Cadott School Board - Working together creates more opportunities

The tennis and basketball courts at West Riverview Park, in Cadott, are used by adults and children, but could stand an upgrade, which is why the Cadott Lions Club wants to work callboratively, with the Cadott School District, on the improvements. Lion Brian Geissler was present, July 14, for a board of education meeting, where he shared that the club is currently planning to use the existing spaces, but also install pickle ball courts within the tennis courts. He’s also hoping the Cadott Community Association will kick in for the project, that maybe the cost can be split three ways. It was also suggested by school board member Andrea Wahl, to look into grants to fund the project. School board president Cory LaNou mentioned that he’d like to see concrete on the courts, instead of asphalt. Geissler promised to look into all options and report back to the school, later on. “Our kids are down there quite a bit, in the fall and spring,” said school district administrator Josh Spaeth. “It is a community thing, it is a school district thing, we all use it,” agreed Geissler. The board also heard a request from EW Real Estate, for an easement on the Winger subdivision, that borders school district land. “My father (Daniel Winger) always wanted to develop land,” said Paul Winger. “He felt Cadott could use an infl ux of people.” Mark Erickson, surveyor of the property, feels it’s a great piece of land. However, there are a lot of pieces that have to fall into place, before the board was ready to make a commitment. “Let’s walk this thing through, make sure everybody’s happy,” said Erickson. First, the project has to meet state statute, then receive village plat approval, along with a couple other steps. If completed, the subdivision would have 141 lots, with 264 units. In conservative numbers, it would provide $57-$58 million tax assessed value, as well as adding to Cadott’s population by 634 people. It was agreed to come back to the board, once a few ducks are in a row, but the developers are confident this will be a good opportunity, not just for them, but also the contractors, families who purchase the units, the school district and community as a whole. “I think, with your support, we’re willing to take a risk,” said P. Winger. Spaeth also reported that Jon Bowe, who recently spearheaded a renovation of the baseball field, is tackling the softball field project. Bowe wants to install concrete, expanding the bleacher area and add to the dugouts. The project would be completed through donated labor, materials and funds. But, before that can begin, the school has to do some sidewalk work before the project can get underway. “I think it will be a great upgrade,” said Spaeth. Since the school has a gymnastics co-op with Bloomer and Colfax, it was decided the best option, would be to hire an assistant coach, so they can transport the handful of Cadott athletes to practice. “In order to give those student-athletes an opportunity to be successful, we need to support it,” said current athletic director Zack Sirney. The board also agreed on hiring for an activities director position, which includes fitness center need management and marketing. They’d also like the director to bring in sponsorships to cover athletes’ needs, so the district does not have to tap into Fund 10. It would also be in the job description to take over blended learning. “Very much, kind of a liaison, to bring people into the school, create opportunities…and so forth,” said Spaeth. Also agreed on, was to hire a director for the Hornet Care program. The board also accepted the resignation of high school special education teacher Aleisha Harper; head softball coach Lexie Rothbauer; assistant volleyball coach Allie Webster; and junior high cross country and track coach Stephen Kelly. They also approved the hire of junior high cross country coach Josiah Yeager; junior high girls basketball coach McKenna Steinke; junior high boys basketball coach Ryan Woratschka; boys varsity assistant wrestling coach Zack Sirny; part-time Hornet Care teacher Bonnie Emerick; and paraprofessionals Nicole Steinmetz and Hailey Wendlandt.