In this episode of our annual meeting recap series, we take a deep dive into the Wisconsin School District Report Card and what it tells us about Oostburg Schools. Joined by district data expert Amy Bares and Middle School principal and assessment coordinator Sherri Stengel, we explain how report cards are calculated, what growth, achievement, and target group scores mean, and how the report card affirms progress toward our "all students" mission. The conversation highlights Oostburg’s fourth-place ranking statewide, exceptional growth among our lowest-achieving students, and how strong academics, student engagement, and robust extra and cocurricular opportunities work together, not separately, to support all learners.

In this episode, we sit down with Director of HR & Finance Kris Deburine to unpack one of the most important, and most misunderstood, parts of our annual Mmeting, school finance.

We start with the heart of our community, reflecting on our Veterans Day program and the incredible student leadership behind it. Then we dig into the budget: how school funding works, how equalization aid is calculated, and why this year’s local levy increased.

If you’ve ever looked at your tax bill and wondered, “Why did this go up?”, this episode breaks it down in plain language.

Kevin and Josh join the show to talk about how Co-Op and Youth Apprenticeship help students gain real-world experience while earning school credit. They explain how each program works, how students are placed with employers, and what businesses can expect when partnering with the district.

From workplace expectations and mentor support to student growth and future program expansion, this episode gives families, students, and community partners a clear look at how hands-on learning prepares students for life after high school.

In this episode, Kevin and Terry discuss how the ACT has changed over the years and what that means for students today. They also highlight our district’s consistent performance on the ACT, showing how steady progress has positioned us as one of the top schools in the state. Plus, they cover key points from the district newsletter and provide a recap of the annual meeting.

Kris and Steve have dedicated years to the students and community in Oostburg. Hear stories about Hingham School, wrestling and family.

Jon and Beth have a longstanding connection to our schools and district as parents, business partners, educators and community members.  Thanks for tuning in!

Some people are born to teach and after 34 "homerooms" Sally Prinsen is retiring at the end of this school year. Listen in for a chat with Sally, another great storyteller and dedicated educator in our third episode of the Tradition Never Graduates podcast. 

Music "125" by Kylie Hummitzsch

Enjoy stories with a friend, colleague, coach, teacher and mentor, Jerry Kohlbeck who, at 91 years old, continues to coach track and invest in the staff, students and community of Oostburg.

In this, our first episode the Tradition Never Graduates podcast, we will interview someone truly uncommon and tremendously supportive, 20 year school board member and current president, Jim Swart.