Katy Hillebrand takes over for Beth Linderholm as assistant to superintendent, resignation of Tina Stenroos accepted after 22 years leading food service

A group of parents attended the Prescott School Board meeting last Wednesday night and are looking to meet with the district about getting students back up to speed after COVID-19.

Ken Anderson said he and his wife Holly have lived in the district 19 years.

He said they made the decision to homeschool their children this year.

“We’d love to have them return next year to this district,” he said.

“We’re asking for a meeting with Dr. Spicuzza and the school board, a town hall format,” said Anderson. “The meeting will be used to discuss the opportunity for the community and the school district to work together proactively to resolve the deficiencies created by COVID in regard to student academics, athletics and also the social development schools provide our children.”

School board president Mike Matzek said, “Well stated.”

He said that he’d be speaking with Superintendent Dr. Rick Spicuzza, and they’d get in touch with parents about the issue.

“We have a nice group, and I appreciate you guys coming. It makes it a little bit easier to sit up here and be in this position,” Matzek said. “I will talk to Dr. Spicuzza after this meeting and discuss what our next steps will be. I appreciate the respectfulness and approaching the board in a nice respectful manner.”

In a lead in to the “good news” about the district portion of the meeting, Spicuzza went through what the district and staff have weathered with COVID-19.

“It is the one-year anniversary of when the governor closed businesses, work locations and all public schools within the state of Wisconsin. Over those last 12 months, remarkable things have still gone on,” said Spicuzza.

He said the district is working diligently on plans to have “100 percent of our secondary students on site.”

“The challenge though is many parents still are choosing to have their students at home,” he said. “Next week we expect to have 100 percent of our students in secondary education invited back. If everything continues as it is, we see that our athletics and our athletic programs will continue, and we’ll be able to participate in outdoor events and have the opportunity for fans because of the outdoor events.:” Spicuzza said it’s been a brutal year for all schools, and Prescott is head of many in what it’s been able to do.

“It’s been a tough year. It’s been frustrating for many. It’s been frustrating for families, understandably. The Prescott Public Schools, as a school district and as a school board, we are committed to trying to get 100 percent of our students on-site five days a week so we can continue to meet the academic, social-emotional and athletic needs of our students.”

“I could not be prouder of the public education teachers and the staff of the Prescott Public Schools as they have had to navigate an incredible storm over the last 12 months,” said Spicuzza. “There’s no playback.”

He said the district has had all 4K-fifth grade on site every day since Sept. 1.

“It’s a remarkable thing that has not been able to be done in many parts of the state,” he said. “it does appear the COVID numbers are dropping. We have our first Moderna vaccines for our staff, which will allow us to maintain our staff and to not be quarantined and to be able to keep the doors open.”

He said staffing has been the district’s “biggest challenge.”

Resignations/Hires

The district approved the resignations of Beth Linderholm as assistant to the superintendent and school board liaison. She has worked for the district for five years.

“A sincere thank you to Beth Linderholm for all the work she did in supporting me over the last five years,” said Spicuzza. “I could not have done nearly as well without her as my right-hand person.”

“Beth was great. I don’t think Dr. Spicuzza could have done what he’s done without her here,” said board member Steve Sizemore. “She’ll be missed. We enjoyed working with her.”

Said Matzek: “Beth was a great addition to the district administrative staff, and she’s going to be missed sorely. She had a lot on her plate. She was the wizard behind the curtain.”

Linderholm’s last day was March 5. Her resignation was approved.

The board unanimously approved Katy Hillebrand as her replacement. She was employed by the school as a media specialist.

“What a perfect fit. Thank you for applying for the position,” said Sizemore.

“We’ll be excited to work with you,” said board member Pat Block.

The board also accepted the resignation for food service director Tina Stenroos after 22 years with the district.

“We’re going to miss Tina quite a bit,” said Sizemore.

Stenroos was credited with rolling out a meal program for families last spring and summer during COVID-19. Sizemore said she did so much more than run a great food service program, as she refereed sports and drove bus for activities≥ “She’s always been wonderful at what she does,” said Holub. “Our district was fortunate to have her.”