Introduction
Our District
Vision & Mission
Leadership
Executive Summary
Academic Points of Pride
School Perceptions Survey
Finance
Referendum Updates
Finance-at-a-Glance
Revenue Trends
Enrollment and Membership
2024-2025 Budget Proposal
Fiscal Point of Emphasis
Fund Accounting
Organization of Funds
Information
Organizational Structure
Schools
Community Resources
Acknowledgements
The Howard-Suamico School District is located on the northwest side of the Green Bay Metropolitan area in Brown County, Wisconsin. One of the fastest growing areas in the state, Brown County, population 274,897 is a predominate manufacturing area in Wisconsin.
The District was formed in 1961 and encompasses 53 square miles. We serve the Village of Howard, the Village of Suamico, and one parcel in the Town of Pittsfield. We educate 5,654 students across eight schools and multiple community-based four-year-old kindergarten (4K) sites.
The District is a fiscally independent common school district and is governed by a seven-member elected school board. The Board has the legal authority and obligation to set budgets, certify tax levies, issue debt, and monitor the operations of the District through delegation of responsibility to the superintendent of schools. Through clear, proactive delegation of expectations and authority, the Board’s governing model fills the fiduciary role of the Board as well as empowers the flexibility and creativity of the Superintendent and his team.
Vision:
“An authentic, innovative, connected, and inspired experience for an ever-changing future.”
Mission:
“We will work with families and community to ensure that our students have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a changing world.”
The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion,nationalorigin,ancestry,creed,pregnancy,maritalstatus, parental status, sexual orientation, sex (including transgender status, change of sex or gender identity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability (“Protected Classes”) in any of its studentprogramandactivities.
Ends Global Policy:
Students will demonstrate continuous improvement toward their full potential in the following areas:
E-1:
Critical Thinker, Solutionist
E-2:
Communicator, Collaborator
E-3:
Responsible, Adaptable, Self-Starter
E-4:
Core Academic Skills
E-5:
Equity, Access, Opportunity
E-6:
Social & Emotional Wellness
Greg Klimek, President; Scott Jandrin, Vice President; Christina Amtmann, Clerk; Allen McGuire, Treasurer; Vanessa Moran, Director; Rachelle Paulsen, Director; Amy Rubright, Director;
Heidi Wustrack, Student Rep; Jessica Gagan, Student Rep
District Administration
Mark Smith, Superintendent
Mike Juech, Assistant Superintendent of Operations
Chad Buboltz, Assistant Superintendent of Leadership & Learning
Jennifer Garceau, Executive Director of Student Services
Kimberly Uelmen, Director of Communications
Elisia Lewis, Director of Human Resources
Nicole Smith, HSEF Executive Director
Welcome to the Howard-Suamico School District!
We are proud to serve our 5,550 students across eight schools and community-based 4K sites, nestled between the villages of Howard and Suamico, just minutes from iconic Lambeau Field. Our mission is to work with families and community to ensure that our students have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a changing world.
Our Community, Our Commitment - In the heart of our district lies a passionate, award-winning team of educators and staff who work tirelessly to ensure every child receives an outstanding educational experience. Despite operating with fewer resources than many other districts in Wisconsin, we consistently rise to the top in performance, recognition, and impact.
From National Blue Ribbon honors at Howard, Suamico, and Bay View to being featured in Newsweek for Bay Port’s accomplishments, we show that excellence isn’t about funding - it’s about dedication, innovation, and heart. We’re a proud charter member of the League of Innovative Schools, and our community is regularly recognized on national platforms - Money Magazine, for example, named Howard one of the top 50 places to live in the U.S., and Green Bay was named the best city in America by U.S. News & World Report in 2023. Our collective efforts are building a place that truly shines.
More Than Just Numbers - While we’re proud of our rankings and accolades, our true measure of success is found in our students. The HSSD Graduate Profile is our compass as it guides every student to be adaptable, collaborative, and critically thinking citizens ready for the world. This Graduate Profile reflects the best of what we want for our students: not just success on paper, but a lifelong commitment to growth, character, and community.
We’re also fortunate to have incredible partners in local businesses, civic groups, and faith-based organizations that foster both intellect and compassion in our youth. From The Giving Tree Food Pantry to the many service projects led by students and staff, we are a community united by the belief that nurturing both smart minds and kind hearts is what builds a brighter future.
Looking Ahead: Priorities for 2024-25
Our work continues with a focus on the initiatives that define our future:
● Core Academics
● Graduate Profile
● Student Engagement
● Operational Excellence
● Caring Learning Community
These priorities are supported by the strategic financial decisions we’ve made in alignment with our Board’s vision and the long-term goals of our district. Though we face challenges from outdated state funding systems, we remain focused on advocating for more equitable solutions while staying forward-thinking and student-centered.
A Call to Action - Mark Twain once said, "Out of public schools grows the greatness of the nation." I believe this rings true now more than ever. We are asking you, our community, to join us in being champions for HSSD. Together, let’s continue to invest in what matters most: the potential of every child in our care.
Let’s move forward with courage, collaboration, and the shared belief that we are stronger together.
With Gratitude and Excitement,
Mark Smith, Ed.D. Superintendent
Bay Port High School - Class of 2024
● 449 Graduates
● 89 students graduated with high honors or honors
● 81 students graduating with a grade point average of 4.0 or higher
● $1,05,2500 in senior scholarships awarded
● More than 90 scholarships earned
● 128 National Honor Society Members
● Numerous musicians, artists, athletes, technology-minded and academically gifted students who competed at the state level
● Many students who volunteered their time, energy and resources throughout our community
● Bay Port named a Spirit of Excellence Award winner by the Wisconsin Association of School Councils
● Two Bay Port seniors were named National Merit Finalists: Addison Aird and Ananya David
● The Bay Port Musical, Wizard of Oz, performed for six sold-out performances
● Bay Port hosted a Hands-On Healthcare event in partnership with Bellin College
● For the third year in a row, HSSD received the Best Communities for Music Education Award from the NAMM Foundation
● UW-Green Bay and HSSD partnered on a guaranteed college admissions initiative, granting all high school seniors admission to UWGB once they apply
● The Giving Tree distributed more than 80,000 lbs of food in 2023
● Bay View Middle School held a ribbon cutting ceremony in partnership with Prevea Health for the new Strength & Wellness Center
A Staff Survey was conducted in April and May of 2024, to help educational leaders gather, organize and use data to make strategic decisions.
96% of staff agree that our parents and community support the Howard-Suamico School District.
98% of staff agree that HSSD is a good place to work.
97% agree our staff does a good job of educating our students.
HSSD has maintained the additional 30+ teaching positions which were added to help reduce class sizes in core subject areas. These continue to provide a strong base for student growth by way of a comprehensive MLSS (Multi-level Systems of Support) framework: integrating literacy, math and socio-emotional learning.
The community’s partnership in passing the April 2018 and 2021 referendums has allowed us to annually invest in staff total rewards. All returning employees will receive a 5% increase on salary or wage. In addition, all full-time staff members will receive two additional paid time off days.
For the fifth year in a row, $1 million of general fund revenue is allocated for general maintenance. This investment allows HSSD to work to proceed with larger capital needs, such as HVAC upgrades, roof repairs, and parking lots.
The students of HSSD benefit from taxpayer support following the April 2018 and 2021 Operational Referendums, as well as the passing of the April 2021 Facilities Update Referendum. The community came together to substantially shift the financial reality of the District. The successful $5 million referendum allowed the Board to exceed the revenue limitations for five years (2023-2028).
Leveraging the flexibility afforded by the referendum will not impact the overall tax impact. The property tax levy is projected to increase from $37,336,760 to approximately $39,238,494. What is more, the 2024-2025 proposed tax rate of $7.99 represents a significant decrease from prior years.
In addition to the community support, the State’s projected low revenue ceiling will remain the same for all low revenue districts. As HSSD is an under-funded district, our revenue limit is projected to remain at $11,276.81 per member student. In addition, the District will project per pupil categorical aid to be $742 per member student. The 2023-25 state budget did not increase the per pupil categorical aid amount. Therefore, we are budgeting a $0 increase for the 2024-2025 budget.
An important trend related to this budget proposal is the District’s projected membership count of 5,166. Factors such as affordable community housing, new incoming families seeking increased quality of life, 4K students transitioning to kindergarten, and students transferring from private/parochial schools, etc. are necessary to provide long-term stability to enrollment (i.e. hence the importance of good relationships with our village government leaders and local business partners). The District’s allowable revenue limit is based on a three-year rolling average. The actual allowable revenue limit will be revised after the Third Friday Pupil Count on September 20, 2024.
311
4K Students
1,751
1,633
● Le Petite Academy (3)
● The Shepherd’s Kids
● Step Ahead
● Cuddle Care
● Head Start
● Bay Harbor Special Education Classroom
● HSSD 4K Full Day Pilot Program
● Bay Harbor
● Forest Glen
● Howard
● Meadowbrook
Intermediate / Middle School Students
1,959
● Bay Port Elementary Students
● Suamico
● Lineville
● Bay View
High School Students
*Projections Based on September 9, 2023 count
Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, the US Department of Education required educational institutions to collect and report racial and ethnic data in accordance with modified standards and aggregation categories.
Ethnic Origin or Race
The enrollment of racial ethnic groups in the District is 83.7% white with all other ethnic groups comprising 16.3%.
Socio-Economic
The percent of economically disadvantaged students increased from 20.5% in 2023-24 to 22.8% in 2024-25.
*Projections Based on September 9, 2023 count
*Enrollment represents the number of students we serve. Membership represents the projected three year rolling average of resident students that serves as the basis for state funding and revenue limit calculation.
*Equalization aid is the revenue provided by the State to support education. Total July 1 estimated General Aid is $5.581 billion for 2024-2025.
289 of the 421 districts (69%) are predicted to receive an increase in aid. HSSD is projected to see an increase of $2,529,233 (5.89%) in aid for 2024-2025.
*District property taxes include levies for general operations, debt service, capital expansion, and community services.
Diligent financial planning allows HSSD to propose lowering the tax levy rate of $8.19 to $7.99.
*Equalized value, or total property valuation, reflects the cumulative dollar value placed on land and buildings for purposes of determining state aid and administering property taxes.
Median Assessed Home Values in Howard and Suamico
The primary purpose of the budget is to serve as the catalyst for linking the District’s strategic objectives to programs and services for students. The Howard-Suamico School District Budget is developed in compliance with the Board of Education Executive Limitation, EL-6-Budget/Financial Planning:
*Financial planning for any fiscal year or the remaining part of any fiscal year shall not deviate materially form the Board’s Ends policies, risk fiscal jeopardy to the district or fail to be derived from a multi-year plan.
September 9
Proposed Budget
September 30
Annual Meeting
October 15
Release of Certified General Aid
October 21
Presentation and Adoption
Standard & Poor’s affirmed the AA rating for the Howard-Suamico School District in June of 2021. AA rating reflects the well managed financial operations, stable local economy, very strong financial reserves, strong median income, and a moderate overall net debt burden.
At this time, we predict to serve approximately 488 open enrollment students in 2024-2025.
In the 2015-2016 year, Howard-Suamico District substantially decreased its liability for supplemental retirement benefits by implementing a defined benefit for current and future employees. In fall 2015, the District’s total projected liability was $58.9 million.
After the implementation of the updated supplemental benefit, the most recent draft actuarial study from Foster and Foster dated August 2024, continues to calculate Howard-Suamico School District’s total supplemental retirement benefit liability as approximately $1,018,527.
The General Fund is used to account for District financial activities for current operations, except those which are required to be accounted for in other separate funds. Approximately 72% of all District expenditures are conducted through the General Fund, excluding Fund 49, 73 and 21.
In 1993, WI Statute 121.90 placed a limit on the revenue a district is able to receive from state equalization aid and local tax levies. The limit is based on enrollment data, legislative action, and the District’s prior year revenue.
General Fund - Fund 10
The Special Education Fund is used to account for special education and related services funded wholly or partially with state or federal dollars.
In addition, Fund 27 accounts for cooperative programs and interdistrict payments.
Fund 39
This fund accounts for the repayment of debt that was authorized by Board resolution before August 12, 1993, or approved by referendum. Repayment of principal and interest is made outside of the revenue cap.
The Long Term Capital Improvement Trust Fund is used to account for approved long-term capital improvement plans. Funds must remain in this account for a five year period before they may be used for the purposes identified in the approved long-term capital improvement plan.
The Other Capital Projects Fund is used to report the revenue and expenditures associated with a District approved referendum.
School Nutrition Fund 50
Revenues and expenditures for all Food Service functions must be accounted independently and are done so in Fund 50. Regulatory changes impacting menu planning, ala carte sales, and supplemental income will adversely impact future revenues.
Fund 73
This fund is used to account for resources held in trust for employee benefit plans. Such plans must be legally established in accordance with state statutes, federal laws and Internal Revenue Service requirements. The District established a Fund 73 for post-employment benefits in 2005.
The Community Service Fund (Fund 80) was established to account for the community service programs. It is the smallest fund. When compared to the $122 million proposed operating budget, it represents 0.8%.
Services such as the Community Pool, Adult Education and our School Resource Officers are accounted for in this fund. The Giving Tree Food Pantry, which opened in April 2008, is also accounted for here. The tax levy covers a portion of the programs for community members, students and non-students. Approximately $100,000 is generated from donations, fundraising and fees.
Bay Harbor Elementary School Grades: Pre K-4
1590 Harbor Lights Road
Date of Occupancy: 2008
Acreage: 17.438
Village of Suamico
Square Footage: 80,000
(920) 662-8800
Forest Glen Elementary School Grades Pre K-4
1935 Cardinal Lane
Date of Occupancy: 1990
Acreage: 8.29
Village of Howard
Square Footage: 101,818
(920) 662-7958
Howard Elementary School Grades: K-4
631 West Idlewild Court
Date of Occupancy: 1955
Acreage: 6.58
Village of Howard
Square Footage: 42,274
(920) 662-9700
Meadowbrook Elementary School Grades: K-4
720 Hillcrest Heights
Date of Occupancy: 1976
Acreage: 10.8
Village of Howard
Square Footage: 77,239
(920) 662-5000
Suamico Elementary School Grades: K-4
2153 School Lane
Date of Occupancy: 1954
Acreage: 28.5
Village of Suamico
Square Footage: 66,608
(920) 662-9800
Lineville Intermediate School Grades 5-6
2700 Lineville Road
Date of Occupancy: 1972
Acreage: 30
Village of Howard
Square Footage: 141,456
(920) 662-7871
Bay View Middle School
1217 Cardinal Lane
Date of Occupancy: 1963
Acreage: 32.85
Grades 7-8
Village of Howard
Square Footage: 311,341
(920) 662-8196
Bay Port High School
2710 Lineville Road
Green Bay, WI 54313
Village of Suamico (920) 662-7000
Date of Occupancy: 2000
Square Footage: 356,535
Acreage: 101
2700 Lineville Road
Green Bay, WI 54313
(920) 662-7874
Date of Occupancy: 2015
Tracy Barden, Aquatics Supervisor
From July 2023 through June 2024 the Community Pool served 51,206 patrons. Since its inception in 2016, the Community Pool has served over 445,830 patrons!
The HSSD Community Pool is an eight lane, 25-yard pool with an attached one-meter springboard. The pool is handicap accessible with built-in steps and a lift chair. The facility has individual male and female locker rooms with private showers, a family locker room, bleacher seating for spectators, and a dry space community room. The Community Pool functions as the home water for the Howard-Suamico Stormbreakers Swim Team.
Kim Decur, Volunteer Coordinator (920) 662-8186
Our mission is to enrich each student’s and citizen’s learning and development while building strong school/community relationships with an active, vibrant volunteer and community involvement program.
The Giving Tree
600 Cardinal Lane Green Bay Community Campus (920) 662-7989
Kourtney Feldhausen, Student and Family Engagement Coordinator
The Giving Tree provides support and supplements basic needs of families to enhance students’ educational journey towards self-sufficiency, and works to serve our families facing economic challenges. The Giving Tree will offer food, personal care items, school supplies, and winter apparel.
Nicole Smith, Executive Director (920) 662-8107
The Howard-Suamico Education Foundation’s mission is to identify and cultivate community champions for the purposes of funding innovative projects, leadership development, educational enrichment and scholarship programs that benefit Resources
Village of Howard: www.villageofhoward.com
Village of Suamico: www.suamico.org
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction: www.dpi.wi.gov
The Howard-Suamico 4-Year Old Kindergarten Program began in 2009-2010 and provides access to quality, developmentally appropriate learning opportunities for all 4-year-olds through community, school and family partnerships.
To improve academic success and close achievement gaps, research heavily documents the benefits of an early learning program for children, the community and society. The 4-Year Old Kindergarten Program is:
● An initiative that provides learning opportunities through play-based instruction for all four-year-old children in the Howard and Suamico communities;
● Taught by licensed Department of Public Instruction teachers;
● Offered to children who are four years old on or before September 1 of each year;
● A community collaborative approach where the 4K school experience takes place within HSSD and at area preschool and daycare sites within both villages;
● Funded in combination with federal, state, and local tax monies;
● Transportation is available for resident students to the partner site nearest your home.
