Budget Update

We appreciate everyone's patience as we work through this fiscal process. We are in a strong financial position thanks to years of fiscal responsibility, which allows us to make careful considerations and adjust the budget as we wait for final numbers from the state as they develop their budget. The board has listened to and considered significant feedback from the community, particularly the desire to keep neighborhood schools and the middle school concept, and is taking action accordingly. There is no avoiding class size increases, a potential reduction in transportation services, and a shorter school year. However, we can make the necessary adjustments while preserving programming and keeping core elements in place that make EASD a special place.

The board held its Spring Budget Retreat on April 30, 2025. The video can be viewed on our YouTube page.

We reviewed this year's projected deficit, which is now -$2,121,169, down from our original projection of -$3,488,885, a difference of $1,367,716.

We reviewed several cost-saving measures at the meeting and shared a plan to reduce costs and generate revenue totaling $2.5 million in 2025-2026 and an additional $1.5 million in 2026-2027.

Direction was given to make budgetary reductions in the following ways:

Reduction of transportation costs by reducing two routes (may create walk zones with fewer stops).
Shorten the 2025-2026 school year by five days.
Convert eligible programs and positions from the general education fund to the community service fund.
Eliminate the need for licensing for AVID at the elementary level, but continue the programming.
Keep neighborhood schools, but reduce staffing by using natural attrition—not filling positions when there is a resignation or retirement.
Keep the middle school concept, but reduce staffing using natural attrition.
Reduce staffing at the high school where possible, using natural attrition, while maintaining current programming.
Review and reduce administrative positions by 10% using natural attrition over the next two years.
Continue with energy reduction plans to capture savings.
Generate $500,000 in additional open enrollment revenue (typical annual figure).

The board wished to explore other reduction opportunities by examining different staffing models at the middle school and gaining a better understanding of the staffing model at the high school. They also plan to further review potential increases to student fees at a future board meeting in May.

We also reviewed the proposed state budget. If passed as presented, it would provide us with $3,056,800 in additional funding in the first year of the biennium budget. We are not expecting or planning for that to occur, but we do anticipate some additional relief in the form of increased school funding.

AS THE YEAR COMES TO A CLOSE

Senior Stroll

Join us as we celebrate the Class of 2025! The Senior Stroll is one of Elkhorn's most beloved traditions. Send off the Class of 2025 in style by lining Wisconsin Street as our seniors parade downtown.

Friday, May 30 • 1 p.m. • Downtown Elkhorn

Graduation Ceremonies

Career & College Academy • May 28 • 8 a.m.
Forum Room, Grand Geneva

Options Virtual Charter • May 28 • 5 p.m.
534 Sunset Drive, Elkhorn

Elkhorn Area High School • May 31 • 6 p.m.
EAHS Turf Field

EAHS Fitness Center & Pool

The EAHS Fitness Center and Pool will be closed to the public from May 30 to June 6. Summer hours at the Fitness Center will begin Monday, June 9 (4:30-6:30 p.m., Mon. - Thurs).

Lap Swim will resume in September. Summer Lap Swim passes at Sunset Pool can be purchased online through the City of Elkhorn Recreation Department.

SUMMER PROGRAMMING

Summer Academy

Summer Academy kicks off on June 16! Here are a few important dates and reminders:

Student/Parent Walk-Through • June 10, 8-10 a.m.

Session One • June 16 - 27

Session Two • July 7 - 18

Class schedules are available on Family Access. Contact Erica Bills (biller@elkhorn.k12.wi.us • 262-741-9199) with questions.

Summer Swim

Summer swim lessons are offered in two-week sessions. Classes meet for 45 minutes, Monday through Friday. Summer swim lessons follow the American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program and have certified Water Safety Instructors teaching each class.

Registration takes place through Family Access. Contact Jamie Richardson (richja@elkhorn.k12.wi.us) with questions.

Summer Meal Program

The Summer Food Service Program stresses the importance of offering nutritious meals to children during the summer months. Free meals will be made available to children 18 years of age and under during Summer Academy between 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. at Elkhorn Area Middle School, June 16-27 & July 7-18. Meals are grab-and-go.

Contact Ashley Drake (drakas@elkhorn.k12.wi.us • 262-741-9147) with questions regarding the Summer Food Service Program.

Parks & Rec

In addition to sports and classes, the Elkhorn Department of Parks and Rec hosts Sunset Camp each summer. Each day, campers will rotate through games, activities, and crafts that align with the weekly theme. Weekly highlights include field trips (usually on Wednesdays), Fun Friday activities, and swimming at Sunset Pool two to three times a week.

Learn more and register online.

Girls Confidence Bootcamp

Get your daughter ready for the upcoming school year with the Third Annual FREE Girls Confidence Bootcamp! August 18-22, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Elkhorn Area Middle School.

Local teachers will cover important topics, including navigating friendships, healthy eating habits, building confidence in decision-making, and finding available resources for support.

The bootcamp is open to girls ages 10 to 12, and daily breakfast will be provided. Register online by August 1, as space is limited.

LOOKING AHEAD

Annual Returning Student Registration

Annual Returning Student Registration opens Tuesday, July 15. Annual Registration is intended for ALL current EASD students who completed the previous school year in the district. The annual registration process includes verifying student, family, and emergency information. Additionally, annual online registration is used to acknowledge various areas such as busing, athletics, and fee management.

You will receive an email when it is time to login to Family Access and start Annual Registration.

Host Families Wanted

Have you ever considered opening your home to a foreign exchange student? The Council on International Educational Exchange is seeking families in Wisconsin to host two international students.

Contact Ms. Lira to learn more about this rewarding experience and find the perfect match for your family!

How does the exchange student program work?

Host Families:

Open their hearts and homes by providing a bedroom, and if needed, a shared bathroom.
Offer three meals a day.
Create a lifelong connection with a student!

Exchange Students:

Arrive with their own health insurance.
Bring spending money with them.
Can take the school bus or carpool to school.
Have the opportunity to travel with their host family.
Speak strong English.
Are vetted and interviewed to ensure success in the program.
Are eligible to attend the local high school.

Luiza and Armin are looking for families—could you be the right fit?

Luiza – 16 - Brazil
"Dear host family, My family is a special part of my life. We are a family of four: me, my older sister, my parents, and our beautiful little dog named Pipoca. I love to laugh, and people often describe me as friendly and trustworthy. I enjoy dancing, reading, and spending time with friends. During my program, I'd love to join a dance club and volunteer with children or those in need, as I care about helping others. I have a dog at home and adore pets, so I'm comfortable around any pets you may have. I'm excited to cook traditional Brazilian dishes for my host family and participate in American traditions like Independence Day and Thanksgiving."

Armin – 16 -Germany
"My name is Armin, and I live in the west of Germany. Once a year, on Father's Day, I go on a camping trip with my dad, siblings, and some childhood friends. My mom is great at cooking and baking and has taught me a lot. I also like going to the movies or theme parks with my 12 years old sister. When my parents are not at home, I often take care of or play with my little brother, who is 6 years old. In my free time, I enjoy doing volunteer work, for example, helping to lead groups for children. I also like to bake or cook different dishes for my family. I am also really interested in learning about different cultures and enjoy to have new experiences and making new friends in the US. While I am on my exchange, I would like to join different kinds of clubs or sports teams. (basketball or hockey) I could also imagine to do volunteer work with children like I do in Germany. I am very excited to take part in your family activities and traditions, and I am happy to help out with everything I can."

We are always looking for families willing to host for either half a year or a full year. If you're interested in hosting an exchange student, please reach out to Christine Lira at lirach@elkhorn.k12.wi.us. Ms. Lira, who teaches Spanish at EAHS, coordinates our International Exchange program, supporting both incoming students and Elkhorn families who host them.