THE CITY REBORN FROM THE ASHES OF AMERICA'S MOST DISASTROUS FOREST FIRE
Coleman School Board Okays New Track
Issue Date: June 23, 2022
On Monday June 20, the Coleman School Board met to discuss the 2021-2022 school year events, upcoming school improvement measures, and future employment statuses.
Elementary and Middle School Principal, Pam Berg, informed the board about the successful initiatives that the elementary and middle school students in the district were able to enjoy such as the Picnic on the Playground event, Every Kid Healthy Week, the Middle School trip to the Timber Rattlers Game, and summer school programming. Berg remarked that thanks to the Wellness Committee, "the Picnic on the Playground was able to offer students sandwiches, watermelon, and other treats for a fun day racing on the track and spending time with their classmates." In addition to fun events such as this, Principal Berg announced that Coleman won the Penny War competition against Crivitz, earning a total of $14,000 and $9,000 respectively. The funds collected will go to support Alex Rennie, a Coleman student battling cancer.
Another agenda item for the board was the issue of the dangerous track which is due for updates and a possible reconstruction. Northeast Asphalt gave a bid for 3" and 4" of asphalt at $191,785 and $223,810 to completely redo the track and make it level with the football field. The school consulted with Athletic Field Services to learn about rubberizing the track at a bid of $97,750. Athletic Field Services made suggestions regarding which asphalt option to choose and recommended a tentative timeline. With the current decision in place, the old track will be used as a foundation for the new asphalt, therefore elevating the new track by 3". Then, the asphalt will be painted with proper track and field event markings at a cost of $4,500 for the upcoming year. As the track cannot be rubberized before next summer, the board has decided that this is the best option in order to avoid cost inflation and other unforeseen circumstances. Not only will this option save the school district money in the long run, but it will also ensure that student athletes are not unnecessarily injured and it will offer future economic benefits as the school will be able to host events at the track and field.
Elementary and Middle School Principal, Berg, again addressed the board regarding the faculty "data dig" on student testing scores through the Fastbridge testing program. She stated that while "The initial desire to see 80% of elementary students proficient in letters, phonics, and fluency" was not met, she is proud that even though the "kids started at a 42% proficiency level, they did end at a 67% proficiency level" which is a level that the district should be proud of. Considering the fact that educational standards across the U.S. and the globe have suffered due to the pandemic, Coleman School District is proud of their students' abilities to bounce back.
This effort to bounce back is not only led by students and faculty, but by parents as well, and Principal Berg remarked that in comparison to the Marinette School District which is twice the size of Coleman's, Marinette only has about 230 students in summer school while Coleman has 200. In support of the summer school programming, Coleman parent Mrs. Thomas complimented Coleman School District on its offering of volunteerism, swim, and other educational classes of which her six sons are thrilled to be taking part in. Not only are these summer school courses educating students throughout their summers, but they are also helping to elevate students to pre-COVID test results and scores.
In the board's final business, they approved four district resignations and eleven hirings. Additionally, edits to district handbooks, WIAA membership, and the TRITON membership were unanimously approved.
The next Coleman School Board Meeting will be held July 18 in the High School Library.