Health Community Network is offering free Thanksgiving meals to those in need in our community. You can drive thru to pick yours up on Wednesday, November 25th from 11 am- 1 pm.
Open House at WCTC
WCTC is hosting a Virtual/Online Fall Open House: Please mark your calendars! This year’s fall WCTC Open House is now scheduled. It will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 in a virtual/online format. Instructors and depts. will be doing live presentations, Q&A’s, and lab video walkthroughs in an effort to replicate much of what had been done on-campus at past on-site Open Houses. Details and a sign-up/registration page can be found via this link: https://www.wctc.edu/about/visit/open-house.php. WCTC has been running scheduled Virtual/Online Information Sessions in place of traditional Group Campus Tours for the last few months and plans to continue doing so for the foreseeable future. If you hear of a student that is interested in learning more about WCTC and a traditional Group Campus Tour would normally be a consideration, suggesting they instead sign-up for and attend a Virtual/Online Information Session is a suggested alternative. Students should sign-up ahead of time via this weblink: https://www.wctc.edu/about/visit/index.php. Students can also access a self-guided Virtual Tour of campus via that same web link. Although not as comprehensive as the Virtual/Online Information Session, the Virtual Tour can be done at any time/date (the Virtual Tour is an on-demand software platform).
A Message to Our Community from PEASD Administration
A Message to Our Community from PEASD Administration:
We know the idea we are bringing to the board of opening a $2 million dollars line of credit has caused some concerns in our community. This is not a loan to operate the district. It is simply a temporary ‘back-up’ line of credit in the event our expected primary revenues come in later than expected due to various factors impacting state aid and local property taxes. The $2 million line of credit, if needed, would cover two months of the district's average expenditures should it be needed in the event of delayed revenues and is 25% or 1/4 th of our revenues. Short term borrowing needs to be repaid by November 1st of the next year and this is in no way a long-term line of credit. We would have by November 1st all the funds we would need to fully repay any amounts still outstanding.
Although we have a healthy fund balance reserve of $3.5 million, there may be short times of the year where expenses exceed the cash balances while waiting for revenues to come in. Our district's expenditures, on average, equal slightly more than $1 million per month, every month. Our district's revenues on the other hand come in much more unevenly and sporadically, throughout the fiscal year, meaning that there could be a slight chance that for very short periods of time, our expenditures will exceed our cash balances. Certainly our good fund balance that we have will help our cash flow situation and it's very likely we may not need to access any of this line of credit. However, it is financially prudent to be prepared if the timing of revenues come in later than planned.
Many other districts around the state face this same cash flow situation. To deal with this these districts may take out temporary loans called TRANS (tax & revenue anticipation notes). This requires those districts to pay interest on these notes, even if they did not need the entire amount to cover any temporary cash deficits. The other less-costly option is using a temporary 'line-of-credit' where the district only would borrow if it was needed and only for a very short period of time. The district would only pay interest on the amount needed and for that very short time we borrowed it to cover any temporary cash deficits. Some districts with very stable finances and good credit do this as a precaution as it actually protects their high credit ratings from getting downgraded due to unexpectedly running out of money.
The potential problem we face with the timing of revenues this year is two-fold: 1. We know that DPI will be delaying some amounts of our state aid which is paid in various phases over the fiscal year. That may mean less revenues earlier in the year as expenses mount. And 2. Property tax revenues which are first received in mid-January may be down, and most likely paid later during the fiscal year. Consider that with the IRS S.A.L.T. deductions limitation, there may be no urgency for people to get the full property tax payments in by December 31, and in fact then taking advantage of the installment payments from late January through May. Adverse economic conditions may also make the property tax installment plan more attractive.
Further discussion and a possible decision will be held publicly at the upcoming board meeting this Tuesday, 11/10 at 7:00 p.m. We hope to have the support of the community and understanding that we are working hard to get this district to be as efficient as possible. PEASD is financially healthy and this line of credit in no way shows any kind of weakness, but rather reflects the administration’s ability to anticipate short-term issues that may happen to the district and protect its operation.
2020-21 High School Yearbooks
Attention High School Students! It's time to start thinking about ordering your 2020-21 yearbooks! Cost is $65 per yearbook, you can order them in Skyward Fee Management or by bringing payment to Ms. Laine in the Guidance Office. The deadline to order is January 15th, 2021.
A Message From Our Superintendent
To PEASD Parents and Community;
On Friday, October 30, The Enterprise ran a story on the two candidates running for the 33rd Assembly District. In that article it was stated that the district had tried to dissolve last year, and “The district may try again next year.” This last statement is completely false. There would be no reason to try and dissolve given the recent success in the district’s improved financial stability.
Recently the credit rating agency, Standard & Poors upgraded PEASD’s credit rating to a “stable” rating after reviewing the recent work that has been done to balance the district budgets and provide for a strong budget reserve fund going forward.
The financial picture for the district continues to grow stronger with a balanced budget for the 2020-21 school year including provisions for financial contingencies. The bottom line is that PEASD has a bright future and will continue to offer unique educational and co-curricular opportunities to students for many, many years to come.
In the coming months we’ll be sending out additional information on the financial and academic successes of the district. However for now, rest assured there will be no attempt to dissolve the district.
Dr. Todd Gray, PEASD Superintendent
Payroll & Accounting Specialist Position Available
Palmyra-Eagle Area School District is hiring a Full-Time Payroll & Accounting Specialist in our District Office.
The Palmyra-Eagle Area School District has recently had their BB+ Stable credit rating approved by S&P Global Ratings and has had the previous negative CreditWatch removed. PEASD now has a stable financial outlook based on the district reporting a general fund surplus in fiscal 2019 and a balanced budget for fiscal 2020, which was made possible by the decision to close Palmyra Elementary and other staff cuts.
While COVID-19 has provided many troubles, the district has seen a decrease in open-enrollment, likely due to the uncertainty of the virus. The new management within the district has balanced the budget for the 2020 fiscal year, and fiscal 2021 is likely to bring another surplus. These factors have warranted the removal of the former rating from CreditWatch, and the return of the outlook to stable.
PEASD Superintendent, Dr. Todd Gray states that “This is a good first step in showing that PEASD is on the road to financial stability. We’ll continue to work with the bond rating agencies to show an improved financial picture and pursue higher credit ratings in future months.”
Free Lunch Update
On October 9, 2020, the USDA extended the opportunity for schools to offer free lunch to every child
under the age of 18, living in our school district, through the end of the school year (June 2021). It is not
mandatory, but we are very excited to be able to choose to participate. There are no forms to fill out and
no income requirements. The free lunch program includes "lunch only" and does not include any a la
carte items. If you have any questions, please contact the Food Service office at 262-495-7101 ext. 2414
or akozlowski@peasd.org.
2020 Trailways Conference Champs
“Step by step, ooh, baby, really want you in my world!” Not since New Kids on the Block and Duran Duran were the peak of popular music Or people were flocking to the movie theaters to see The Little Mermaid and When Harry Met Sally has the Palmyra-Eagle Boys Cross Country Team won a Conference Championship.
The Palmyra-Eagle Panthers had the distinct honor of hosting the 2020 Trailways Conference Championship right in their own backyard. Utilizing the beautiful Jim Demler Nature Trail and Standard Process Athletic Fields as a speedy but challenging course. From top to bottom the Panthers did not disappoint on their home turf.
The boys team raced as a pack to win the Trailways Conference Championship out of 13 teams. Their balanced attack earned them a low score of 42 points, beating second place Valley Christian by 29 points and two time defending champion Parkview by 41 points.
The Panthers were led by senior Jacob Stroh who aggressively raced to a 4th place finish in a lifetime PR time of 18:03.9 and earned 1st Team All-Conference Honors. Fischer Schneider (SR) placed 13th to snag 2nd Team All-Conference Honors in a lifetime PR of 19.12.5. The rest of the "Pride of Panthers" was none too far behind with Dalton Metzdorf placing 17th, Logan Woesner placing 18th and Blake Issacsen placing 19th. All three earned All-Conference Honorable Mention. Chris Carlson finished as the team's 6th runner. This tightly timed pack is what helped the Panthers win the Conference Team Championship in a convincing fashion.
As always the girls team was incredibly proud of the boys. However they did not want to be outshined by the boys on the home turf. Ally “the Baby-Faced Assassin” Czeshinski raced with true wisdom and finished in 4th place with a time of 21:27.5 her highest career finish in the Trailways and earned her 4th All-Conference honor of her career. Michaela Jones also earned her 4th consecutive All-Conference honors as well by placing 15th. None too far behind Madyson Nettesheim earned her first ever Trailways Conference Honorable Mention by placing 20th and moving up 14 places from last year at Conference.
The Panthers will hold their heads high with strong placings before getting back to fine tuning their training as they will return to the Jim Demler Cross Country Course on Tuesday Oct. 20th when they host the WIAA Sub-Sectional with hopes of advancing to the Sectional Meet on Oct. 24th.
Complete results of the Trailways Conference Championships can be found at:
Join us for the 50th Annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 21st from 9am-2pm! Vendors will be spaced out throughout the High School & Middle School Gyms and the Community Center. Vendor Spots are still available, check out our application at https://www.peasd.org/.../athle.../2020bazaarapplication.pdf
Contact Mary Ann Pronschinske for more information!
Homecoming Wrap Up
In spite of COVID-19, Palmyra-Eagle School District worked hard to pull off a homecoming week for the high schoolers that everyone could enjoy. While some traditions had to be cancelled, such as the beloved Homecoming Dance and parade, others were still able to take place. Students took part in competing for best dressed for the dress up days for spirit week. The days were Hawaiian Party vs. Biker bash, Disney Day, Holiday Theme, class shirt day, and Panther Pride Day. They decorated hallways for each grade, played penny wars and indulged in some staff trivia. Each class decorated a ceiling tile and included their class year, a panther, and the class theme., with the Senior class winning with their “Grinch stole Senior Year’ tile.
Wednesday night there was a movie night, where they watched A Nightmare Before Christmas, and masks were required. Thursday brought the girl’s Powderpuff and boy’s volleyball games. Many of the seniors travelled to the elementary school on Friday morning for the annual visit for the younger kids. Students had a shortened school day so that they could attend the Pep Rally that took place on the football field. Overall, the Senior class took the grand prize as Homecoming winners, with Juniors in 2nd, Sophomores in 3rd and Freshman in last.
Even though there wouldn’t be a dance, they still crowned Casey W. and Brooke K. as 2020’s Homecoming King and Queen. Friday night was the Homecoming game, where the Panthers played against the Marshall Cardinals and the final score was 0-35. Although they didn't take home a win, the kids played hard and the seniors even harder. Ryan Carpenter had some strong inside runs along with some great defensive plays. Aiden Calderone made some great catches on the defensive and contributed to a sack later in the game. The entire senior class played their heart out and Coach Q cannot say enough about every single one of them. Many of the underclassmen stepped up and played for the team and never quit. The entire coaching staff are proud of this team despite the tough loss, and they look forward to playing at Dodgeland next week and are hoping to bring home a win!
Staff at Palmyra-Eagle High School worked so hard all week to ensure that everyone had a great week. Safety precautions were taken at along every step and school spirit was abundant throughout the hallways, and Ms. Nickels, (one of the homecoming advisors along with Ms. Anderson,) were to thank for a lot of that. "Homecoming is one of my favorite times of the school year and with everything going on this school year I wanted to make sure kids had some normalcy and have fun! Overall, I believe that we were able to find ways to incorporate the homecoming festivities from the past and with a few changes, the Student Council was able to make everything but the parade and the homecoming dance happen."
Go Panthers!
MS/HS Picture Retake Day
Picture Retake day is scheduled for: October 15th, 2020
STUDENTS THAT NEED TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED:
If students have not been photographed this school year, please be prepared to have a photograph taken on retake day. All students must be photographed. Portraits will be needed for your school’s database.
STUDENTS THAT WOULD LIKE RE-TAKE PHOTOS:
If you want a re-take of your student’s original portrait, please return the original package in its entirety to the photographer on retake day. A replacement package will be printed and delivered to the school with your student’s new image. If you did not purchase photos from the original picture day and want a re-take, please have the student’s picture taken.
STUDENTS WHO WANT TO ORDER SCHOOL PICTURES FOR THE FIRST TIME:
If you would like to order school pictures for the first time, you can print and use the order form .pdf that is attached or obtain one from the school office. Just fill out the order form and bring it with you to retake day.
STUDENTS WHO DID NOT ORDER SCHOOL PICTURES AND WOULD LIKE TO ORDER AT A LATER TIME:
If you do not order your student’s portrait on retake day, you will still be able to order online for the entire school year. Approximately 3 weeks after the portrait is taken your student will bring home a proof form with their own secure private gallery password. Online orders get mailed directly to your home and will include a shipping charge of $4.50.
DELIVERY OF RE-TAKE PORTRAITS:
Re-take photos will be delivered to the school approximately three weeks after the retake day.
Looking for a way to help out our district and make a little money? We are currently looking for a crossing guard at Highway 59 and Northwest Street. Even if you can only work mornings or afternoons, give us a call! You also get a free vest to wear!
Call 262-495-7101 x 2608
New Superintendent
Palmyra-Eagle Area School District is pleased to announce the hiring of Todd Gray, PhD, as interim Superintendent of our school district. Dr. Gray comes to PEASD after 12 years as Superintendent of Schools for the School District of Waukesha. Much was accomplished educationally during his tenure in Waukesha including fostering development of a K-8 STEM charter school, two magnet schools, and four personalized instruction 'school-within-a-school' educational programs.
After retiring from his position in July, he quickly began working as a non-lawyer Senior Consultant for von Briesen & Roper Attorneys to work with and support their School Law Group, and will do that alongside assisting the Palmyra-Eagle Area School District as the interim Superintendent. Along with 35 years working in the education field, Dr. Gray has 6 years of experience in public accounting. His wife is a substitute in Waukesha and they have three sons who are spread all over the U. S. In his free time he enjoys working on his cottage, golfing in the summer and duck hunting in the fall.
Of Palmyra-Eagle, Dr. Gray says that because he grew up nearby in Williams Bay, this district was an athletic rival of his school. "I've been on your courts and your fields and I've driven through your town. It's a great community and I am going to do everything I can to make sure the district thrives."
Doris Parsons, School Board President, states that "We've worked hard to turn the district around financially, and now with Dr. Gray in place we are very excited to continue to move forward in all aspects of the wonderful educational opportunities we can provide." Panther Pride is stronger than ever and launching into what appears to be a very successful future.
FAFSA Boot Camp
Have a student ready to look into college? Sign up for our FAFSA Boot Camp!
To reserve your spot, please call Gigi Laine, Administrative Assistant, at 262-495-7101 x2202 or send an email to glaine@peasd.org, Parents must sign- up by October 7th. Space is limited so please call today! If we do not get enough people signed up the event will be canceled.
Greeting PEASD families. We are pleased to offer before and after school care to our learning community! Enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year is now open. With locations at the Eagle and Palmyra Elementary sites, we aim to support our families and students in the most convenient way possible. Please read the attached "Elementary Wrap Around Care Parent Handbook" and click on the link to fill out the application form. Application forms may also be obtained by picking one up at Eagle Elementary. Elementary Principal Ms. Katie Robertson is serving as the program supervisor and any questions may be sent to her at krobertson@peasd.org or by phone at 262.594.2148. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
At Palmyra-Eagle Area School District we believe every child can succeed in their education, everyone can be inspired, challenged and engaged to be the best they can be in life! As an administrator I believe it to be my duty to serve the community, our students and to provide everyone in our staff with the best resources and tools available to us.
Finding a good balance between what we can afford and what we need to succeed can be challenging at times, but anything can be overcome if everyone keeps the best interests of the students at the top of their mind. Schools are the pillar of the community and they provide not only education but they form individuals who can then be good citizens and members of the community.
Having strong school districts serving the community lifts everyone's values, citizenship and that eventually impacts the well-being and the economy of the entire country.
During this year we have been fortunate enough to find out our economic situation was much better than previously thought of. After having restructured the school district we are very excited to let everyone know this school district is probably going to be educating students beyond the year 2100!
Financial Newsletter
We have exciting news to share with the community about our financial situation! Attached below is our financial report and statements that show where we stand now financially and where we are expecting to be over next year and for many years to come. We are excited to say that panther pride is back and here to stay!
Also, please remember to register your children, we have moved the registration deadline to August 7th. We hope to count on everyone's support to continue providing excellent education to all our students!
PEASD Guiding principles for the reopening of schools in the Fall of 2020
This information, plan and subsequent details are subject to change and are pending official school board approval.
PEASD Guiding principles for the reopening of schools in the Fall of 2020
We support the American Academy of Pediatrics Statement: “Schools provide more than just academics to children and adolescents. In addition to reading, writing and math, children learn social and emotional skills, get exercise and access to mental health support and other things that cannot be provided with online learning. For many families, school is where kids get healthy meals, access to the internet and other vital services.”
Please note that all plans created by PEASD are designed only to mitigate student, staff, or community exposure to and spread of COVID-19. The protocols created should not be relied upon or be construed as a way to completely prevent students, staff, or community from becoming infected with COVID-19.
In reviewing the initial survey data from parents, students, staff and community members, PEASD wants to thank everyone for their thoughtful consideration and responses, and encourages those who may not have had the opportunity to complete this survey to do so; as the information garnered from the results will continue to drive the details of our planning process.
Currently, plans will reflect a full five-day week, with a face to face classroom learning environment that focuses on creating conditions to reopen schools as safely as possible. There will also be a consideration of options provided to parents who wish to enroll their child in virtual learning. However, knowing the trajectory of the COVID-19 outbreak is changing weekly, we are planning for multiple school opening scenarios as needed. We recognize that families may have unique needs as we develop this process and we will work with those families to provide the necessary support and responses as needed.
At this time there are no additional details available regarding the reopening plans. As soon as information is available, and board approved, we will provide detailed information to the school community at large. Thank you for your continued support and patience throughout this process.
2020/21 School Calendars
The calendar for 2020-21 school year has been set. Click the links for the Family Calendar and the Calendar at a Glance.
Palmyra Eagle Area School District would like to announce the new Public Relations Coordinator, Caitlin Kirchner. Kirchner grew up in our district, from Kindergarten at Eagle Elementary,until she graduated from high school. She is receiving her degree from UW-Whitewater in the fall with a degree in Interpersonal Communication and a minor in Journalism.
Kirchner keeps busy with her husband and three children and enjoys reading and true crime podcasts in her free time. She is excited to be back where she went to school and to help promote the district and everything it has to offer. Palmyra-Eagle has so many positive things going on now for our students and our community and we are here to stay! People need to be aware of the awesome opportunities for all students pre-k through 12 and the extra added value that a small rural district like ours can provide. Caitlin will be quite busy getting the good news out as much as possible! The school board and administration feel very fortunate to have Caitlin come alongside us and help with our efforts to make district changes and improvements known.
New EES Principal
Palmyra Eagle Area School District would like to announce the new Principal of Eagle Elementary, Katie Robertson, starting July 1st. Robertson is a UWM grad who has spent nearly 14 years working in classrooms from PreK-8th grade. A kindergarten teacher at heart, she considers becoming a principal an amazing opportunity to serve a school community.
Robertson lives in Burlington with her 4 year old son, Zachary. She enjoys being outdoors and plays six different instruments. She is thrilled, honored, and excited to be joining the Palmyra Eagle Area School District. Robertson believes that "We learn from ourselves, from others, from our mistakes and from our successes!” Her progressively increasing administrative experiences working with teachers as an instructional coach, curriculum leader and dean of students have allowed her to develop the necessary expertise and relationship-building skills that it takes to become an effective educational leader. She fully believes that all students can learn, and deserve a great place to learn, with great teachers, great staff, great programs and great attitudes!She says this is going to be an exciting year filled with new challenges and she can't wait to meet all of the students, families and community members.
A Message from PEASD
The NEW Solution, no dissolution, PEASD is here to stay!
After watching PEASD go through one of the toughest school years I can possibly imagine; from the dissolution process, to the loss of some beloved long term staff, to the Covid19 impact, they survived. The students, staff and community have been put through a horrendous experience. They have weathered it all and the majority have stayed loyal and hopeful for the future.
It is with confidence that I proclaim that the school district has made a variety of changes and are in a position to not only operate fully for the 20-21 school year, but the picture is very positive for years to come. While financial adjustments have taken place, (none bigger than teacher salary reductions) no services nor programs impacting students have been eliminated. In fact, the curriculum has expanded to better meet the needs of students as well as families and the community as a whole.
From the addition of wrap-around care and the choice of all-day or half day 4K instruction to the drastic expansion of course selection offerings to the high school, our students will be better served. With the closure of Palmyra Elementary we now will return to a two track offering in Eagle Elementary while retaining the advantage of small class sizes. With the 6th grade moving to the middle school, they will remain in a two section setting but gain the expanded offerings of elective experiences.
The surrounding districts are all larger than PEASD, but none will prove to be more personal, nurturing or responsive to the needs of our students. Palmyra-Eagle does have a rich history not ignoring some bumps in the road to where we are today. The new leadership of District Administrator Michelle Meronk, along with her team of Kari Timm, Katie Robertson and Alfredo Balmaseda are assembling a forward thinking teacher pool that will take the district to new heights. The school board with some returning veterans from golden years, coupled with the creative and passionate new blood, fought to save the district, and now will insure the future.
For those who chose to open enroll out, you may want to take a second look at what you have left behind. Bigger is not always better. It is just different. While there will still be people who want to pronounce the end of PEASD, they will soon discover that this unique little school district continues to have shining stars in its hallways and beyond. Purple Pride is back and here to stay.
Jeff Tortomasi
Consultant for Palmyra-Eagle Area School District
Introducing Alfredo Balmaseda
Palmyra-Eagle Area School District would like to announce the new Business Manager, Alfredo Balmaseda, who began on May 18th. Balmaseda was born in Mexico City, but has lived all over. He lived in Illinois before moving to Wisconsin six years ago. He has a Bachelor’s in Business, specializing in finance. From there he received his M.P.A., his M.B.A., and finally his M.S.B.A.
Balmaseda comes to the district after working in banking, for non-profits, industries, for the government and for schools. He was a teacher for seven years, and a financial manager for 17. He has managed financial information for over 12 countries.
He has been away from teaching for seven years, and is excited to be back in a school district setting. He feels a strong commitment to the community, and to the students. Balmaseda feels empathy towards those who are in need, and believes that when communities work together it leads to health and wealth for everyone involved. He states that “Best thing you can do for your community is to support your school district.“With an extensive background in both finances and education, the Palmyra-Eagle Area School District believes that Balmaseda will be a great asset to us, and can help move our district forward not only in the next few years, but well into the future for the hundreds of students we can continue to serve. Balmaseda has the confidence PEASD can continue to grow and looks forward to working with our staff and our community and to helping everyone have a great 2020-2021 school year!
