The ROAR-Elementary/Middle School News. 3-25-2026 #brillionlions

https://tinyurl.com/3wyv9zj6
about 3 hours ago, Margie Bauknec
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Lion
As a community stakeholder, you may be aware of recent headlines such as "68 out of 72 Wisconsin counties saw a decline in public school students" or infographics depicting a vastly shrinking total student enrollment, while a drastic increase in the number of staff members since 2017.

While that may be true across the state, it is certainly NOT the case here in Brillion. Here is an infographic that depicts the total student enrollment and staffing numbers (every teacher, support staff member, custodian, maintenance employee, food service employee, and administrator) for Brillion Public Schools before and since the referendum was passed in 2023.

Understanding that a smaller school district can see some shifts when a "large class" graduates and a "small class" replaces them, and by taking a look at total enrollment (using the number of students from the 3rd Friday in September count) since the 2017-18 school year, the Brillion Public School District has averaged 951.1 students enrolled within its schools.

Additionally, there are instances where it is more cost-effective for the District to bring on an employee as its own rather than pay an outside contracted service.

The 2023 referendum (for three years) was about maintaining staffing, programs, and services while “only levying for what the District needs.” The 2026 replacement referendum is for the exact same reasons. We are proud of our students and staff and all they have achieved. The 2026 referendum is an attempt to ensure that the District is able to once again maintain close to its current staffing levels (2 positions have already been reduced for the 2026-27 school year), as well as programs and services.
#brillionlions #brillionproud
about 23 hours ago, Margie Bauknec
Student to Staff Ratio
Congratulations to the Reedsville Panthers on capturing the Division 5 Boys State Basketball Championship! 🏀👏

A special shoutout to our own Nathan Levash, fifth grade teacher, who serves as an assistant coach for the Panthers. What an incredible accomplishment—your Brillion family is proud!

#brillionlions
1 day ago, Margie Bauknec
Reedsville
Here is a friendly reminder that, the Brillion Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting another important event and providing FREE LUNCH to stakeholders who attend to stay informed, ask questions, and stay connected with our school community! Open to the public!

✨ March 26 | 12:00 PM | Cobblestone Creek (Upper Room)
Brillion Public Schools Referendum Information Session
Superintendent Corey Baumgartner will provide an overview of the proposed initiatives, discuss potential impacts on our schools, students, and property taxes, and answer your questions.

🍽 Lunch catered by Cobblestone Creek, courtesy of the Brillion Area Chamber of Commerce.

👉 RSVP here for the event: https://forms.gle/tbMjyxzV1tdDuYoT6

We look forward to seeing you there!
#BrillionPride
#StrongSchoolsStrongCommunity
2 days ago, Margie Bauknec
Event

Omigod You Guys! 💅💖 It’s time to channel your inner Elle Woods because tickets for Brillion Theatre’s production of Legally Blonde JR. are officially ON SALE!

Don't be "serious"—grab your best pink outfit and join us for a show that’s total perfection. Whether you’re a Law School hopeful or just here for the "Bend and Snap," you won't want to miss this high-energy performance.

📅 Showtimes:
April 24 at 6:00 PM
April 25 at 2:00 PM
April 25 at 6:00 PM

🎟 Ticket Info:
Online in Advance: $8
At the Door: $10

📍 Get your tickets here: https://brilliontheatre.ludus.com/200487273

Bruiser is waiting for you! See you at the theater! 🐾👠✨
2 days ago, Jonathan Kobs
Legally Blonde JR
You may have heard in the news that talks are supposedly going on at the state capitol regarding ways the governor and state legislators might agree on spending down the estimated $2.5 billion surplus within the 2025-2027 biennium budget.

One of the areas being discussed is to increase the current rate of reimbursement to public school districts for their costs associated with educating their students with special needs.

Here is a graph that illustrates current rates of reimbursement in contrast to what was written in the aforementioned budget.

Any percentage increase to the reimbursement rates would result in less money needed from the general fund and ultimately less money needed to be levied via the referendum to cover the costs in our District.

If you are interested in contacting your local legislators regarding this topic or a different matter, click on the link below and enter your home address at the top of the website. You will then be provided with information on who represents you, along with their contact information.

https://maps.legis.wisconsin.gov/

Thank you for your time!
#BrillionPride
#StrongSchoolsStrongCommunity
5 days ago, Margie Bauknec
Special Education Funding
If you enjoy working with youth and have a passion for volleyball, consider applying for the Freshman Volleyball Coach position! 🏐 It’s a great opportunity to make a positive impact, build skills, and be part of a team environment. #brillionlions

https://wecan.waspa.org/Employer/Vacancy/PublicSupport/3468
5 days ago, Margie Bauknec
Volleyball Coach
A common (and valid) question public school districts get is "What does the district spend its money on?"

Included is a graphic that illustrates how the Brillion Public Schools Budget is allocated for the 2025-26 school year.

Recognizing that a school district is a "human organization" whose main "product" is student learning and achievement, the main expenditures of the district are staff salaries, staff benefits, and purchased services (e.g., bussing, utilities, etc.).

Also included would be the almost $980K that the district MUST take from its general fund to offset the cost of the mandated services for our students with special needs (a.k.a., operating transfer).

If you have additional questions, please check out our District website at the following address:

https://www.brillionsd.org/.../bps-referendum-information

or contact BPS District Administrator, Corey Baumgartner via email at:
cbaumgartner@brillionsd.org

Thank you for your time!
#BrillionPride
#StrongSchoolsStrongCommunity
6 days ago, Margie Bauknec
Budget
The Brillion Middle School Band is playing to win!
🎶 Calling all parents, students, teachers, and community members! 🎶

The Brillion Middle School Band is playing to win!

Help us become a lucky winner in the @HeidMusic #Big10Plus Contest and earn new instruments for our program. 🎺🥁🎷

You can support our students by voting for any of our photos once a day, every day during voting. Every vote helps!

👉 Vote here: https://www.heidmusic.com/big10plus/

Let’s show our Brillion pride and help bring new instruments to our band program!

🎵 Voting takes place throughout #MusicInOurSchools Month
📅 Voting ends March 31, 2026

#brillionlions #supportmusic #schoolband #MusicInOurSchoolsMonth
6 days ago, Margie Bauknec
MS Band
Thank you to all of those who are clearing the snow from the roads and parking lots! At this time, thanks to their efforts, we are planning to hold the high school winter sports award night tonight as originally planned, with a social hosted by Varsity Club beginning at 6:30pm and the awards night beginning at 7:30pm. We look forward to celebrating our student-athletes' achievements!
8 days ago, Elissa Hoffman
Brillion Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, as our crews continue to clean up after the blizzard. #brillionlions
9 days ago, Margie Bauknec
Closed due to weather
Motivational Monday 3-16-2026-Enjoy your week! #brillionlions
9 days ago, Margie Bauknec
Motivational Monday 3-16-26
Brillion Public Schools will be closed on Monday, March 16, 2026, due to inclement weather. #brillionlions
10 days ago, Margie Bauknec
Closed due to weather

Parent Resource from Elementary School Counselor, Mrs. Colleen Hubley-Kedinger.

We cannot protect our children from the pain of loss, but we can help them develop healthy coping skills. Supporting children through difficult emotions helps them build resilience, understanding, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges.

English
https://childmind.org/article/helping-children-deal-grief/

Spanish
https://childmind.org/es/articulo/ayudar-a-los-ninos-a-afrontar-el-duelo/

#brillionlions 🦁

12 days ago, Margie Bauknec
Parent Resources
Happy National Popcorn Day!
12 days ago, Jody Schwarz
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Fourth grade students in Mrs. Ecker’s class are solving math problems while playing the game “Math Madness.” Students even created their own jerseys for the game! 🏀➕

#brillionlions
13 days ago, Margie Bauknec
Math Madness5
Math Madness4
Math Madness3
Math Madness2
Math Madness
🎶 Calling all parents, students, teachers, and community members! 🎶

The Brillion Middle School Band is playing to win!

Help us become a lucky winner in the @HeidMusic #Big10Plus Contest and earn new instruments for our program. 🎺🥁🎷

You can support our students by voting for any of our photos once a day, every day during voting. Every vote helps!

👉 Vote here: https://www.heidmusic.com/big10plus/

Let’s show our Brillion pride and help bring new instruments to our band program!

🎵 Voting takes place throughout #MusicInOurSchools Month
📅 Voting ends March 31, 2026

#brillionlions #supportmusic #schoolband #MusicInOurSchoolsMonth
13 days ago, Margie Bauknec
MS Band2
MS Band
MS Band3
Cinnamon & Sugar Pretzels at the Elementary/Middle School breakfast today!
13 days ago, Jody Schwarz
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Last call for anyone wishing to order Egg My Yard from the National Honor Society! All egg orders are due next Friday, March 20th.
13 days ago, Elissa Hoffman
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Fun Throwback Thursday from the 2004–2005 school year with our Lions from Grade 4! 🦁 It’s always fun to look back at these great memories. #brillionlions #throwbackthursday
13 days ago, Margie Bauknec
Throwback Thursday 31226