Deerfield Community School District
300 Simonson Boulevard
Deerfield, WI 53531
Board of Education — Regular Meeting Minutes
District Boardroom
May 18, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
BOE Present
Fischer, Frame, Kessenich, Mack, Salkowski
BOE Absent
Hart, Sigurslid
Administration Present
Jensen, Kamrath, Treuden
Administration Absent
Frey, McDonough, Peachey
Others Present
Jamae Wierzba, Danielle Johansen, Dave Borgrud, Scott Michel, Rick Loerke, John Michel, James Michel, Jackson Loerke, Katie Long, Allison Ledbury, Katie Michel, Emily Holtan, Karley Holtan, Brandi Evers, Sherry Betthauser, Nick Krull
1. Call to Order
Meeting called to order by Vice President, Melissa Frame at 6:00 p.m. as duly posted under s.s. 19.84(1)(2)(c).
2. Call of Roll
Present: Fischer, Frame, Kessenich, Mack, Salkowski.
3. Proof of Posting
Michelle Jensen presented proof of posting of meeting agenda on May 14, 2026 at the village hall, district buildings, and the district website.
4. Adoption of Agenda
Motion by Kessenich/Fischer to adopt the May 18, 2026 agenda as posted. Carried 5–0.
5. Approval of Minutes
Motion by Kessenich/Mack to approve the minutes from the April 27, 2026 special and regular meetings. Carried 5–0.
6. Financial Report and Approval of Current Expenditures
Doreen Treuden presented financial statements for March, noting total receipts of $2,218,728.30 and vouchers of $185,089.93. Motion by Fischer/Salkowski to approve the financial reports for March. A roll call vote is required to approve the current expenditures. All ayes.
7. Public Input
Comments were shared regarding the temporary closure of the fitness center due to the construction project and concerns of bullying were voiced.
8. Committee Reports
A. Student School Board Representative Report
No report.
B. Legislative Report
Michelle Jensen shared that the state budget proposal between Governor Evers and the legislature did not pass.
C. Policy and Personnel Committee Report
Item addressed under New Business.
D. Health and Wellness Committee Report
No report.
E. Joint Interactive Committee Report
It was reported that the village has secured a grant to explore cybersecurity of their platforms and is looking into a grant to provide EV charging stations. Zoning codes will be reviewed. Shoulder maintenance is being done on the township roads, work continues on the new Town Hall building with the anticipation it will be open for occupancy in late June or early July. The school fitness center will be closed June 1–September 7 due to south parking lot construction and interior remodeling, and contractors will be installing the storm sewer along Brictson in early summer.
9. New Business — Items for Discussion and/or Possible Action
A. Donations to the District
Appreciation was given to recent donors for their support of the district: Vogel Bros. Building Co., for providing a lunch for our middle and high school staff; Greater Insurance Service, for providing a bag of popcorn for all staff; Eagles Nutrition, for providing a healthy beverage for all staff; and Aaron and Melissa Mikkelson, for the donation of used wrestling gear to the high school wrestling program.
B. District Grants Update
No update.
C. Building Project Update
Michelle Jensen shared progress notes: masons continue to work in the front of the building, a tent will be installed over the front entrance of the building to minimize water damage during the summer construction, and punch list items are being addressed. A detailed communication was provided to staff, students, families and fitness center members regarding the large scope of construction work that is scheduled to be completed over the summer and the need to temporarily close the fitness center.
D. Pedestal Paver Roof System
Doreen Treuden and Michelle Jensen shared information requested by the board at a previous meeting. Vogel has confirmed that there will be contingency funds to cover the cost of $115,572.00 for the project and noted that access to bring in the materials is optimal at this time. If the district puts the project on hold until a future date, the transfer of materials to the roof would require a large crane. Motion by Salkowski/Kessenich to approve the pedestal paver roof system as presented. Carried 5–0.
E. S&P Global Rating Summary for Bond Anticipation Notes
Doreen Treuden shared that the district’s bond rating remains at A+ as we prepare to finalize the last debt issue to support the capital referendum work.
F. Resolution Awarding the Sale of $5,700,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2026
Doreen Treuden reviewed the final bond issue at 4.1% interest which extends amortization and lessens the amount of debt payments. Motion by Salkowski/Fischer to approve the resolution awarding the sale of $5,700,000 general obligation promissory notes. Roll call vote required, all ayes.
G. School Perceptions: Student Comment Analysis, R2D: Response 2 Data Proposal
Michelle Jensen reviewed the student comment analysis and presented the proposal to contract with School Perceptions to facilitate the response to data process as it relates to the parent and staff surveys. Motion by Kessenich/Fischer to hire School Perceptions to complete data workshops for staff and parents as presented. Carried 5–0.
H. District Copy Machine 5 Year Lease Agreement
Doreen Treuden shared proposals from three vendors, noting the recommendation to contract with Rhyme. Motion by Fischer/Salkowski to approve contract for copy machine lease agreement with Rhyme as presented. Carried 5–0.
I. CESA2 Driver Education Program Agreement for 2026–27
Michelle Jensen reviewed the agreement. Motion by Kessenich/Mack to approve the CESA2 driver education program agreement for 2026–27 as presented. Carried 5–0.
J. MJ Care, Inc. Contract for Occupational Therapy Services for 2026–27
Michelle Jensen presented the fee schedule of $73.00/hour for occupational therapist services, $63.00/hour for certified occupational therapist assistant services and $.79/mile for mileage reimbursement. Motion by Kessenich/Fischer to approve the MJ Care, Inc. contract for occupational therapy services for 2026–27 as presented. Carried 5–0.
K. District Health and Dental Insurance Plan Renewals for 2026–27
The personnel committee presented the renewal proposal with Dean Health Plan at a 7.9% health insurance premium increase with no other plan changes. Dental insurance premium remains the same. Motion by Fischer/Salkowski to approve the district health and dental insurance plan renewals for 2026–27 as presented. Carried 5–0.
L. Staffing Resignation(s) including but not limited to: Second Grade Teacher
Administration presented the notice of retirement for Kristin Thomas, second grade teacher, at the end of the school year. Motion by Kessenich/Salkowski to accept the notice of retirement. Carried 5–0.
M. Staffing Recommendation(s) including but not limited to: MS/HS Principal
Administration presented the recommendation of Scott Kramper as the Middle/High School principal effective July 1, 2026. Motion by Salkowski/Kessenich to approve the recommendation. Carried 5–0.
N. Support Staff Employment Report
Michelle Jensen announced the resignation of Leanne Huber, instructional assistant.
10. School Board President’s Report
No report.
11. Administrative Reports
Michelle Jensen
Superintendent Jensen extended her thanks to the WDEE staff for recording many of the end of year events happening in the district and posting them on its website. She offered congratulations to the retirees and district staff who were recognized for years of service at our event on May 6.
Karen Frey
No report.
Melinda Kamrath
Principal Kamrath shared that summer school registration began last week and runs until May 29. She extended her thanks to the PTO for all their continued support, to Ashley Meyer, Stephen Rodriguez-Pavao and Ryan Petersen who held the final concerts of the school year, and to all of the families for their support throughout the year.
Shannon McDonough
Principal McDonough’s report shared recent and upcoming events which included Mentor Mania, Senior Dinner & Awards program, music concerts, awards assembly and yearbook distribution. She offered congratulations to Marcus Novak and the yearbook staff for the countless hours creating a memorable yearbook for students and staff.
Laura Peachey
No report.
Doreen Treuden
No report.
12. Schedule Upcoming Meetings
Upcoming meetings were scheduled.
13. Adjournment
Motion by Mack/Fischer to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. Carried 5–0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Shelley Mack
Board Clerk
