PRESCOTT — The February Prescott School Board meeting saw a presentation on human growth and development curriculum, an update to the superintendent search that is reaching the late stages and another update to enrollment and funding.

Director of Teaching and Learning & Intermediate School Principal Michael Kosmalski presented on the district’s human growth and development committee. In order to adopt a curriculum or overhaul one, a committee has to be formed and advise the district based on what statutes recommend, at which grade levels they are taught and if they should make any adjustments.

The committee was officially formed, made up of 17 parents, eight health care professionals, two clergy members, three staff and a district resident. Kosmalski said the group is larger than initially anticipated, but they expect with four grade levels of curriculum, some people will only be interested in one specific piece of the puzzle.

Prescott approved well over 40 altered policies, with a small handful being pulled until the March meeting. Policies surrounding ethics and conflict of interest were pulled by board member Pat Block out of concern for one line’s wording.

“Administrative employees shall not directly supervise a relative employed by the District or employed in a position contracted for by the District,” the policy states.

There are also lines about employees outside of administrative roles like teachers and coaches. Block said there are a lot of family relations at smaller districts, especially coaching.

“That’s what I’d be worried about is we’d be possibly losing or preventing potential hires because of this policy change,” Board President Mike Matzek said.

The policy was pushed to be revisited at the March board meeting to define which roles, if any, would fall under the supervision rule.

The fund balance policy was also pulled for a handful of questions but eventually was passed.

In the fall of 2021, the district decided to go to a new school portrait provider. Staff analyzed four bids and graded each of them to find the best fit. The board approved the recommendation for a three-year contract with Cahill Photography.

“The main variables that drove our decision were their things that fit what we were looking for well,” Dean of Students Rick Montreal said. “Basically customer service, services beyond just the school photos, their timeline, performance and references. One of the key things that we found was that last thing. They are servicing six Middle Border schools right now, and when I reached out to them, I got a really good sense that they kind of had it figured out with schools our size.”

The board accepted a lumber donation for technical and community education class from Harley Hotchkiss and a donation from Afton Apple.

“Just wanted to thank them again for their ongoing contributions to our district,” Superintendent Dr. Rick Spicuzza said.

The search for the next Prescott superintendent is moving along, with finalists attending a “day at the district” March 26 and going through a final round of interviews March 27.

Funding and enrollment was also presented at the meeting, with a decline of 35 students for the coming school year.

“PSD will have 35 fewer students next year for our three-year rolling average number of students, which equates to a $400,000 decrease in revenue even with the operating levy. Recall operating levy goes on base revenue, per pupil reimbursement, so with declining enrollment fewer dollars will arrive unless WI Legislature approves additional or alternative funding,” the meeting minutes state.