HSSD Report to Our Community 2022-23

2022–2023

REPORTTO OUR COMMUNITY SERVING • LEARNING • ACHIEVING – TOGETHER

IN THIS ISSUE: Points of Pride Graduate Profile: Profile to Practice Fundamentals of HSSD Finance Facilities Updates Howard-Suamico Education Foundation

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3

LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

5

VISION, MISSION, CORE VALUES

6

BOARD OF EDUCATION

8

GRADUATE PROFILE

10

FUNDAMENTALS OF FINANCE

12

FACILITIES UPDATES

14

HOWARD-SUAMICO EDUCATION FOUNDATION

2 | HOWARD–SUAMICO SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Howard-Suamico School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, natural origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, including transgender status, change of sex or gender identity, disability, age (except as authorized by law), military status, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability as required by Sec. 118.13 Wis. Stats.

LEADERSHIP MESSAGE The Howard-Suamico School District is a place where students gain an authentic, innovative, connected, and inspired experience for an ever-changing future.

Our goal is excellence which is achieved through practice. The HSSD Graduate Profile, our north star, keeps our focus on seven characteristics our students and staff strive to attain.

Greg Klimek Board of Education President

Our devoted staff have dedicated themselves to transferring the Graduate Profile characteristics from being words on paper to bringing the Profile to Practice.

Relatedly, in line with our mission, we work together with families and the community to ensure that our students have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a changing world. Great communities and great public school systems go hand in hand; they are interdependent. This is a major contributing factor in our metro area recently being named as the “Best Place to Live” by U.S. News.

Damian LaCroix Superintendent

Throughout this publication you will find a summary of 2022-23 academic, finance, and facilities updates, along with stories of impact and examples of Profile to Practice.

In the upcoming year, we will build upon the successful foundation we have laid, focusing on further innovation, nurturing a culture of lifelong learning, and strengthening our sense of community. We are excited about the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead, and we are grateful for your ongoing support and partnership on this journey.

With Unity,

SCAN THE QR CODE Greg Klimek Board of Education President

Damian LaCroix Superintendent

to watch a video of how our teachers are putting Profile to Practice!

www.hssdschools.org | 3

96%

Staff who agree that, all things considered, HSSD is a good place to work.

Data: 2023 Staff Survey 4 | HOWARD–SUAMICO SCHOOL DISTRICT

VISION

CORE VALUES

An authentic, innovative, connected, and inspired experience of learning for an ever-changing future.

We believe in and advocate for every student, every family, every day.

MISSION

We engage collaboratively - community, families, staff, and students - to create a safe, welcoming, and high-quality learning environment for all.

We will work with families and the community to ensure that our students have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a changing world.

We commit to build and provide each student with an equitable opportunity for academic, social, and emotional success.

We pursue and deliver the highest standards and qualities of excellence.

91%

Graduates who reported that HSSD taught them to be solutionists.

Data: 2023 Senior Survey

LEARN MORE about HSSD CARE Awards on our website!

The second HSSD CARE Awards honored one staff member in each building for their contributions to our caring learning community. The program is sponsored by the Howard-Suamico Education Foundation and business partners.

www.hssdschools.org | 5

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Jessica Gagan, Board of Education Student Representative 2023-25, tours Bay View Middle School with the Board of Education and Referendum Task Force members in June 2023.

HIGHLIGHTS E NGAGED in two-way communication with key stakeholders through monthly linkages. The Board met with HSSD staff, clergy and civic leaders, legislators, village officials, Bay Port student council, business and workforce development professionals, and active older adults.

R ECOGNIZED seven community partners, five staff, three students, and three teams for their success and positive impact on HSSD.

The Board of Education meets with business and workforce development professionals during their annual linkage meeting hosted by Miron Construction.

T OURED buildings frequently to stay up-to-date regarding ongoing construction, following the successful April 2021 referendum.

A DVOCATED with state and national legislators for equitable and adequate school funding on behalf of HSSD students, families, and staff.

77%

Residents who believe the School Board is doing what it takes to make our district successful.

Data: Community Survey 2021-22

6 | HOWARD–SUAMICO SCHOOL DISTRICT

Pictured above is the HSSD Board of Education 2023-24.

Front (left to right): Scott Jandrin, Vice-President; and Greg Klimek, President. Back (left to right): Madeline Thoreson, Student Representative; Amy M. Rubright, Director; Christina Amtmann, Clerk; Allen McGuire, Treasurer; Vanessa Moran, Director; Rachelle Paulsen, Director; Jessica Gagan, Student Representative.

Greg Klimek, Board of Education President, awards Cara Wreen her diploma. Wreen was the 2021-23 Board of Education Student Representative.

Serving as a student representative for the HSSD Board of Education has been fundamental to my growth as a student and leader.

-Cara Wreen, Board of Education Student Representative 2021-23

YEAR IN REVIEW

BAY PORT CLASS OF 2023 474 Graduates

74

GPA 4.0 or Higher

175

Achieved High Honors or Honors

3

Perfect ACT Scores

$629,000 Scholarship Dollars Awarded

POINTS OF PRIDE: ACADEMICS

ARTS

ATHLETICS

COMMUNITY

• Bay Port received the Female Diversity Award for AP Computer Science Principles.

• For the second year in a row, HSSD received the Best Communities for Music Education Award from the NAMM Foundation.

•G irls Hockey: The Bay Area Ice Bears co-op team won the state championship and earned the WIAA State Tournament Sportsmanship Award.

•D uck Creek VFW: The VFW and its Auxiliary donated 78 new American flags for the newly-renovated Bay View classrooms.

• Julia Fitt, Bay Port artist, placed 3rd in the 2023 Congressional Art Competition.

Her artwork was displayed in U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher’s De Pere Office.

•G irls Golf: The team earned the Honorable Mention Academic All-State recognition from the Golf Coaches Association of Wisconsin.

•C aptain’s Academy: Russ Styczynski of SMT Machine & Tool won the Bert Grover Child Advocacy Award from the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators (WASDA) for hosting Bay Port’s Captain’s Academy.

• Cara Wreen, Bay Port 2023, was one of 150 students nationwide to earn a $25,000 Coca Cola Scholarship.

• Kelly Koller, Bay View teacher, and Jovita D’souza and Eloise Massee, Bay Port Class of 2023, earned Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Awards.

• Moriah David, William Schlueter, and Cara Wreen were National Merit Scholarship Finalists.

• HSSD Summer School secured a grant of nearly $563,000 to enhance and expand learning in 2023 and 2024.

• Bay Port One Act brought home five awards: Critics Choice, Outstanding Ensemble, Outstanding Technical Theatre, Outstanding Directing, and Outstanding Acting (Phoenix McElroy).

• The Bay Port Musical, Grease, performed for six sold-out crowds.

•G irls Track & Field: 2nd place at state in 4x100 - Isabelle Denny, Jillian Anderson, McKenna Sedlacek, and Nevaeh Johnson.

•W restling: Jacob Ward placed 2nd at state at 145 lbs.

•D ance: The team placed 3rd in Large Varsity Kick at WAPC State.

•H SBPA: The Howard-Suamico Business Professionals Association partnered with Bay Port to host two Job Fairs.

www.hssdschools.org | 7

GRADUATE PROFILE: PROFILE TO PRACTICE

GRADUATE PROFILE The Graduate Profile is HSSD’s north star. It provides our students with the skills to meet the challenges of an ever-changing future. As we focus on putting Profile to Practice, our goal is to develop lifelong learners who are self-starters, critical thinkers, collaborators, communicators, adaptable, responsible, and solutionists.

Learn more about the Graduate Profile at www.hssdschools.org/graduate-profile.

A SELF-STARTER

82% Residents who believe courses are challenging and relevant.

Data: Community Survey 2021-22

8 | HOWARD–SUAMICO SCHOOL DISTRICT

A CRITICAL THINKER

is motivated to take action.

investigates the quality of ideas and how they are connected.

A COLLABORATOR

A COMMUNICATOR

is a helpful and active participant who shares responsibility while working toward a common goal.

An ADAPTABLE person is able to adjust.

seeks to understand others and to be understood.

A RESPONSIBLE

person acts with empathy and takes ownership of the outcomes of their choices.

A SOLUTIONIST

solves problems.

GRADUATE PROFILE: PROFILE TO PRACTICE

PROFILE TO PRACTICE: YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP

Autumn Bloohm, Bay Port 2024, recognizes the importance of Graduate Profile characteristics as she works with the Suamico Fire Department through a Youth Apprenticeship.

Joe Bertler, Suamico Fire Chief and Autumn’s supervisor, says, “The characteristics of the Graduate Profile are important. They make for a more well-rounded individual, more employable, more successful.”

ALEC INGOLD, NFL STAR AND BAY PORT ALUMNUS, COMES HOME

SCAN THE QR CODE to see Autumn’s Youth Apprenticeship story!

Alec Ingold, Miami Dolphins fullback and Bay Port alumnus, visited his elementary school, Suamico Elementary, along with other HSSD schools. He spoke about the importance of leading with kindness and a smile. Ingold recently published a book, The 7 Crucibles, about overcoming adversity.

www.hssdschools.org | 9

FUNDAMENTALS OF HSSD FINANCE

$ WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT HSSD FINANCE Since 1994, school levies (i.e. local taxes) have been linked to general school aid (or state money) through state revenue limits. If state aid to schools rises, local school levies are likely to decrease, and vice-versa.

While lawmakers directly control state aid, the revenue limit law allows them to indirectly control local levies because of how the two are tied together.

SCAN THE QR CODE

Approximately 66% of HSSD’s revenue limit comes from state aid. Wisconsin has an equalizing procedure, which considers both assessed and equalized fair market values (see definitions on page 11), which are shown on property tax bills.

View the HSSD budget book, annual financial audit results, property tax guides, revenue limit law, and more on our website!

The equalizing procedure assures that school taxes, county taxes, and major state aid are distributed fairly to Wisconsin’s 1,851 municipalities.

HSSD BOARD OF EDUCATION LOWERS TAX RATE In October 2022, the HSSD Board of Education reduced the equalized tax rate for the second year in a row to $8.69. This is the lowest it has been in more than 10 years. $12

Regular Operating $10

$9.73 $1.49

Mill Rate

$8

$8.25

$9.51 $1.86 $7.65

$9.31

$9.30

$9.19

$1.84

$1.84

$1.95

$7.47

$7.45

$6

$7.25

$9.19 $2.04

Referendum Operating

Referendum Debt

$9.19

$9.19

$9.19

$9.19

$8.99

$2.82

$0.96

$1.05

$1.67

$2.58

$2.02

$1.93

$6.20

$6.21

$7.15 $6.37

$8.69 $3.38

$1.84 $5.68

$1.75 $4.66

$4

$1.47 $3.84

$2

$0 2011-2012

2012-2013

2013-2014

2014-2015

2015-2016

2016-2017

2017-2018

Academic Year

10 | HOWARD–SUAMICO SCHOOL DISTRICT

2018-2019

2019-2020

2020-2021

2021-2022

2022-2023

FUNDAMENTALS OF HSSD FINANCE

75% Residents who believe HSSD positively impacts their home’s value.

STORY OF IMPACT:

HOWARD MILITARY HOMECOMING

Data: Community Survey 2021-22

SFC Joshua DuBois, Platoon Sergeant, returned home from a nine-month deployment. Brynlee and Gracelyn, his daughters who attend Howard Elementary, did not know he was on his way home, so SFC DuBois surprised them at school! Thank you, SFC DuBois, for your service!

EQUALIZING PROCEDURE:

TERMS TO KNOW A SSESSED VALUE: Individual properties are valued (assessed) by local assessors from both villages, Howard and Suamico.

– Exception: manufacturing properties are assessed by the state.

– The local assessor focuses on equity among property owners in the municipality.

E QUALIZED VALUE: The estimated value of all taxable property in each municipality. This is determined by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR).

– The DOR focuses on equity among municipalities and counties.

www.hssdschools.org | 11

STORY OF IMPACT:

HSSD AND VILLAGES PARTNER TO ACQUIRE GRANTS HSSD and the Villages of Howard and Suamico have hired Ben Rodgers as a grant writer. Since he was hired, he has secured more than $1.7 million in grants. Pictured: Rodgers meets with Paul Evert; Village Administrator of Howard, Damian LaCroix, Superintendent of HSSD; and Alex Kaker, Village Administrator of Suamico; to plan for grant writing in 2023-24.

FACILITIES UPDATE

FACILITIES UPDATE In April 2021, Howard and Suamico residents approved $98 million in facilities updates at all eight schools, including major renovations at Bay View Middle School and Forest Glen Elementary School. We are grateful for the community’s support! You are making a tremendous impact on our students and their learning!

Construction strategically progressed throughout the schools, and we are grateful for the flexibility of our staff and students as classrooms shifted to new locations.

Once the school year concluded, construction ramped up and remains underway!

PROJECTS BY SCHOOL OREST GLEN: new commons F and gym BAY VIEW: new gym and galley BAY HARBOR: all-inclusive playground remodel MEADOWBROOK: updated HVAC (air conditioning) HOWARD: stormwater management upgrades UAMICO: parking lot redesign S and repavement INEVILLE: updated HVAC L (air conditioning) BAY PORT: new roof and HVAC repairs. In addition, a secure entrance was installed (this project was not funded by the referendum).

LEARN MORE Visit the HSSD Facilities Updates website to see construction progress.

12 | HOWARD–SUAMICO SCHOOL DISTRICT

FACILITIES UPDATE

FOREST GLEN BEFORE

COMMONS

GYM

COMMONS

LIBRARY

AFTER

BAY VIEW

YOU’RE INVITED!

Community Open House Event Wednesday, September 27 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Forest Glen & Bay View GALLEY

GYM

BUILDING TOURS BOARD OF EDUCATION TOURS The Board of Education has frequently toured the buildings to stay up-to-date regarding construction at each building. Pictured left to right: Brad Nick, Project Superintendent at Forest Glen; Amy M. Rubright, Board of Education Director; Christina Amtmann, Board of Education Clerk; Scott Jandrin, Board of Education Vice-President; and Angie Sorenson, Forest Glen Principal.

REFERENDUM TASK FORCE TOURS Earlier this summer, Elizabeth Powers, referendum task force co-chair, toured Bay View and Forest Glen to see construction progress first-hand, which is a result of the task force’s dedication leading up to the April 2021 referendum vote.

www.hssdschools.org | 13

HOWARD-SUAMICO EDUCATION FOUNDATION

HOWARD-SUAMICO EDUCATION FOUNDATION The Howard-Suamico Education Foundation (HSEF) is a nonprofit organization promoting a collaborative alliance between the community and HSSD. HSEF provides funding and resources to support initiatives that enrich educational opportunities. This is only possible due to community partnerships. Thank you for supporting HSSD students and staff!

HSEF BOARD 2023-24 Brian Stuelpner - President Amy Scheel-Jones - Vice-President Michell Bartlein - Secretary Lonny Charles - Treasurer Paul Belschner - Director Angela Deja - Director Bill Hawker - Director Scott Jandrin - Director Greg Klimek - Director Shannon Marsden - Director Jonathan Schweiger - Director

Y T hank ou! to the generous donors and community members who donate and partner with HSEF to provide HSSD students with the most fulfilling experiences possible.

LEARN MORE

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HSEF: Website: www.hseducationfoundation.org Facebook and Twitter: @hseducationfoundation

14 | HOWARD–SUAMICO SCHOOL DISTRICT

LEADERSHIP HSSD

About Leadership HSSD!

Congratulations to the Leadership HSSD Class of 2022-23! These community leaders met each month for nine months to learn about district operations and how to be more involved. HSEF was a proud sponsor of this program.

HOWARD-SUAMICO EDUCATION FOUNDATION

SUAMICO PAVILION In June 2023, Suamico Elementary unveiled a new outdoor pavilion, which will allow for hands-on, outdoor learning experiences. The pavilion was generously donated to the school by the Hmielewski/Kolaszewski Family.

A donation such as this is one example of how generous gifts and partnerships can make a world of difference in our students’ education. We are grateful for the Hmielewski/Kolaszewski Family and all who partner with HSSD who allow us to make our vision come alive.

The Hmielewski/Kolaczewski Family donated an outdoor pavilion to Suamico Elementary to aid in student learning.

EDUCATOR GRANTS HSEF awarded grants totaling more than $18,000 during the 2022-23 school year to support innovative programs and projects that enhance the education of HSSD students and classrooms.

Thank you to all our donors who make awarding these grants possible. Congratulations to all of our grant recipients. We can't wait to see your grants in action!

F arm to Table - Beef ($5,000): Bay Port Agricultural Education Department Adaptive Phy Ed Rad Race Runners ($3,395): Bay Port Physical Education Department

lowforge Laser Engraver ($5,000): G Bay Port Family and Consumer Sciences Department eadowbrook Innovative Spaces M ($5,000): Claudia Orr, Meadowbrook Elementary

OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF NOTE he HSEF Celebrates 30 Years Campaign raised more than $30,000. The T funds raised will support innovative educator grants, specifically focusing on student engagement in a post-COVID environment. We will use these dollars to support teacher grants of today and a portion of the funds will be added to the endowment, supporting teacher grants for years to come.

$39,000 in resources to HSSD classrooms

DONORSCHOOSE In partnership with DonorsChoose, HSEF celebrated 70 fully funded projects in 2022 totaling nearly $39,000 in resources to HSSD classrooms. HSEF remains committed to funding the final 25% of all projects posted on DonorsChoose.org/HSSD. Thank you to our community sponsor, Nicolet National Bank.

SEF’s Raise the Sail Sponsorship program will launch this fall. Raise the Sail H annual sponsorships will allow HSEF to continue to provide opportunities for all HSSD students to excel and thrive in an ever-changing future. Interested in being an inaugural sponsor? Email Nicole Smith at nicosmit@hssdschools.org today!

www.hssdschools.org | 15

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID

2706 Lineville Road Green Bay, WI 54313-7151

2022–2023

REPORTTO OUR COMMUNITY

CONNECT WITH US WEBSITE:

www.hssdschools.org EMAIL:

website@hssdschools.org PHONE:

920-662-7878 INSTAGRAM:

instagram.com/ howardsuamicoschools FACEBOOK:

facebook.com/ howardsuamicoschools TWITTER:

twitter.com/HSSD YOUTUBE:

youtube.com/@ HSSDCommunications

PERMIT #216 GREEN BAY, WI