Liz for KM

An update from the WASB Delegate Assembly

Today, the resolution brought forward by the Kettle Moraine School District did not pass.

While that outcome is disappointing, I want to be clear about why we brought it forward in the first place.

The resolution was about choice, local control, and keeping districts at the table. It proposed a limited membership option that would allow boards to opt out of funding specific advocacy positions that conflict with their local values, while still remaining fully engaged in professional development, training, legal support, and collaboration through WASB.

In short, it was an attempt to strengthen the association by recognizing that Wisconsin communities are not one-size-fits-all.

The vote tells us that many districts are not ready for that structural change yet. I respect the process, and I respect the outcome.

But I do not regret bringing this forward.

Healthy organizations only stay relevant if they are willing to examine how they operate, ask hard questions, and adapt when the landscape changes. Even when a proposal fails, the conversation matters. And that conversation is now happening.

I ran to serve because I believe local voices matter, even when they are in the minority. My responsibility is not to win every vote. It is to represent our community honestly, thoughtfully, and without fear of uncomfortable conversations.

That work continues.

Thank you to those who reached out, asked questions, and supported the effort. Onward.

Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) Delegate Assembly today!

🚨 Attention WI Public School Board Members and WASB Member Delegates 🚨

Modernizing WASB: A Call for Unity and Local Choice

This January at the WASB Delegate Assembly, the Kettle Moraine School District is introducing a substantive amendment to the WASB Bylaws.

Amy for KM (Amy Richards) and I (with the support of the whole KM Board) have worked extensively on this proposal because we believe that if WASB is going to remain strong, it must also become more flexible.

The Problem

Right now, WASB membership is all or nothing.
Districts either accept every advocacy position or walk away entirely. That rigid model has already driven some districts out, not because they rejected professional development or legal support, but because they could not align with every lobbying position.

That is not healthy for a statewide association.

The Solution

We are proposing a new option:
Limited Active Membership

This creates a middle ground that keeps districts engaged while honoring local values.

Under this structure, districts may:

• Opt out of the portion of dues that fund advocacy and lobbying
• Receive a rebate for that advocacy portion
• Keep full access to WASB’s Convention, legal services, policy resources, and bylaw voting

The only trade-off:
Those districts would not vote on or submit resolutions at the Delegate Assembly.
That is a fair and transparent exchange.

Why This Matters

🧩 Unity
Prevents districts from leaving WASB entirely.

🔄 Re-engagement
Creates a pathway for former members to return for professional development and services.

🏫 Respect for Local Governance
School boards answer first to their own communities, not a one-size-fits-all platform.

What Happens Next

Changing the bylaws requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote. Every delegate matters.

If you are a Delegate:
Please review the “Proposed Amendment to the WASB Bylaws” in your packet and vote YES to create a more flexible, transparent WASB.

If you are a Board Member but not a Delegate:
Please contact your district’s delegate and urge them to support the Kettle Moraine amendment.

Let’s keep WASB strong, relevant, and united for all Wisconsin school districts.

KM's High School of Health Science (HS^2) is the TOP HIGH SCHOOL in the state per DPI report cards! And the good news does not end there. Our district is 15th among all K-12 districts in the state. Our ELA and math scores are the highest in seven years. I am so proud of our students, our teachers and our Administration for listening to community input and taking very strategic steps to build upon KM's tradition of academic excellence. We will continue to reach higher for all our students across all buildings and charter choices. For example, tonight's board meeting will include discussion about transitioning back to a 100 point grading system at the high school level (rather than the 1-5 currently in use). IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE A LASER!

Additional highlights: Wales and Cushing Elementary significantly exceeding expectations with Wales earning an impressive 93.9 overall score. HS^2 and Wales showed 100 point growth in ELA, with Wales also earning 100pt growth in math and HS^2 earning 100pt achievement in ELA and MATH. KM Global also significantly exceeded expectations, as did KMMS with an 89.1 overall score and a 96.8 in math.

View Full DPI report cards at https://kmsd.edu/reportcards
Attend or watch the livestream of tonight's school board meeting for a presentation on these results, starting at 7pm: https://kmsd.edu/livestream.

This Veterans Day, we pause to recognize the students, parents, and staff across the Kettle Moraine School District who have served our country. Your courage, discipline, and commitment to something larger than yourselves set an example that reaches far beyond the classroom.

To our veterans: Thank you for your service and for the lessons you continue to teach us about leadership, integrity, and community.

November 1, 2025

Today is Family Literacy Day, a reminder that some of the best learning doesn’t happen in a classroom, it happens around kitchen tables, in bedtime stories, and during those little moments when curiosity sparks conversation.

When families read, ask questions, and learn together, it builds confidence, connection, and a lifelong love of learning. Whether it’s a picture book, a news article, or a shared chapter before bed, reading together helps our students (and our community) grow stronger.

Let’s keep encouraging literacy at home and celebrating the joy of learning, one story at a time.

What is your family reading right now?

𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐊𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄❗
Today, October 27th, we observe National Civics Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the crucial importance of civic education in the United States. Founded in 2021, this day reminds us that a healthy democracy thrives on informed and engaged citizens.

It's a perfect time to reflect on how we prepare our students to be active participants in our community and beyond. And speaking of preparation, I'm incredibly excited about the recent presentation at the School Board meeting regarding the Kettle Moraine School District's Social Studies Curricular Review!

This review is a fantastic opportunity to ensure our students receive the most comprehensive and impactful civic education possible. By examining our current curriculum, we can ensure we're equipping them with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and understanding of our governmental processes that are essential for future success.

I believe strongly in fostering a deep understanding of civics and history. Our students deserve a curriculum that not only teaches them facts but also inspires them to be thoughtful, responsible, and engaged citizens. I'm eager to hear your thoughts and insights as this review progresses. Together, we can strengthen our community through education!

RESTRUCTURING UPDATE!!! A timeline was presented at last night's board meeting for announcing upcoming staffing decisions and various processes were defined in greater detail. We encourage our KM Community to consider attending one of the upcoming Q&A Sessions on September 30 and December 2 and to visit kmsd.edu/restructure for additional information.

📚✏️✨ Happy First Day of School, GO Lasers! ✨✏️📚

Wishing all of our students, families, and staff a wonderful start to the new school year. May it be filled with learning, laughter, and new opportunities to shine.

💙💛 Let’s make this year one to remember—Go Lasers! 💛💙

KMSD COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSIONS & BOARD MEETING

📅 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
When: Tomorrow, Tuesday, August 12 | 7:00 PM
Where: KMHS Library
What: Discussion on elementary school boundaries and the potential relocation of KM Explore. This conversation will help shape the focus of the upcoming listening sessions.

📅 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
**Thursday, August 14 | 6–7 PM | KMHS Library
**Wednesday, August 20 | 6–7 PM | Wales Elementary

These sessions are an opportunity to hear updates, ask questions, and share your feedback on important decisions that will impact KM’s future.

Your voice matters—please join us.

KM HONORED FOR 29 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING!!! For over 50 years, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) has honored school districts for high-quality Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFR). Transparency and quality financial information are critical in today’s educational environment and the Kettle Moraine School District takes this responsibility very seriously. Preparation of the ACFR report is led by KMSD Finance Manager Jeremy Struss and supported by members of the business office and district leadership team. Kettle Moraine has received this annual award 29 consecutive times and is currently the only Wisconsin School District to earn this honor. Approximately 4% of school districts nationally earn this designation annually. Kettle Moraine prepares the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report to: Show our community that we are committed to transparent stewardship of public funds. Improve our financial reporting with review comments from school finance professionals and certified public accountants from across the country. Be considered by credit-rating agencies to help maintain the district's ratings with Standard and Poors and Moody's which help the district secure more favorable financing for district initiatives.