Student learning and success in the School District of Rhinelander is a priority of our Professional Learning Communities. These communities focus on the observable impact of students, educators, and the activities and assessments that take place in each classroom and extracurricular activities. This culture of continuous improvement and comprehensive education ensure that all students will grow, achieve to their highest level possible, and be college and career-ready.

The School District of Rhinelander prioritizes financial resources in a cost-efficient manner to best educate students, support staff, ensure safety, and to maintain and improve district buildings, resources, and facilities.

The School District of Rhinelander recognizes staff as one of its most valuable assets. Staff make a difference in the lives of our students, impacting their success and the success of their team, school, and district. Staff feedback, ideas, and expertise is essential to district growth and improvement.

The School District of Rhinelander values our relationships and connectedness to the students, families and community. Relationships foster a sense of belonging within the school community for students and families.

• DPI Report Card 20%
• Hodag Readiness 20%
• 11th Grade ACT Composite 20%
• ACT Composite Growth - 9th-11th Grade 20%
• 3rd-8th Grade Forward Testing Achievement - Math & ELA 20%

• School District Budget Aligned to Core Areas of the SDR Strategic Plan & Golden Circle 25%
• Audit 15%
• Facility Plan - 10 Year 15%
• Fund Balance 15%
• School Safety 15%
• Technology Plan - 5 Year 15%

• Staff Engagement 25%
• Staff Satisfaction 25%
• Staff Retention - All Staff-Turnover Data 25%
• New Hire Retention - 25%

• Student Learning 15%
• Student Experience 15%
• Student Environment 15%
• Student Connection 15%
• Student Engagement in Activities 20%
• Family Connectedness 10%
• Community Connectedness 10%

• DESCRIPTION - As part of the state accountability system, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) produces annual report cards for every publicly funded school and district in Wisconsin. These report cards include data on multiple indicators for multiple years across four Priority Areas (Achievement, Growth, Target Group Outcomes, and On-Track to Graduation). In addition, the report cards provide course and program participation information for grades 9-12 for public schools and districts. A school or district’s overall accountability score places the school/district into one of five overall accountability ratings.
• WHY THIS MATTERS - The district report card provides ratings for all Wisconsin schools and districts. This publicly reported measure is an indicator of overall achievement and engagement.
• CELEBRATIONS - The School District of Rhinelander continues to meet expectations on the district report card. Graduation rates and chronic absenteeism outperform state averages, and achievement in both Math and English Language Arts (ELA) continues to trend positively.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - There is an opportunity to increase achievement and growth in English Language Arts and Mathematics for target groups in the bottom 25% of performance.

• DESCRIPTION - SDR prepares all students, 4K-12, for life after they graduate from the district. We prepare our students for life readiness by providing a comprehensive education that empowers students, integrates information and technology literacy, and exposes them to many different kinds of learning opportunities including academics, fine arts, career and technical education, and academic and career planning activities and experiences.

WHY THIS MATTERS - Hodag Ready Overall Score= Average of all 3 categories

• Category 1 - Academic Readiness
  • RHS students will show proficiency by having an average GPA of 3.0 or higher each term
  • Increase PreACT grade level composite average by 1 point from fall to spring testing for all grades taking the pre/ACT exams
  • Over 80% of students who take a Dual Credit course and AP course earn college credit (date from previous school year)
• Category 2 - Career Readiness
  • 100% of seniors will complete a job shadow before graduation
  • 200 or more students will sign up to complete a Hodag Academy
  • 100% of students complete grade-level ACP requirements
• Category 3 - Life Readiness
  • Maintain a high school graduation rate above 95%
  • An increase in the number of concentrators earned by students in a CTE industry recognized program.
  • 100% of seniors identify a post-graduation pathway
• CELEBRATIONS - Through valuable experiences in Academic and Career Planning, students are better prepared for their future paths. This focus ensures all students gain essential skills for success in school, career, and life readiness through engaging with course and career pathway experiences.4.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - Focus on increasing student academic, career, and life readiness through the implementation of Academies, further clarifying the connection between education and career planning.

• DESCRIPTION - SDR students in grade 11 take the ACT with writing each spring. In grades 9 and 10, students take the PreACT Secure assessment, The ACT and PreACT Secure are aligned with the ACT College and Career Readiness Standards. These assessments measure what students have learned in the areas of English, reading, mathematics, science, and writing for 11 graders. Each student receives a composite score of their overall rank within the state and nation. Performance on Individual reporting categories are also provided to help identify areas of strength and growth. These scores are utilized as one component to determine school and district report cards.
• WHY THIS MATTERS - The ACT and PreACT Secure are aligned with the ACT College and Career Readiness and provide students with a planning component for the future within and beyond high school.
• CELEBRATIONS - The 2024–2025 junior class achieved a composite score of 17.4. While this is slightly below the state average, it marks an impressive
  2.5-point growth from their Freshman PreACT Secure composite score of 15.4 — a testament to their hard work and progress.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - There is an opportunity to close the small gap between the district’s ACT Composite score and the state average, aiming to meet or exceed the state benchmark.

• DESCRIPTION - SDR students in grade 11 take the ACT with writing each spring. In grades 9 and 10, students take the PreACT Secure assessment, The ACT and PreACT Secure are aligned with the ACT College and Career Readiness Standards. These assessments measure what students have learned in the areas of English, reading, mathematics, science, and writing for 11 graders. Each student receives a composite score of their overall rank within the state and nation. Performance on Individual reporting categories are also provided to help identify areas of strength and growth. These scores are utilized as one component to determine school and district report cards.
• WHY THIS MATTERS - The ACT and PreACT Secure are aligned with the ACT College and Career Readiness and provide students with a planning component for the future within and beyond high school.
• CELEBRATIONS - The 2024–2025 junior class demonstrated notable academic growth, increasing their composite score from 15.4 on the Freshman PreACT Secure to 17.4 on the ACT — a 2.5-point gain. This progress highlights their continued dedication and academic development.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - With continued focus and effort, there is a strong opportunity to close the small gap between the district’s ACT composite score and the state average — positioning the district to meet or even exceed the state benchmark in the near future.

• DESCRIPTION - As part of the state accountability system, the Forward eczema ins administered online each spring in the areas of English Language Arts(ELA), mathematics in grades 3-8. Additionally, students in grades 4 and 8 participate in science and grades 4, 8, and 10 in social studies. Based on their performance on these assessments, students receive Individual Student Reports(ISRs) given a ranking Below Basic, Basic, Proficient or Advanced. These scores are utilized to determine school and district report cards.
• WHY THIS MATTERS - The Forward Exam is designed to measure how well students are doing in relation to the Wisconsin Academic Standards. The standards are directly connected to the knowledge and skills students need to be college and career ready.
• CELEBRATIONS - Over 40% of students demonstrated proficiency at the Meeting or Advanced level on the Spring 2025 Forward Exam in Math and ELA.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - Continued monitoring and support are needed for the growth of target groups in the bottom 25% of performance to further enhance overall achievement in Math and ELA.

• DESCRIPTION - This indicator is critical to the success of our school district. The school district is dependent on a community supported operational referendum due to the state funding formula. Funding for staff and resources makes the goals for our strategic plan possible.
• WHY THIS MATTERS - The goals within the indicators for success in student learning, engagement, and teams are directly connected to school funding.
• CELEBRATIONS - The budget was reflective of actual expenses and there were no big surprises. This allows an easier transition to building an accurate
  budget for 2025-26.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - Continue to refine the employee management side of Skyward and be even more accurate with personnel costs.

• DESCRIPTION - This indicator is required by State Statute and provides the school board and community with an audited report of the District’s finances. The management letter is where the auditor describes areas that may need more scrutiny or improved processes to meet all audit requirements.
• WHY THIS MATTERS - The community should expect and know that the District’s finances are maintained according to Generally Accepted Accounting guidelines and that the oversight of the District’s finances is sound and in order.
• CELEBRATIONS - Over the past five years, auditors have noted three or fewer areas to monitor each year. None of the areas have been noted as material weaknesses or concerns.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - The District must continue to meet the challenges of an ever-changing funding and finance world that often brings new reporting and monitoring requirements.

• DESCRIPTION - Fund balance is used for cash flow purposes as much of the district’s revenue from state aid and property tax is received in the second half of the fiscal year. Fund balance is also used to guard against financial uncertainty and any potential loss of revenue. This indicator demonstrates the amount of fund balance the district has at its disposal at the end of the fiscal year.
• WHY THIS MATTERS - A significant fund balance helps the district with cash flow needs and if enough fund balance is on hand, then the district can forego borrowing for short-term cash flow needs and avoid the interest expense that would otherwise be incurred due to the loan. In addition, fund balance can be used to deal with a difficult financial period or an unplanned emergency expense. Finally, rating agencies look at the amount of fund balance as a very critical element of an overall rating review which ultimately is used to determine a district’s rating for bond purposes. A strong fund balance allows for one-time expenditures for building projects to improve student learning environments without the need for multiple building referendums
• CELEBRATIONS - The balance declined as expected in the approved budget. The money is being used to support students and improve results.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - Given the passage of the operational referendum we hope to stop utilizing any fund balance for 2025-26 and future years.

• DESCRIPTION - This indicator reviews each school’s safety plans and building safety protocols.
• WHY THIS MATTERS - Having safety plans to prepare for emergencies such as evacuations, fire, tornado, intruders, etc., and to stay calm during a time of crisis, helps students and staff feel at ease. Strong school safety plans allow stakeholders to focus on maintaining a safe school environment for optimal learning.
• CELEBRATIONS - The digital mapping of all buildings has been completed with the safety grant.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - RHS and JWMS will have more secure entrances after the remodels and additional cameras are being installed at Crescent, Pelican, and CAVOC.

• DESCRIPTION - This indicator focuses on how we are maintaining our technology infrastructure and all related components. Without deliberate maintenance or replacement, our technology infrastructure will not remain current or be as robust as necessary to support the function of education in a rapidly changing world. Preventative maintenance or replacement is specified in a deliberate plan with a timeline and covers all buildings.
• WHY THIS MATTERS - We need to safeguard the technology assets of the district, follow preventative maintenance on a set schedule, and have a cycle of replacement to assure that all users have the technology tools they need.
• CELEBRATIONS - The Chromebook replacement cycle has continued as planned and the network is up to date.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - Teacher laptops will be replaced in a cycle and we will continue with the Chromebook replacement cycle.

• DESCRIPTION - This indicator focuses on how we are maintaining and planning for our largest and most costly assets - school district facilities. Preventative maintenance or replacement is laid out in a deliberate operating timeline and covers “standard” items such as roof surfaces, parking lots, HVAC, flooring, and district vehicles.
• WHY THIS MATTERS - We need to safeguard the assets of the district through preventative maintenance on a set schedule.
• CELEBRATIONS - The major remodeling of the high school and middle school are in full swing. Minimal backlog of maintenance at the other buildings.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - We will need to determine what major projects are needed at the elementary schools and prioritize them into a plan we can afford.

• DESCRIPTION - Staff engagement reflects an employee’s involvement, enthusiasm and commitment to their organization, leader and colleagues.
• WHY THIS MATTERS - Engagement drives performance, at the individual as well as organizational level, thus it is important to know and understand the level of engagement of our staff as we bring about organizational change and growth.
• CELEBRATIONS
  • A new staff survey tool was implemented, providing more relevant and actionable data.
  • Our top three strengths were:
    • I have healthy working relationships with my coworkers. 
    • Staff does a good job of educating our students. 
    • I feel safe at work.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT
  • Our new staff survey tool is compatible with the student feedback platform, allowing us to cross-reference data and strengthen our
    insights and recommendations.
  • Our three areas of improvement were:
    • The social and emotional needs of all students are being met.
    • Our staff handles student discipline in a consistent matter.
    • Our school’s student discipline policies and practices are effective.

• DESCRIPTION - Staff satisfaction is a measure of how content an employee is with the overall organization as a place to work. Although engagement and satisfaction are highly related, being satisfied does not equate to being engaged.
• WHY THIS MATTERS - Knowing the satisfaction level of our employees can help identify and bring about changes that may be needed within the work environment.
• CELEBRATIONS - We continue to have excellent participation: 94% of our staff completed the survey. Overall Satisfaction rating was 7.45% which is consistent with our prior year rating.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - We will continue to report satisfaction based on staff response to the following question: How likely are you to recommend the district as a place of employment?
  • We will look for opportunities to analyze at the building level and track individual building improvement.

• DESCRIPTION - To ensure staff learning and professional development, both internally and externally, have a direct correlation to our Strategic Plan and the elements of our Golden Circle.
• WHY THIS MATTERS - Through this alignment staff are able to make a stronger connection between district, building and classroom goals as well as understand their role with achieving these goals.
• CELEBRATIONS - Through the input and collaboration of many, professional development for the upcoming school year has been mapped out on a monthly basis. Staff are aware of what is expected of them and how they will learn and grow throughout the year. .
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - To continue to keep focus on the close alignment of learning and the organizational objectives, as well as finding efficiencies along the way.

• DESCRIPTION - Staff retention is the ability of an organization to retain its staff. High turnover rates in schools negatively impacts student achievement of all students, not just those in a new teacher’s classroom. (Formula = # of staff that left during or end of year/total headcount)
• WHY THIS MATTERS - Staff retention promotes the health and success of an organization. High staff retention results in less financial strain and more investment in tools and resources for student as well as staff learning and growth.
• CELEBRATIONS - Our staff turnover continues to be relatively low with the aggregate three-year rolling average of 7.24% for all positions combined.
  Following the 2021-22 school year we were at an all time high of 13.21% - all positions combined.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - To continue to track and analyze staff turnover, including reasons for leaving. Share key findings with building leaders and/or DLT as
  applicable. 

• DESCRIPTION - Successfully supporting a staff member during their first year of employment is critical to their long term success and commitment to the organization. (Formula = % of new hires that return for year 2)
• WHY THIS MATTERS - In order to slow turnover and lessen the impacts it has, we must focus on retention of the staff we have. How we initially welcome and orient staff to our district as well as support them throughout that first year is a critical building block to their overall experience and likelihood to remain with the district.
• CELEBRATIONS - Our retention data remains steady for new staff that return for a 2nd year. Our 3-year rolling average reflects:
  • 88% retention - professional staff
  • 82% retention - support staff
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - To continue to administer, review and analyze feedback received from new hires (i.e. orientation survey, mid-year check in). Share reports as applicable with building leaders, collaborate on improvements and/or added supports as needed.

• DESCRIPTION - Student learning refers to the process through which students acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values through instruction, experience, and study. It encompasses both cognitive development and the application of understanding to real-world situations.
• WHY THIS MATTERS - Student learning matters because it equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in life, contributing to personal growth and future opportunities. It also forms the foundation for a well-informed and capable society, driving progress and innovation.
• CELEBRATIONS - SDR students demonstrated an increase in all questions regarding student learning, particularly, 91% of SDR students indicate they try
  their best at school.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - SDR leadership and staff continue to focus on engaging students in class discussions.

• DESCRIPTION - Student experience refers to the holistic journey a student undergoes during their time in an educational setting, encompassing academic, social, and extracurricular activities. It includes all interactions and environments that influence a student’s learning, personal growth, and overall satisfaction.
• WHY THIS MATTERS - Student experience is crucial for a school district because it directly impacts student engagement, satisfaction, and academic success, which are key indicators of the district’s effectiveness. A positive student experience also enhances the district’s reputation, attracting families and fostering a supportive community environment.
• CELEBRATIONS - SDR students demonstrated an increase in all questions regarding student experience, particularly, 91% of SDR students indicate their
  teachers treat them with respect.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - SDR leadership and staff continue to implement target based grading to fidelity and bring relevancy to student learning.

• DESCRIPTION - Student environment in a school district refers to the overall atmosphere and conditions within schools, including the physical, social, and emotional aspects that affect student well-being and learning. It encompasses everything from classroom settings and school safety to relationships with peers and staff, shaping the daily experiences of students
• WHY THIS MATTERS - Student environment matters for a school district because it directly influences student well-being, engagement, and academic achievement, creating a foundation for effective learning. A positive environment fosters a sense of safety and belonging, which is essential for students to thrive and for the district to meet its educational goals.
• CELEBRATIONS - SDR students demonstrated an increase in all questions regarding student environment, particularly, 84% of SDR students indicate they have access to go online and use a device at school when they need it.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - SDR leadership and staff continue to improve practices which provide a safe learning environment for our staff and students.

• DESCRIPTION - Student connections in a school district refer to the meaningful relationships students build with peers, teachers, and the broader school community. These connections are vital for fostering a sense of belonging, engagement, and support, which contribute to overall student well-being and academic success.
• WHY THIS MATTERS - Student connections matter for a school district because strong relationships foster a supportive and inclusive school culture, which enhances student engagement, motivation, and academic performance. These connections also contribute to lower dropout rates and improved mental health, helping the district achieve its educational and social goals
• CELEBRATIONS - SDR students demonstrated an increase in all questions regarding student connection, particularly, 93% of SDR students indicate they
  have friends to sit with at lunch or hang out with at school.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - SDR leadership and staff continue to provide opportunities for building positive and healthy relationships.

• DESCRIPTION - Active student participation represents participation in any school-sponsored or non school-sponsored activities.
• WHY THIS MATTERS - Research shows that students benefit in many ways (physically, socially, emotionally) from their involvement in extracurricular and co-curricular activities. Outside the standard framework of any educational curriculum, there are endless opportunities for students to learn new skills and ignite new passions. From strengthening the mind to promoting better time management skills, extracurricular and co-curricular activities can help students succeed in much more than just their academic endeavors.
• CELEBRATIONS - Student participation in the school district of Rhinelander at both the elementary and middle school levels is robust, with rates exceeding
  80 percent, indicating a strong sense of involvement in both the school and community activities.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - SDR Leadership and staff will continue to foster a culture of involvement which will lead to an increase in student engagement in
  activities.

• DESCRIPTION - Family connectedness and engagement promote an overall sense of belonging within the school community.
• WHY THIS MATTERS - Families are partners with the school district in the education of our young people. The district relies on family connectedness for volunteerism, transparency, and support of our comprehensive educational model. The reputation of the district in the eyes of our families support positive growth in all areas of the school district.
• CELEBRATIONS - When asked how likely they are to recommend the School District of Rhinelander on a scale from 1 to 10, SDR families gave an all-time
  high average score of 7.5.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - Families identified mental health support as the top area they would like to see improved. The School District of Rhinelander continues to prioritize efforts to strengthen and expand these services.

• DESCRIPTION - Community engagement is the connection that members of the community feel toward the school district.
• WHY THIS MATTERS - Community members are partners with the school district in the education of our young people. The district relies on parent connectedness for volunteerism, transparency, and support of our comprehensive educational model. The reputation of the district in the eyes of our community impacts new family growth and financial support.
• CELEBRATIONS - When asked how likely they are to recommend the School District of Rhinelander on a scale of 1 to 10, community members gave an
  average score of 7.8—just shy of the highest-ever score of 7.9 recorded in 2023–24, and significantly higher than the scores from the two
  years prior.
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - School district leadership continues to explore new and effective ways to engage the community, fostering meaningful connections between community members and the district.