School Board Meeting June 16, 2026
Co-Interim Superintendent Dr. Martin Castro provided a District Administrator update sharing both the KMS promotion ceremony and GHS graduation last week went well, a clear audit was received, insurance premiums remain consistent, 94% teacher retention rate based on resignations, Rockfield principal interviews are in process.
Activities Director Dr. Sara Unertl provided an activities and athletics report sharing there are many accomplishments in the co-curricular world. GHS was honored in fall with the WIAA Award of Excellence; inducted 3 former student athletes into this year’s Wall of Fame class; GHS has a two-time state champion in high jump; an interactive display showcase will be in the Field House lobby to highlight GHS; a Greater Metro Conference offensive lineman, wrestler, and baseball player athlete of the year were recognized; GHS held commitment signing days for 26 athletes; boys volleyball team was crowned conference and sectional champs; boys basketball and wrestling team crowned conference champs; baseball team earned regional and conference titles; powerlifting won Division I equipped team championships in boys and girls combined division; DECA had 19 state qualifiers and of those students, 6 qualified for nationals; ice fishing placed 3rd in the walleye division; Soltown Acapella group earned 3rd place in the quarterfinals; Wall of Sound placed 2nd at the AAA division of the WSMA championships; Best Buddies won the unified challenge through Special Olympics of WI; DI teams did well at Global Finals, with 3 GHS and 2 KMS teams placing in the top 10; the cast and crew who performed in 3 shows did a great job. Overall, we have 75+ co-curricular programs. Thank you to all the coaches, advisors, parents, and community supporters.
Performing Arts Center Coordination Heather Ellis provided a PAC update sharing the 25-26 usage, anticipated 26-27 usage, a review of the expenses/revenues, attendance for the Dramatic Impact 25-26 season, a breakdown of the outside rental groups, the Community Series events held for 25-26 and the associated finances, a marketing report (how did you hear about us) for the pro events, the Community Advisory Team and the 26-27 planning, possible upcoming events for the 2026-2027 season, and Family Film Fridays..
Director Tracy Pawlak shared that the Park & Rec Commission meeting is tomorrow. Vice President Jeff Voyer shared information from the Economics Development Commission meeting. President Russ Ewert shared information from the Village of Germantown Planning Commission meeting.
Motion by Barney, second by Yu to approve Consent Agenda Items A-D. Dr. Martin Castro highlighted the donations. Motion carried.
Voyer provided an update from the June 2, 2026 Personnel Committee meeting mentioning teacher resignations and contracts, the staffing update, and the OPEB actuarial report.
Voyer provided an update from the June 2, 2026 Buildings & Grounds Committee meeting mentioning the work order completion report, the GHS batting cage revamp, the GHS greenhouse update, the annual building tours, and the GHS Hydroponics lab.
Pawlak provided an update from the June 2, 2026 Ad hoc Communications and Marketing Committee meeting sharing this was the first meeting for this committee. An overview of the Marketing & Communications position was shared, the branding work to date was highlighted with discussion on guidance for the continued work, and discussions were started to define transparency and what Board level district communication looks like.
Pawlak provided an update from the June 2, 2026 Teaching & Learning Committee meeting mentioning the 25-26 Spring MAP data report, the curriculum review update, and the K-5 Social Studies pilot proposal. The purchase of the K-5 Science Smithsonian Resource and accounting resources was sent to the Finance Committee for approval to send to the Board.
The Teaching & Learning Committee brings forward a positive recommendation to the Full Board to approve the piloting of InquirED and IMPACT Social Studies during the 26-27 school year. Motion carried.
Barney provided an update from the June 2, 2026 Policy Committee meeting sharing that nine policies were reviewed and updated to comply with changes in State law, Act 57, and Act 89.
The Policy Committee brings forward a positive recommendation to the Full Board to approve the additions, updates, and modifications to District Policies 0100 - 9800.01. Motion by Barney, second by Voyer to amend the wording of “District Administration approved athletic and extra-curricular communications platforms, i.e., Team Snap, sportYou, GroupMe, etc” to “District Administration approved athletic and extra-curricular communications platforms” wherever it appears in each policy, and to have the effective date of these policy changes be September 1, 2026. Amendment to motion carried. Motion with amendment carried.
Loth provided an update from the June 16, 2026 Finance Committee meeting mentioning the approval of the May/June vouchers, the Debt Forecasting presentation by Mike Clark with Robert W Baird, the May variance report, the 2026-2027 preliminary budget, the 2025-2026 committed fund balance, the 2026 wireless access points, the K-5 science Smithsonian resource, the accounting resources, the 2026-2027 district copy paper purchase, the GHS hydroponics lab, and the KMS gold gym floor resurface.
The Finance Committee brings forward a positive recommendation to the Full Board to approve the 2026-2027 preliminary budget as presented. Motion carried.
The Finance Committee brings forward a positive recommendation to the Full Board to commit the following amounts to the June 30, 2026 General Fund Balance under the Committed Fund Balance classification: $150,000 for the purchase of Core Literacy Materials (K–8); $250,000 for future curriculum replacement and adoption needs across multiple content areas; and $41,225 for the purchase and installation of Datka Stadium Sound equipment. Motion carried.
The Finance Committee brings forward a positive recommendation to the Full Board to purchase Wireless Access Points and Wireless Controller Support in an amount not to exceed $46,811.16. Motion carried.
The Finance Committee brings forward a positive recommendation to the Full Board to approve the Smithsonian Version 2 Instructional materials to be used for K-5 science with an initial annual cost of $47,442 and allow for increased purchases based on section number increases in the future. Motion carried.
The Finance Committee brings forward a positive recommendation to the Full Board to approve the purchase of Century 21 Accounting: General Journal (12th Edition) and Century 21 Accounting: Advanced (11th Edition) for use at Germantown High School beginning in the 2026–2027 school year with an initial cost of $17,600 allowing increased purchases based on course enrollment. Motion carried.
The Finance Committee brings forward a positive recommendation to the Full Board to purchase white copy paper from Veritiv at the price of $30.26 per case. Motion carried.
The Finance Committee brings forward a positive recommendation to the Full Board to proceed with the GHS Hydroponics Lab project using JP Cullen funded from Fund 10, the General Fund, with a cost not to exceed $144,563. Motion carried.
The Finance Committee brings forward a positive recommendation to the Full Board to proceed with the KMS Gold Gym Floor Resurface project using Schmidt Flooring for the amount of $20,755.00, funded out of Fund 41 (Capital Improvements budget). Motion carried.
Activities Director Dr. Sara Unertl led discussions on the co-curricular group addition. Motion by Pawlak, second by Yu to approve the co-curricular group of Women in Business at Germantown High School. Motion carried.
Activities Director Dr. Sara Unertl led discussions on the proposed changes to the KMS and GHS co-curricular handbooks. Motion by Voyer, second by Pawlak to approve the 2026-2027 KMS and GHS Co-Curricular Handbooks. Motion carried.
Director of Human Resources Dr. Martin Castro led discussions on the proposed changes to the student handbooks. Motion by Yu, second by Voyer to approve the proposed Germantown School District Student Handbooks for the 2026-2027 school year. Motion carried.
Director of Pupil Services Katie Kohel led discussions on the summer school contract. Motion by Barney, second by Pawlak to approve the summer school contract as presented. Motion carried.
Director of Human Resources Dr. Martin Castro led discussions on the teacher retirement. Motion by Pawlak, second by Utech to approve the request for retirement at the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year for Wesley Hoopes and thank him for his many years of service to our district. Motion carried.
Motion by Pawlak, second by Barney to approve Dr. Chris Reuter’s resignation as Superintendent effective June 30, 2026 and to impose liquidated damages. Motion carried.
School Board Meeting June 23, 2026
Citizen comments: Brad Schierck regarding social media; Kim Taylor regarding Superintendent search
School Board President Russ Ewert started discussions on the Superintendent search to include the need for input from all stakeholders; parents, community, staff, Board. Dr. Castro shared a potential timeline for a Superintendent search. The deadline for the return of RFPs is July 24th. Motion by Barney, second by Voyer to solicit proposals for a superintendent search. Motion carried.
Motion by Pawlak, second by Barney to approve Dr. Dan Unertl as Rockfield Elementary Principal and to issue a 2 year administrative contract for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years. Motion carried.
Motion by Pawlak, second by Barney to approve the following per diem stipends for Co-Interim Superintendents while serving in the interim capacity, effective July 1, 2026, through the end of the 2026-2027 school year: Dr. Martin Castro - $143.00 per day for 261 days; Mr. Jake Misiak - $143.00 per day for 261 days. Motion carried.
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UPCOMING MEETINGS:
Regular School Board Meeting - July 21, 2026