Gilman schools meet expectations
With the Wisconsin School Report Cards coming out last month, Gilman Superintendent Dr. Wally Leipart gave an update to the board on how the school district performed. Leipart stated that he was, “encouraged with growth, but recognize that we can do better.” He explained to the board that, “We meet expectations at all four schools,” and continued, “we are making gains with kids that struggle the most.”
The state does allow schools to make an optional statement on their report card as well. The statement, if a district chooses to make one, is located at the top of the district report card. Leipart noted that the Gilman School District did make a statement this year. The statement read, “The School District of Gilman is focused on preparing students to be life, career, and college ready. The District/School Report Card is only one way we track the success of our students. Other local assessments and our Portrait of a Gilman Graduate provide both formative and summative results of student academic achievement, engagement, goal orientation, and volunteerism.”
e-Succeed Annual Charter
The e-Succeed Virtual School needs to complete an annual charter each year. Leipart stated, “annually we have to send a report to the state.” With a number of schools dropping out of the virtual school, Leipart informed the board that , “we will not have a consortium next year. It will be a Gilman Charter School.” Board member Chris Skabroud asked, “Will it still be open to students at other schools?” Leipart responded that it would still be open to students that live in other districts.
The board did approve the annual report for the e-Succeed Virtual School as presented.
FFA Trip
Members of the Gilman FFA gave a presentation to the board on their recent trip to Indianapolis, Indiana for the National FFA Convention that was held from November 1-4. Some of the highlights from the students included going to a fish hatchery, the opening session at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Hunter’s Honey Farm, the Career Fair and FFA Shopping Mall, Indianapolis Zoo and the closing session. Board President Cheryl Ustianowski said, “it looks like you guys had a great time.” The board also thanked the students for coming to the meeting and presenting all the activities they were able to participate in.
Superintendent Report
During his report, Leipart shared that 15 students are signed up for e-sports class. He commented, “the kids are very excited about it.”
Leipart also let the board know that the Middle School HVAC system will be finalized in January. He mentioned that they do not have final numbers on the cost yet. He said that there is a 30 week lead time for some of the equipment.
School Safety Report
Students and Staff participated in an active shooter drill. The 4k students were not involved in the drill. Leipart told board members that the school uses A.L.I.C.E. protocols and that they have been highly effective.
The first phase of the drill was a lockdown. The second phase was an evacuation of the building to onsite locations. Leipart noted that they need to work on communication during this phase as they ran into some issues during the evacuation.
The third phase of the drill was an evacuation to an off-site location. Leipart noted that they may have to change this location, “because of proximity to the school.” He added, “we have a couple places that are available now.”
Leipart noted that, “overall we have a great staff that takes it seriously.”
The board did approve the 2023 school safety report.
