Albrecht attends last regular board meeting as administrator
By Steve Van Kooten
The Wauzeka-Steuben Board of Education said goodbye to Interim District Administrator Dr. Gary Albrecht at their June 16 meeting.
Albrecht finished his second tenure at the end of June.
Board Clerk Thomas Martin made a public comment, acknowledging Albrecht and former District Administrator Dave Alexander for their time at Wauzeka-Steuben.
Albrecht served the district as the interim administrator from January 2018 to January 2020 and July 2022 to June 2025. Between Albrecht’s tenures, Alexander acted as district administrator.
The district’s next administrator, Dan Olson, was also present but did not speak in open session.
“I just wanted to take a moment as a parent and an advocate for education to thank Dave and Gary for your time at our district,” he said.
Speaking of Albrecht, Martin said, “When you first came eight years ago, it was a much different place here, and because of the both of you… there’s a great deal of pride here. On behalf of all of us at Wauzeka-Steuben, we want to thank the both of you.”
Alexander also spoke, acknowledging the accolades and high distinction given to the school through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, including recognitions for the students’ high achievement and growth.
DPI recently chose Wauzeka-Steuben Elementary as one of six schools in the state recognized as both a high-achieving and high-growth school.
“I still look back at my time here with a lot of fondness, and the people here have made an indelible mark on me in a positive way,” said Alexander.
Insurance benefits
Business official Jeff Mara said that the district hasn’t seen an increase in their dental rates for “several years,” and their current provider, Delta, will renew them for next year without an increase.
The board also reviewed optional additions to the dental plan.
“My understanding is that these options are à la carte, and we don’t have to do anything,” said Mara. “You can do them all, you can do one, or you can do nothing. It’s up to you.”
Accepting all of the additions to the plan would increase the cost by approximately four percent (close to $2,500), according to Mara. The district would absorb approximately 90 percent of the increase, with employees responsible for the rest.
The board requested that the administration get feedback from employees that hold dental insurance through the district and a breakdown of cost for each option from the business office before making a decision.
The board expects to make a decision on the dental insurance next month.
In attendance were board members Nikki Asleson, Jessica Bird, Ken Buck, Brandon Millin and Martin. Albrecht, Olson, Alexander, Kevin Kilburg, Jeff Mara and Tiffany Dums were also present.
The next meeting is scheduled for July 21.
Hires
Jordyn Voight, junior-varsity volleyball coach.
Other business
• Approved paying their dues to the Wisconsin Association of School Boards for the 2025-26 year. The amount totals $2,835.
• Approved the preliminary budget for the 2025-26 school year, which will be finalized and presented to the public later this year. Mara said that updates will be presented to the board during the summer.
• Renewed administration co-curricular contracts for Dums and Athletic Director Austin Bunders.
