Gilman school board looks to future with goal setting
Gilman school board members are looking to the future when it comes to setting goals for the school district’s library.
At Monday’s school board meeting, District Library Specialist Jaime Wilson presented the Long Range District Library Plan. Following her presentation, board members approved the plan.
The library vision is to have the library be a vibrant, inclusive space where curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning thrive. Students are empowered to become critical thinkers, passionate readers, and confident users of information by providing access to a diverse collection of resources. The library serves as a hub of learning, fostering a community of life-long learners who are equipped to navigate and contribute to a complex, interconnected world.
Wilson outlined major goals of the plan including: Goal 1 - By the end of the 2024-2025 school year, a scope and sequence in the area of digital citizenship will be developed for grades K-5. With a focus on Data and Privacy; Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment; and Budget & Resources.
Goal 2 - By the end of 2025-2026 school year, improve student engagement and circulation statistics by reorganizing the middle school library fiction collection according to genres. With a focus on the Use of Space and Time; and Budget and Resources.
In other goal setting, board members approved setting goals related to the board’s professional learning series. The Board approved the following goals and requested that the administration work with staff to develop action plans to reach the goals.
Goal 1: Develop a Comprehensive Student Dashboard for Life, Career, and College Readiness. The objective will be to create a user-friendly, data-driven student dashboard that effectively tracks and visualizes progress towards the Portrait of a Graduate framework, ensuring students demonstrate key competencies in life, career, and college readiness. This dashboard will provide actionable insights to educators, students, and parents, preparing students for success beyond graduation.
Goal 2: Empower Students to Plan for Post-High School Success through a 4-Year Course Plan and Life Reality Fair. The objective will be to create structured opportunities for students to actively plan and prepare for their future after high school by developing a personalized 4-year course plan and participating in a 'Life Reality Fair' featuring recent graduates from diverse post-graduation paths. This initiative will help students better understand the variety of pathways available to them—college, vocational training, military service, or direct entry into the workforce—while providing insights into the skills and experiences that foster success in each pathway.
District administrator Walter Leipart noted that the goals maintain a balance between the board members wanting to be engaged in the school but respecting staff to put that plan together.
In other business, board members
• Approved the hiring of Christi Wisner as Assistant Girls Basketball Coach. Approved the resignation of Kaytlyn Syryczuk as 3rd grade intern, Stephanie Goebel as SPED Paraprofessional, and Stephanie Siok as Middle School Volleyball Coach.
• Approved $300,000 Line of Credit with Superior Choice Credit Union at an adjustable interest rate of Prime plus .50% for one year.
• Received word that a School Board Election will be held on April 1, 2025 with school board member, Cheryl Ustianowski (incumbent); Jessica Wisocky (incumbent); Lynn Rosemeyer (Vacant Seat - 2 year) up for reelection. All positions are elected at large.The two candidates with the highest and second highest number of votes will be elected for 3 year terms and the candidate with the third highest number of votes will be elected for the 2 year term.
