96% HSSD stakeholders who strongly agree or agree that families and the community support education Community Survey 2023-24
YOU’RE INVITED
This three-day community conversation will help us develop a clear strategic direction for HSSD.
WE WANT ALL VOICES TO BE HEARD!
December 12 | 5-9 pm
December 13 | 5-9 pm
December 14 | 8 am-12:30 pm
Scan the QR code to learn more and to RSVP!
POINTS OF PRIDE POINTS OF PRIDE
HOWARD
At Howard Elementary, there are four kindness pillars: show appreciation, offer help, be friendly, and reach out. The school held a kindness kickoff where families and students learned about these pillars and how Howard teaches students to be kind.
BAY HARBOR
Madison Lenzner, current Lineville student and former Bay Harbor student, was this year’s guest speaker at Convocation (welcome back event for HSSD staff). She was selected because she demonstrated awesome presentation skills at the Bay Harbor leadership event last year. During her speech, she pumped up the staff as the 2024-25 school year began.
FOREST GLEN
During summer school, the Off to Kindergarten class was held at Forest Glen. Our youngest learners practiced listening skills and multiple step directions, worked on language and cognitive development, engaged in music, and explored different types of art media. The purpose of this class is to help incoming Kindergarten students to have a smooth transition to school.
4K
For the first time, we are hosting two full-day 4K pilot programs: one at Forest Glen and one at Bay Harbor. There are 12 students in each class. This is in addition to our half-day 4K programs at community partner sites. Did you know that our youngest learners will make up the Class of 2038?
MEADOWBROOK
One of our favorite events of the year is Open House! Excitement fills the air as students and families meet their new teachers. Pictured is Meadowbrook’s Miss Macedo greeting students.
SUAMICO
Suamico Elementary used its school forest for a special outdoor learning experience in partnership with Timberland Invasives Partnership, which provides assistance and funding to help control invasive species. Experts from the NEW Zoo, Wildlife Sanctuary, Suamico Fire Department, and UW-Stevens Point taught students about forestry, renewable energy, soils, animals, fire safety, and more!
82% Stakeholders who strongly agree or agree that HSSD has high expectations for students
Community Survey 2023-24
LINEVILLE
For the first time during summer school, HSSD added a Course Exploration option on Tuesday afternoons. Students could sign up to learn through hands-on experiences. One of the options was the Snorkel & Scuba Exploration Course which was held at the Lineville pool and led by experts from Green Bay Scuba LLC. Pictured is a Lineville student participating in the course.
BAY VIEW
Every year, Bay View students honor those who died on 9/11 with a memorial bleacher climb. Each student received a photo and story of a hero, and completed the stair climb in their honor. They climbed the equivalent of 78 floors during physical education class.
BAY PORT
Bay Port band teacher Ashley Siegrist won the Manilow Music Teacher Award! She received the most votes out of all of the participating band teachers in the area. As the winner, she met Manilow before his Green Bay concert and received a $10,000 check from Manilow himself. She was allowed to invite nine guests to the concert, and she chose to bring her mom, all the bonus moms in her life, and her husband/ fellow Bay Port band teacher Kyle Siegrist.
HSSD UPDATES HSSD UPDATES
Fourth Class of Leadership HSSD Underway
We are excited to welcome the fourth class of Leadership HSSD. It is co-chaired by HSEF Board President Brian Stuelpner and HSSD Superintendent Mark Smith. Throughout the nine month program, Leadership HSSD class members will deepen their knowledge of HSSD’s operations and strategic priorities. Meet the class of 2024-25 on our website: www.hssdschools.org/community/ leadership-hssd.
148
Number of alumni & current members of Leadership HSSD
Mike Frieder to Retire After 30 Years
Mike Frieder, Bay Port principal, announced that he will be retiring at the end of the 2024-25 school year. At that time he will have completed 30 years of dedicated service to Bay Port. Join us in thanking Mr. Frieder for his exceptional leadership!
April 1, 2025 Election Board of Education Election
Candidates may file Declaration of Candidacy paperwork no earlier than December 1, 2024 and no later than January 7, 2025 at 5 p.m. for the Spring Election on April 1, 2025. To obtain candidacy paperwork, contact the District Office, 2706 Lineville Rd., Green Bay, WI 54313 or call 920-662-8103. Information about the Board of Education can be found at www.hssdschools.org/board-of-education.
Join Our Caring Learning Community: The Mandi Hultman Story
Mandi Hultman, Lunchroom/Playground Supervisor at Meadowbrook Elementary, brings joy to the students she serves each day. When Mandi walks through the halls, she is greeted with a flurry of hugs and shouts of, “When will you be on the playground next?!” Many Fridays, Mandi brings bubbles outside during recess and plays music for dance parties. She also raised funds for new flag football belts for the children to use at recess.
While it’s clear that Mandi has made a positive impact on her students, she feels the relationship has been mutually beneficial. “After losing my dad, it brought me to my knees,” said Mandi. “The unconditional and pure love of these children is what brought my strength back. This job has changed me for the better, and given me purpose. Where else can you hang out with 500+ friends every day?!”
If someone you know would like to join the HSSD family as a Lunchroom/Playground Supervisor or another role, visit hssdschools.org/employment.
JOIN OUR TEAM!
Scan the QR code to apply and to see a full list of job openings!
HSSD Donates Fire Equipment to Howard and Suamico Fire Departments
HSSD recently donated roughly $50,000 of personal protection equipment (PPE) to Howard Fire Rescue and the Suamico Fire Department. The donated PPE included turnout gear, self contained breathing apparatus tanks, and face shields.
The PPE was obtained through a successful Department of Safety and Professional Services grant opportunity. Through the program, HSSD worked with NWTC and the two fire departments to give Bay Port students the ability to obtain Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 certifications. At the end of the program, Suamico gained four paid-on-call volunteer firefighters and Howard gained two, all from Bay Port!
Pictured from left, Micki Volk, HSSD College and Career Readiness Coordinator; Jeff Steinhorst, Howard Assistant Fire Chief; Dennis Staeven, Howard Fire Chief; Ben Rodgers, Shared Grant Specialist; Joe Bertler, Suamico Fire Chief; and Scott Legois, Suamico Lieutenant/EMR.
SHARES… SUPERINTENDENT MARK SMITH
…What I’m Excited About in 2024-25!
As I begin the first year of my superintendency, I am overcome with a deep sense of gratitude. Each time I walk into our school buildings, our students amaze me and our staff motivate me. Working in education for nearly three decades, I have a renewed sense of thankfulness that inspires me to lead alongside our staff as we live out our mission of preparing students for an everchanging world.
GRADUATE PROFILE
88%
Though I am a Green Bay Packers fan through and through, I am moved by the words spoken by former Dallas Cowboys Coach Jimmy Johnson. I believe that the Howard-Suamico School District community is extraordinary. We are Stronger Together because of that little extra that we give.
As you read through the Report to Our Community 2023-24 on the following pages, you will see our strengths, opportunities, and challenges. Please know that we are doing our very best to provide the extraordinary education our students deserve as they journey throughout their careers and lives.
Stronger Together, Mark Smith, Ed.D Superintendent
The only difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. to watch Alec
Class of 2024 graduates who strongly agree or agree that HSSD helped them become responsible
Senior Exit Survey 2024
Scan the QR code to view the Bay Port Honor Roll for Semester Two in 2023-24
As one of the seven Graduate Profile characteristics, responsibility is when a person acts with empathy and takes ownership of their choices. Scan the QR code to learn how recent HSSD graduates, including Bay Port alumnus and Miami Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold, use Graduate Profile skills in their careers.
During a Suamico Forest event, Suamico second graders chanted for Superintendent Smith to run through the Suamico Fire Department’s Water Sprayer. Up for the challenge, he did as requested!
Mark Smith, Ed.D
-Jimmy Johnson
YOUTH APPRENTICESHIPS
Students participating in Youth Apprenticeships in 2024-25. In 2023-24, 101 students participated. We are excited to see this number continue to grow.
98%
CARING LEARNING COMMUNITY
Staff who strongly agree or agree that, all things considered, HSSD is a good place to work Community Survey 2023-24
$7.99
At the Budget Hearing and Annual Meeting in 2023, the Board of Education lowered the tax levy rate to $8.19. Then in 2024-25, the Board lowered it to $7.99. This is the fourth reduction in five years. Keep reading to learn more about the decrease and what this means for you as a taxpayer. $ LOWERING THE TAX LEVY
STRONGER TOGETHER
96% Stakeholders who agree that our families and community support HSSD Community Survey 2023-24
Allow me the pleasure of inviting you to the Howard-Suamico School District’s (HSSD) Stronger Together event! In the first year of my superintendency, this process is essential as we plan for the future of HSSD! Sign up by scanning the QR code on page 2.
FUNDAMENTALS OF HSSD FINANCE
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT HSSD FINANCE
Since 1993, school taxes have been influenced by state funding limits. This means that the state aid formula has not changed since 1993, even though HSSD has grown significantly.
When the state increases its aid to schools, local levies tend to decrease, and the opposite is also true. Lawmakers have direct control over state aid to schools. The state revenue limit law indirectly controls local levies because of how local levies and state aid levels are tied together.
Equalization aid is 57% of HSSD’s total general fund revenue. Wisconsin uses an equalizing procedure that considers both assessed and equalized fair market property values, which are reflected on property tax bills.
This equalizing procedure ensures that school taxes, county taxes, and major state aid are distributed fairly among Wisconsin’s 1,851 municipalities.
HSSD BOARD OF EDUCATION LOWERS TAX LEVY RATE
EQUALIZING
PROCEDURE:
TERMS TO KNOW
ASSESSED 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.
EQUALIZED 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.
In October 2023, the HSSD Board of Education reduced the tax levy rate (also called the equalized tax rate) for the second year in a row to $8.19. This is the lowest it has been in 10 years. In 2024-25, the HSSD Board of Education is lowering the tax levy rate even further to $7.99.
5,600
Total enrollment in grades K-12 at HSSD
2023-25 STATE BUDGET IMPACTS
In 2023-24, the state raised the amount it provides to districts per student to $11,000. However, HSSD is one of 24 districts in the state that has students enrolled in a County Children with Disability Education Board (CCDEB). The 2024-25 low revenue ceiling is $11,325, but, because of CCDEB, HSSD's revenue limit is $11,276.81.
OTHER BUDGET
CHALLENGES
INCLUDE:
The increasing private school voucher costs which are added to our tax levy ($1,005,084 in 2023-24).
Inflation outpacing school funding increases.
HSSD Opens Strength & Wellness Center for Staff
Staff wellness is important to HSSD. Powered by Prevea, HSSD opened the Bay View Strength & Wellness Center. It is a place for staff to participate in group fitness classes led by Prevea Health experts, to engage in personal training with Prevea Health trainers, to receive individual wellness coaching, and to exercise on their own. It also serves as a space for Bay View physical education classes and sports team practices.
FACILITIES UPDATE
REFERENDUM 2021 PROJECTS NEARLY COMPLETE!
We are lucky to live in a community that supports its schools. An extraordinary example of community support was our Bay View Community Open House. In April 2021, our community supported a referendum totaling $98 million to provide muchneeded upgrades to Forest Glen Elementary School and Bay View Middle School. Both schools are officially complete. As people toured the completed building, the smiles on their faces spoke volumes regarding their approval of the new learning spaces.
BEFORE
AFTER
Because of our amazing community, our students have the opportunity to further their education. Thank you for voting!
It was an absolute joy to speak with families, alumni, and residents as they toured the renovated Bay View Middle School at the Community Open House.
Bay View is divided into “bays” or houses of teachers. Each bay has its own color scheme, making it easy for students to find their way around the building. In addition, the new learning spaces allow for more collaboration and adaptability. Pictured is Bay View teacher Ben Wolf who explained this new “bay” system to community members and answered questions about student learning during the Community Open House.
Future HSSD students peeked into the new art rooms at Bay View during the Community Open House.
88% Residents who believe that HSSD has done a good job making necessary facilities improvements Community Survey 2023-24
PROJECTS BY SCHOOL
BAY VIEW: new gym and galley; updated learning spaces
FOREST GLEN: new commons and gym, updated learning spaces
SUAMICO: parking lot redesign, updated HVAC and learning spaces
BAY HARBOR: all-inclusive playground remodel
MEADOWBROOK: updated HVAC and office
HOWARD: stormwater management upgrades
LINEVILLE: updated HVAC
BAY PORT: new roof and HVAC repairs
Pictured are Suamico students in their learning space, which now includes updated HVAC (air conditioning), along with new paint and flooring.
HOWARD-SUAMICO EDUCATION FOUNDATION
FUNDING ENRICHING INITIATIVES
The Howard-Suamico Education Foundation (HSEF) is a nonprofit organization that promotes collaborative alliance between HSSD and the community. HSEF provides funding and resources to support initiatives that enrich educational opportunities.
HSEF BOARD 2024-25
Brian Stuelpner - President
Amy Scheel-Jones - Vice-President
Michell Bartlein - Secretary
Lonny Charles - Treasurer
Paul Belschner - Director
Bill Hawker - Director
Greg Klimek - Director
Kristy Maney - Director
Shannon Marsden - Director
Jonathan Schweiger - Director
Meghan Weycker - Director
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HSEF: Website: www.hseducationfoundation.org
Facebook and X: @hseducationfoundation
RAISE THE SAIL: PAVING THE WAY FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
We are thrilled to celebrate the six HSEF grants totaling $19,670 that were awarded to HSSD schools in 2023-24. Thank you to the Raise the Sail sponsors and HSEF donors who make these grants possible!
Music Production Grant ($4,950): Bay Port Music Department
Graduate Profile Tools Grant ($2,000) : HSSD District-Wide
Livestock and Sheep Equipment ($2,000): Bay Port FFA
Science Notebooking PD ($5,000): HSSD District-wide
PAC Livestream Equipment ($5,000): Bay Port High School
Broadcast Club Headsets ($720): Bay Port High School
Pictured are Emelia, Bay Port junior, and Paul Mashl, Bay Port PAC Manager, using the new equipment.
HSSD Board of Education
Greg Klimek, President
Scott Jandrin, Vice-President
Christina Amtmann, Clerk
Allen McGuire, Treasurer
Vanessa Moran, Director
Rachelle Paulsen, Director
Amy M. Rubright, Director
Jessica Gagan, Student Rep
VISION
An authentic, innovative, connected, and inspired experience of learning for an ever-changing world.
MISSION
We will work with families and the community to ensure that our students have the knowledge and skills to succeed in an ever-changing world.
98% Staff who strongly agree or agree that, all things considered, HSSD is a good place to work
Community Survey 2023-24
Heidi Wustrack, Student Rep
HSSD Strategic Leadership Team
Mark Smith, Superintendent
Chad Buboltz, Asst. Superintendent of Leadership and Learning
Mike Juech, Asst. Superintendent of Operations
Jennie Garceau, Exec. Director of Student Services
Elisia Lewis, Director of Human Resources
Kimberly Uelmen, Director of Communications
Nicole Smith, Exec. Director of HSEF
Scan the QR code to view the HSSD Staff Directory!
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