSD Facebook page, the District Twitter and Instagram accounts, and by finding us on LinkedIn.
Follow us on Facebook:
Follow us on Twitter:
Find us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Instagram
Please note: The accounts linked above are the only official social media presence managed and moderated with support from MTSD Communications.
Important Dates 🗓️
NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
Monday, March 27 - Friday, March 31
NO SCHOOL - Good Friday
Friday, April 7
MTEF Giveback - Leonardo's Pizza
Order some tasty pizza and support MTSD schools!
Wednesday, April 12 from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Last Day to Register for Summer Academy
Saturday, April 15
Board of Education - Regular Business Meeting
Monday, April 24 @ 7:00 p.m.
Range Line Community Center
MTEF Off to the Races Derby Bash
Saturday, May 6 - 4:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Shully's Watermark & East Lawn - Thiensville