Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Fraga provided information on the high school construction project during the Feb. 17 meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Onalaska Independent School District. Fraga mentioned that Construction Manager at Risk Pogue hosted a meet and greet with local contractors and that interested vendors may still reach out for contact information.
Nikki Hyles, Director of Client Engagement with Innovation Foundation, presented information on an education foundation for Onalaska ISD.
Junior-Senior High School Principal Cheryl Bertsch announced that the boys’ basketball team made it to the first round of playoffs.
February is Career and Technical Education Month. CTE programs teach students real world skills and give them the opportunity to explore different fields, preparing them for careers in high demand areas. Assistant Superintendent Geoffery Bowdoin recognized some of the CTE teachers.
OISD was able to cancel its May 3 school trustee election. Three “at large” positions would have been on the ballot, those presently held by Ted Wiggins, Dennis Hodge and Chris Topkins. All three incumbents filed for reelection and were unopposed.
The board approved applying for a staff development waiver with TEA for days missed due to weather.
No action was taken on the first reading of TASB Policy Update 124.
The district innovation plan was amended to update transfer student procedures.
The board authorized Fraga to contract with professional personnel through August 2025 in order to expedite the hiring process to ensure quality candidates.
The board approved adoption of the official school calendar for the 2025-2026 school year.
Following an executive session to deliberate personnel, the board approved the employment of Donnielle Rodriquez as the new math instructional coach. Additionally, the board approved contracts for the assistant superintendent, director of technology, athletic director and both campus principals.
Students receiving student spotlight awards included Junior-Senior High School Student Ryan Worthington, Elementary School Student Hayley Hudson and Elementary School Student Haiden Miller. Worthington will graduate with an associate’s degree and has received a full scholarship to Middlebury College in Vermont. Hudson was recognized for her great character and poise, noting that she is the definition of the Wildcat Way, as she comes in daily with a smile and she is always helping her teachers and peers. Miller was recognized for her exceptional academic and extracurricular activities as well as her outstanding citizenship.
Junior-Senior High School Teacher Terri Boyce and Elementary Teacher Austin Mengler received staff spotlight awards. Boyce excels as a classroom teacher by building positive rapport with all of her students and creating engaging lessons that challenge students to perform at a high level. She goes above and beyond outside the classroom for the success of the school community. Mengler was recognized for his ability to build positive learning experiences for students and stepping up to support his team in a leadership role. His hard work has been instrumental in supporting academic growth for third grade students.
