Special School Board Meeting - Aug 19, 2026

The Kenosha Unified School District held a special school board meeting on August 19, 2026, focusing primarily on procurement-related discussions concerning referendum polling, staffing audits, and strategic planning. The board reviewed proposals for referendum polling services, recommending the Morris Leatherman Company at a cost of approximately $26,000, and staffing audit services, recommending ERS for a comprehensive staffing survey comparing district staffing levels against national benchmarks. Board members debated the merits of these recommendations, including concerns about vendor impartiality, the need for clear deliverables, and the importance of community engagement through town halls prior to spending on surveys or polls. The board voted to postpone final decisions on the polling and staffing audit contracts to the next meeting to allow further clarification and presentations, including a planned ERS presentation on their metrics. Additionally, the meeting included a workshop led by Cheryl Stinski of the Wisconsin Association of School Boards on board norms, communication styles, and governance practices, aimed at improving board operations and collaboration. No formal contract awards or RFP approvals were made during this meeting, but significant preparatory discussions and motions to defer decisions were recorded.