The Board of Education has made some significant decisions this summer. They've voted unanimously to schedule a November referendum, approved a wellness policy on physical activity and nutrition, and also approved policies and guidelines that allow advertising and sponsorships in the district.

Referendum

On November 7, voters in the Madison School District will consider a $23.5 million referendum. The single question on the ballot is composed of three parts.

• Build a new elementary school in Linden Park to alleviate overcrowding in schools on the rapidly-growing west side. $17.7 million construction costs will cost the owner of an average-priced home about $16.15 more per year for 20 years. Capacity will range from 583 to 729 students, depending on the type of programming decided for the school.
• Build an addition to Leopold School for a new cafeteria and kitchen, then convert the current cafeteria and kitchen into classroom space. Leopold is at 108% capacity, with enrollment increases projected. The whole project will cost $2.76 million, and will mean an increase of $3.17 per year for 16 years to the owner of an average-priced home.
• Refinance four loans with the state trust fund worth $3.1 million, in order to provide some relief under the revenue caps thus reducing the number of budget cuts necessary. This will cost the owner of an average-priced home $9.89 per year for 6 years.

Wellness Policy on Physical Activity and Nutrition

The Board unanimously approved on July 17 the Wellness Policy that was largely developed by a policy writing and review committee, composed of students, staff, parents and community members.

The complete Wellness Policy, which includes the earlier Comprehensive Food Policy, is available by clicking here.

In addition to bringing forth the recommended policy, the committee stressed it would like to see the Wellness Policy develop over time into a proactive, comprehensive policy that would instill in each child positive attitudes about and involvement in their own wellness.

The Policy Committee sees student wellness as a student, family, school and community responsibility. The Wellness Policy, they say, should be viewed as a beginning step in addressing the environment, knowledge and skills that students need to be healthy individuals.

Advertising and Sponsorships

Until this month, the Madison School District could not accept advertisements or sponsorships. With the unanimous passage of Board Policies 3660 (Advertising) and 3661 (Sponsorships), the district can now accept payments for ads or sponsorships.

Each advertisement or sponsorship must meet criteria established in the two Board policies. The two complete Board policies can be accessed by clicking here for Advertising and by clicking here for Sponsorships.

Advertisements in and sponsorships of school newsletters, school programs and other school-based activities will continue to go through the school's principal.

District staff is now beginning to develop the rates, promotions and other operational details in order to facilitate the sale of ads and sponsorships to outside entities.