River Falls Superintendent David Bell outlined the process for filling the school board’s vacancy during Alison Page’s final meeting as a school board member May 18. Page was elected as the City of River Falls’ mayor during the April election, which was the reason for the departure.

“I feel a little bit bad leaving the board, but my rationalization is that I can actually advocate for public education even better from the mayor’s office,” Page said. “Even though I won’t be sitting here, I will be advocating for public education wherever I’m sitting.”

The board took the chance to thank Page for the work she has done on the board. Page first joined the board in 1985, serving for 17 years (13 as chair). After years off the board, Page ran again and was elected, serving for the last three years.

“Tonight it’s our pleasure to thank you for your service,” Board President Stacy Johnson Myers said. “Your school board service has reflected your own personal core values. Values of assume goodness, choose joy and proceed with grace, honorable and very constructive values.”

Johnson Myers said the board has relied on the knowledge she has shared with the board during her second stint.

As for what’s next, Bell said the board will appoint a new member by majority vote that will serve until the April 2027 election. During the April 2027 election, there will be four seats in the running. The top three vote getters will be granted full three-year terms, with the fourth vote-getter taking on an abbreviated two-year term (the remainder of Page’s term).

In the meantime, adults that reside within the district can apply to interview at the board’s June 22 special meeting by submitting a letter to Johnson Myers and by completing a questionnaire that can be requested by contacting the district office. The application deadline is June 11. If more than seven residents apply, Johnson Myers and Bell will select seven from the group to interview with the board.

State Funding

The board discussed a recent state bill that was declined that would have distributed about $600 million in K-12 funding, including around $300 million in special education reimbursements, as well as granting tax rebates for Wisconsin residents.

“This was a major, major initiative in the state, we talked about it in the committee meeting, to make up for funding that the state had promised us this year and they’re falling short,” Board Member Alan Tuchtenhagen said. “This would have been very important, not only to this school district, but it would have been important to hundreds of other school districts across the state. The state has over a $2 billion surplus. This was the year that we could afford to do it.”

Tuchtenhagen said it had support across party lines including Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, Republican Speaker Robin Vos and Republic Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, but also faced opposition from both sides of the aisle.

“This is one that’s going to set us back for at least a year or more,” Tuchtenhagen said. “It’s extremely disappointing that this did not pass.”

With the state dealing with a multi-billion surplus, Tuchtenhagen hoped the money could have been used to benefit both schools and taxpayers throughout the state. He claimed the bill was rejected due to both parties hoping their side wins the fall elections to have greater control over how the surplus is used.

Other business

• Approved a one-year trial of late starts on Mondays at 8:15 a.m. for students at the high school.
• Gave Wildcat Pride Awards to student school board representatives Jada Radinzel and Ben Jaeckel, Rocky Branch Kids Club Lead Claire Duch and the Meyer Middle School Staff and Stage Managers for the production of “The Wizard of Oz.”
• Approved bus driver and teacher collective bargaining agreements for 2026-27.